Exodus (The Ravenhood)

“Well then, let’s just put this personal crap in its respective place for the moment, and get down to business, shall we?”

Roman doesn’t hesitate as he stands and opens the door for his waiting staff.

Just short of an hour later, I’m a multi-millionaire.

The minute the door closes behind the team Roman stands up with a ready excuse. “I have a meeting.”

“I’m sure you do, but I’ll just need a minute more of your time.” I stand and face him, splaying my hands on the table. “I want you to be the first to know. I’ll be taking care of my mother financially from here on out.”

He doesn’t so much as cringe with my confession, which is so far from what I expected.

“I have no issue with that. It’s your money, do what you will with it.”

It was my only punch to throw, and he’s robbed me of it. It’s all I can do to keep my mouth closed. “What in the hell do you mean you have no issue with that?”

“Exactly what I said, Cecelia. I wish your mother well. Will you still be attending UG?”

I grit my teeth. “That’s my plan.”

“I’ll see to it that your expenses are covered. I’ll have my assistant find you an apartment off-campus.”

“You just gave me millions of dollars and a thirty percent stake in your company. I’m sure I can manage to pay for tuition on my own.”

“It’s my privilege as your father to see that your school is paid for.”

“You haven’t earned the privilege of calling yourself my father,” I snap, unable to hold my anger back any longer.

“I see. I really should get—”

“Nice doing business with you, Sir,” I dismiss him and turn to gather my purse.

Roman opens the door briefly and then closes it before taking strides over to me. He stops a foot away, commanding my attention. He assesses me with a cool expression that I’m sure intimidates the hell out of any opposition, but I refuse to back down. But it’s in his eyes, my eyes, I see a hint of regret. I swallow the lump in my throat as a burn threatens behind my eyes.

“Your mother did an outstanding job of raising you. You’re well-mannered for the most part. You have respect for authority. You’re a highly intelligent and beautiful young woman. You will go far. I have no doubt you have a bright future ahead of you.”

Eyes glistening, I do my best to control the shake in my voice. “No thanks to you.”

“She made her choices, and I made mine.”

“Choices. You mean abandoning your daughter? If that was a choice, you sure made it seem like an easy one.”

Silence. The most infuriating silence I’ve ever endured.

“She deserved your mercy. She’s suffered horribly.”

His eyes gloss over briefly before he straightens his posture. “Say whatever it is you want to say. I’ll allow it, Cecelia. If it will make you feel better.”

“Maybe it’s you who wants to feel better, but I refuse to let you off easy any longer.”

“Good. I hope you hold the men in your life to a higher standard.”

“Any man would be better than the coward you are.”

This time his flinch is visible, and I’m pissed I find no satisfaction in it. “Anything else?”

“You should know I only did this for her. To care for her long-term because she’s the deserving parent.”

“I see,” he squeezes his fists briefly at his sides, and I go all in.