“He’s not selling us his company.” Despite the fact that this was an overseas call, Max’s tension came through loud and clear.
Curses reverberated through Sebastian’s head. “Why not?”
“Said he’s having second thoughts.”
“He was completely on board a week ago.” What had their father said during a round of golf to convince Lucas that selling to them was a bad idea—or was getting caught with a half-naked Missy in his suite to blame? “Did he say what he’s going to do instead?”
“No. He’s heading home this morning. You have to convince him to change his mind. I’m in Amsterdam at the moment. My flight won’t get in for another twelve hours.”
“Send Nathan.”
“Nathan isn’t on board with this deal.”
“He’s on board,” Sebastian said.
“I’m not sure I trust him to convince Smythe to sell to us.”
Max still had a chip on his shoulder where their half brother was concerned. Sebastian suspected it had more to do with being unable to forgive their father for his infidelity than any animosity he felt toward Nathan.
Sebastian sighed. Early on, he’d had his doubts about being able to work with Nathan; but lately their half brother had demonstrated that even though he might not be keen on the current business strategy for Case Consolidated Holdings, he was open to working with it.
“I won’t make it back to Vegas before he leaves.” Sebastian’s gaze traveled across the waiting room to where Missy sat beside her brother.
“Fly to Raleigh and talk to him there.”
An ache formed in Sebastian’s chest as Missy rested her head on David’s shoulder. She hadn’t been willing to take comfort from him.
“Fine. I’ll go.” Sebastian ended the call without waiting for his brother’s response.
He banked his fury at this unwelcome turn of events and headed toward Missy.
She’d been watching him the whole time and offered a weak smile as he neared. “Usually that would be me looking for you.” She checked her watch. “It’s almost eight in the morning. What’s the crisis?”
“I have to fly to Raleigh. Lucas is backing out of our deal.”
“Go,” she said, nodding. “That’s important.”
More important than her. He read her loud and clear.
“I don’t want to leave you.”
She offered him a grateful smile. “I’ll be okay. Dad’s not out of danger, but the doctors think he’ll make a full recovery. Smythe Industries is important.” She got to her feet and tugged at his arm. “Come on. David can drive you back to the plane.”
He was startled by how reluctant he was to leave her. For the first time in his life, he had no desire to return to work. Someone else should be able to take care of business, leaving him free to be with Missy a while longer. But that’s not the way Case Consolidated Holdings was structured. His need to control all aspects of the business had made it so that he was the one who stepped in when things weren’t working.
“You’re sure you don’t need me to stay?”
She shook off the scared, lost girl she’d been for the last few hours. Her spine straightened. She firmed her lips and enfolded herself in the brisk professionalism she usually demonstrated.
The transformation caught him off guard.
How often had she hidden hurt, fear or sadness from him? He’d taken her efficiency for granted, he saw now. She wasn’t made of granite. Far from it.
He cupped her face in his hands. “Tell me you need me and I won’t go.”
Tears brightened her eyes. Her breath caught. She blinked a few times and swallowed hard. “That’s not necessary. I have all my family here. I’ll be fine.”
“I don’t doubt that. You’re all wonderful support for each other. I just feel funny leaving you behind.”