Page 24 of Relentless Sinner
“I want an empire of wealth,” I remind him for the gazillionth time.
Father leans forward and glares at me. “We already have an empire of wealth.”
“I know, but we could be better by joining forces with others and sharing the wealth to build a stronger empire. Forming allies in other industries also means we’re diverse. Anything could happen to the company. Having an extensive array of investments means we keep a stable foundation.”
Father seethes but holds back, knowing I’m right. He’s just a hateful man who can’t see beyond his desires. He also fucking refuses to see that because these business ventures aremyideas. Ideas that have taken us to new heights.
Micah’s family mines diamonds throughout Europe and owns a successful jewelry chain. Teaming up with them has already added several million to our profits. By next year that will more than triple. It’s the same with Cillian. His family owns the bank the Creed does business with. Cillian also owns a shipping company. Doing business with him has saved us hundreds of thousands.
“Your great-grandfather, grandfather and I built the empire we have now without help.”
“No one is discrediting your work. Without it we’d have nothing. But this way sees us climbing the ladder. Climbing so high we’re beyond the Creed.”
That shuts him down further. Father has always been obsessed with having a high-ranking seat at the high table but he’s failed to realize there’s life beyond that. Many who form syndicates have that fault.
They fail to see that you could be part of something but also have the freedom to create your own wealth that’s comparable or better.
“That sounds impossible and practically unobtainable,” he scoffs.
“It’s not, and Iwilldo it. A month ago our net worth was close to two hundred billion. I alone am worth two billion from my stock trading and investment business. In just a handful of weeks I’ve nearly tripled our worth through my upcoming marriage to Gabriella and my business deals with Micah and Cillian.” I speak with pride because I can andshould. And because I know he resents me for being more like the conqueror he wanted to be. “Who knows what could happen next year?”
“Indeed. I guess this is out of my hands.”
“You need to trust me.”
He doesn’t answer. Instead he looks away and stares out the window. Reactions like that used to hurt deeply because I knew he wished it were Jacob making these decisions. Not me. Now his reactions only leave a sting.
It’s not okay. But it has to be.
Ihave to be okay with it.
“Is there anything else you wish to discuss?” I don’t have time for the shitty silence that always comes between us.
“Nothing more.”
“Alright. Then I’ll see you next week.”
I get up and walk away, leaving my father in his bitterness. Some people will never change so there’s no point trying. Especially when I know that my father is only seeing things my way now because he no longer has the power to control or stop me.
We live by the old laws for the company and the Bratva. The moment he got sick, which was two years ago now, I became the one in charge.
When I walk out of the office and into the grand hallway I find Eric and Micah standing by the window bay, talking.
The two have the muscle and height of powerful military men. It’s expected for Micah to look like that because he holds the same position as me in his family’s leadership hierarchy, but Eric is the same age as my father. As a man coming from a military background he’s always been an advocate for maintaining his health and build.
Micah and Eric look toward me as I approach. Eric offers me a kind smile and tucks a lock of his gray hair behind his ear. People always used to assume we were related because I wore my hair long like his. While his remained a standard length reaching his shoulders, mine is much longer now.
“Sorry I couldn’t call you to give you a heads-up,” Eric says. “Your father wanted me to keep his plans secret.”
“That’s okay,” I tell him with a curt nod.
“How are you feeling about his decisions?”
“I’m not sure yet.”
“Let’s catch up in San Francisco.” He looks from me to Micah and smiles. “I’m sure you have a lot to talk about.”
“Thanks. See you then,” I reply.