Unable to hide my smirk, I challenge him. “And you think I am best?”
“According to Lau, you are,” Lex informs me confidently, then rises from his chair. I stand up as he walks around. Extending my hand as I’d always done, he pulls me in for a hug, patting me on the back.
“I’m proud of you, Will,” he confesses. “In my thi
rty-odd years of being in this business, no one has ever challenged or gone against me as you have. In return, you are on the way to surpassing my place in the market. Despite everything which went on over the years, I’ve watched your every move and admired you.”
To hear Lex’s admission is the ultimate compliment a man like myself can receive.
“I’ve learned from the best.”
“Speaking of which, we have a lot ahead of us with the takeover. Lau presented your ideas, and I’m impressed. You’re an innovator, and this platform is going to change society.”
“It’s been stressful the last few weeks. My personal life didn’t help.”
I retake a seat as he sits on the edge of his desk, crossing his arms.
“That was a giant curveball. How are you holding up?”
“Trying to juggle it all. Having a girlfriend who lives outside the city and still studying isn’t logistically easy. I’m living at the Four Seasons because there has been no time to find a place. I don’t know the answer to anything right now. All I know is that Amelia’s degree takes precedence, and so if I have to travel every night, then so be it.”
“Perhaps there is a compromise. At least she will be in the city for the summer?”
“I know, but with the takeover, it means a lot of traveling.”
“You’re in charge here. You send your execs to do the job.”
“It’s not that easy to relinquish control,” I admit.
Lex nods his head knowingly. “Story of my life. Well, there is no better time than the present to get to work.”
“Hey, I have no issue if you can convince Charlie and Amelia.” I chuckle.
“You leave my wife and my daughter for me to handle. Hopefully, I’ll come out alive.”
We walk outside to the kitchen, chatting about Lau’s chief executive, who we think is involved in insider trading.
“Uh oh, looks like the face of someone who means business.” Charlie eyes us, yet behind her concern, she appears relieved.
“We have a few things to take care of today,” Lex informs them. “But how about dinner in Malibu tonight?”
Amelia is unable to hide the grin on her face. “Wait, does that mean the two of you have kissed and made up?”
“Why does that sound like something Ava would say?” I mock.
“Dear god…I’m turning into my sister.”
“Please don’t say that.” Charlie cringes. “By the way, Ava texted me to remind you about some nerd?”
Amelia keeps her lips sealed, eyeing me with amusement.
“So, Dad, what time do I get Will back, or should I just forget about him altogether and hook up with a nerd?”
“You’re annoying,” I tell her.
“Jealous, much?”
I cock my head with a sneer. “Yes, much.”