Page 2 of Until You (Forgive Me)

The last person exited, closing the door behind them.

“Well, that went well.” Sebastian’s sarcasm filled the silence.

“What did you expect me to say? Ah, never mind... I know you tried your best... losing that client is insignificant. Don’t worry. There are hundreds of multi-million-pound clients ready to sign with us.” Christian stopped and ran a hand down his face, his head pounding. “Damn it, Sebastian, The Bridgertons have been clients of ours for over twenty years. I only found out there was an issue after they signed with our competitor!”

Christian leaned on the ledge, gazing out the window. He ground his teeth, his muscles quivering.

“Perhaps this iswhynobody dared to address it earlier?”

Christian spun around and glared at his friend. Sebastian was leaning back in his chair, his hands open as he shrugged.

“Sotheirincompetence is my fault?”

“I didn’t say that. You’ve been snapping at everyone lately. You’re like a bear with a sore head. Everyone is walking on eggshells. No one wants to come within twenty metres of you. Let alone tell you something is wrong... they would’ve feared for their lives.”

“Now who’s being dramatical?” Christian said, raising an eyebrow.

“I wish I was. You’re my best friend, as well as my boss. If I can’t say this to you, no one can. This past month, you’ve been unbearable.” Seb stood up and walked towards him. “You run a tight ship. It’s how you’ve transformed this company in eight years, taking it into another stratosphere. But Christian... this level of stress, the pressure you’re putting on yourself and everyone else... it’s not healthy.” Seb’s hand came up to rest on his shoulder. “You are the only billionaire I know who doesn’t balance work and play. When did you last unwind and enjoy yourself?”

Christian moved to the table, collecting up the papers he’d scattered. He hated when Seb got all deep and meaningful. He knew his friend meant well, but what else was he supposed to do? His father had taken his eye off the ball and nearly destroyed everything. Christian sacrificed his future, dedicated his life to saving, then rebuilding the company... was it too much to ask for some respect?

He stopped and looked up. “So, what would you suggest I do differently?”

“Nothing... they needed to be pulled back into line. Fear at their level isnotan excuse. They’re grown men and women.” Seb leaned back against the windowsill, his arms crossed over his chest. “Christian, you have some of the brightest minds in the city working for The Dupree Group. This...” Seb swept his arm around the room. “What happened today? It’s building a wall between you and them. But that’s not what worries me. You’re going to put yourself in an early grave. You have battled so hard for so long... this level of stress has become second nature. It’s like you’ve forgotten how to take your foot off the accelerator.”

Christian had to admit, his heart was still pounding and his pulse racing. But no one understood what it took to walk in his shoes.

“If you won’t think about yourself, think of Skylar, your daughter. She’s just turned eight. Only had you in her life for eighteen months...”

Christian slammed his hand down on the desk, making Seb jump.

“Everything I have done has been for Skylar. Leave her out of this. You know that better than anyone.”

Seb stared at him for a moment before dawning spread over his face.

“Oh shit,” he said, stepping forward and stopping. “It’s today.”

“Irrelevant,” Christian said, but knew Sebastian saw through him.

“I’m calling BS. You should not even be here.” A furrow appeared between his brows. “You usually take the day off.”

“It’s been eight years. I can handle it without taking the day off.”

“After this meeting... I beg to differ.” Seb stepped forward and swept up the papers into a messy pile. “Come on, let’s get wasted... I’m not taking no for an answer.”

Christian let out a sigh. He needed to get out of there. He’d spent most of the previous evening on the telephone with Bridgerton’s CEO, trying to undo the damage caused. As a result, he’d missed half of Skylar’s ballet recital... sneaking in halfway through. Skylar had thrown herself at him. It still amazed him how she’d accepted him in her life. Within weeks of reuniting, it was as if his six-year absence had never happened. She was the only thing outside work that held his attention. The only thing that made him stop. The outcome of his call remained unchanged despite missing the first half of her recital. It was why he’d been so angry this morning. He had enough work without having to check every client’s offer. He employed people to do that.

“Come on... let’s have a drink… for Lily,” Seb said, squeezing his shoulder when he’d gone quiet.

Christian drew in a breath as they made their way back to his office.

“Lucy,” he said when his PA looked up. “Clear my schedule for the rest of the day.”

If he didn’t know better, he would have sworn Lucy looked relieved.

“Not a problem, Christian. I’ll get right on it.” She looked down at her desk before raising her head again. “Star called. She wanted to confirm that you’re still okay with taking Skylar to the British Museum this weekend? She mentioned that Andrew and Olivia would be happy to tag along.”

For the first time that day, Christian smiled. His close friend, Andrew and daughter, Olivia would definitely make the trip more enjoyable. He knew Skylar would love her best friend Olivia tagging along.

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