The Family Business

As we drove back to the estate, Cole was in a gloomy mood. Every time his phone buzzed, which seemed to happen every five seconds, his jaw tensed.

"Do you ever switch off that device?" In an attempt to defuse the situation, I asked in a half-joking manner.

He didn't even give me a look. "I don't want to be pulled into a crisis."

Uncertain if I should ask for further information, I bit my lip. There was a part of me that wanted to know what fire he was putting out, but there was also the part that had begun to care.

"Is it related to business?" I took a chance.

At last, Cole turned to face me, a glint of reluctance visible in his storm-blue eyes. "That kind of thing."

As usual, crypto. I tried to get rid of the uneasiness that was rising in my chest by leaning back in my chair.

---

The home was unusually silent when we got there. Sofia seems to be avoiding contact as well. Curiosity overcame me and I followed Cole as he strode toward his office.

I said, "Cole, hold on."

He came to a halt in the doorway and looked at me. "You don't have to get involved in this, Aria."

I said, "I'm already involved." Or have you overlooked the entire "pretend fiancée" scenario?

There was a slight smirk on his lips, but it vanished as fast. He moved aside to let me enter and responded, "All right."

Dark wood, tall bookcases, and a huge desk that seemed like it belonged in a museum made his office as imposing as the guy himself.

A man I had never seen before was seated on one of the leather chairs in front of the desk. But I knew who he was without an introduction.

The man stood up and held out his hand to me, saying, "Victor Montgomery."

Cole's dad. The sharp features and the piercing eyes were very similar. Victor's eyes were cold and calculating, in contrast to Cole's, which was frequently guarded.

I shook his hand and murmured, "Aria." He held on with an almost uncomfortable firmness.

Victor went back to his son and stated, "Cole didn't tell me you'd be joining us," in a tone brimming with disgust.

Cole firmly stated, "She's here because I want her here," as he stepped behind his desk.

A small smile curved Victor's lips. "Interesting."

I thought I was encroaching on someone else's conflict, but it was too late to turn back now.

---

The ensuing discussion was... disturbing. My skin crawled as Victor talked about the family company. Partnerships based on fear rather than trust, deals based on manipulation—it was a world I could hardly understand.

“You have to remind people who are in charge sometimes,” Victor replied, keeping his gaze on Cole. Son, you've been much too forgiving. It is beginning to manifest.

Cole's jaw tensed, but he remained silent.

Victor looked back at me, evaluating. And Aria, how about you? Do you believe Cole is capable of being the head of this family?

It was a surprise question. I cautiously said, "I think Cole is capable of a lot more than people give him credit for."

Victor's eyes did not meet his smile. A diplomatic response. You'll succeed in this household.

"Enough," Cole snapped. "You can save your breath if you're here to criticize my leadership. I am aware of what I am doing.

Unfazed, Victor reclined back in his chair. "We'll see."

---

The tension in the room persisted after Victor left. It got heavier, if anything. Cole ran a hand over his hair while leaning against his desk.

"Are you alright?" With hesitation, I asked.

He laughed without amusement. "That relies on how you define 'okay.'"

"What was all that about, Cole?" I pushed. "What makes your father act as though this is a mob film?"

He said in a hushed voice, "Because, in some ways, it is." "Charity and kindness were not the foundation of the Montgomery empire. It was based on brutality and power struggles.

I swallowed hard as I tried to take in what he had said. "And you don't mind that?"

"No," he stated plainly. "But I was born into that reality."

I was taken aback by his candor and momentarily unsure of how to respond.

With a softer tone, Cole added, "I don't want to be like him." "However, he always manages to remind me that his method is effective whenever I attempt to do things differently."

I felt a weird draw toward him and took a step closer. "Cole, you are not your father."

He gave me a serious look at that point, and for a split second, I thought I saw the walls he had so meticulously built start to crumble.

His voice was hardly audible above a whisper as he continued, "Sometimes, I'm not so sure."

His eyes were so vulnerable that it hurt my chest. I wanted to console him and reach out, but I wasn't sure if he would allow it.

His phone chimed once more before I could make up my mind, bringing him back to the present. His expression stiffened as he looked at the television.

"What is it?" I inquired.

He grabbed his jacket and replied, "I have to go to a meeting."

"At this hour?"

With a little smirk, he continued, "Welcome to my world." "Remain here. I'll return later.

He was gone in an instant, leaving me alone in the dark office with more questions than answers.

---

Sleep was the last thing on my mind as I made my way back to my room. Every word from my talk with Victor was like a puzzle piece that I was unable to fit together.

What sort of matter was I being involved in?

I kept thinking that this was only the beginning as I gazed out the window at the expansive estate.

What was the following thing?

Everything was about to change.