a joke, but these opportunities can propel Webster into the stratosphere. We’ll all be billionaires.”
The laughter drained out of him, and weariness seeped through his bones. “And? What then? When is enough, enough? We’re all wealthy beyond belief. There aren’t enough years for us to spend all the money we have. I want to be able to enjoy my life with the person I love. I’m going home.”
“Your father would’ve been so disappointed.”
Her words hit him like a fist to his stomach, but he didn’t flinch. “Don’t. Don’t ever say that to me. He, more than anyone I know, revered family above everything, including business. Dad recognized the importance of taking time away from work to spend together. And he loved Chess. I wish you showed my partner as much affection as Dad did.”
“Chess is a sweet man, I’ve never said otherwise. But you’ve got huge responsibilities.”
There went that same argument over and over, and André was tired of the merry-go-round. “And so does Chess. He’s a professor and making a name for himself in academia. We both lead busy lives, and we want to make sure we don’t lose ourselves in the craziness of work. Why’re you being so cruel, simply because I want to take a break? I’m not a machine. I’m a man who’s been running around the world for the better part of a year, and I need a break. As your son, I’d think you’d want me to be happy.”
Her eyes grew soft, and she put a hand on his arm. Jewels flashed on her wrists and fingers, including the famous giant engagement ring she rarely wore, except on special occasions. “Darling, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize how much of a drain all this has been on you. Why don’t you take a week at the house in the Hamptons? I’ll ask Dottie and Freddie to get everything ready.”
His parents owned a fifty-acre compound in Southampton, with houses for each of them. Knowing that Henry would be busy wasting his money in Monte Carlo, and that Bianca planned to jet off to Paris, meant he and Chess would have the place to themselves. It was definitely tempting, but he had his reasons for staying away, none of which he’d shared with anyone. It was his own private shame.
“It sounds wonderful. I’ll check with Chess and—”
“What would he have to say no about? He’s getting a free vacation. Let me handle it.”
Her words cut through him. “Mother, you know Chess isn’t like that. And another thing I’d like to know: what prompted you to hire Kyle? You never did tell me the reason when you sprang the news on me last year. I thought he was busy at his father’s firm, heading the Paris office.”
She examined her manicure. “Once his father retired, his older brother took over the firm and decided to close the European offices as they were no longer profitable. I ran into Kyle at a charity function in Paris, and when he mentioned he was looking to stay in Europe, I offered him the position. With you in the States and me spending most of my time abroad, it made sense to have someone here with me.”
His stomach twisted. “But as your personal counsel? I’m more than happy to take that on for you.”
“Sweetheart, you already said you have too much on your plate. Kyle is perfect for the job. Plus, he’s happy to live over here, while you need to be home with Chester.”
Nicely played, Mother.
“You still should’ve said something to me.”
“Why?” She gazed at him guilelessly, but he knew better. His mother never did anything without a reason. He simply hadn’t had the chance or the time to figure it out. “Now what do you say to the Hamptons? It’ll be perfect. I’ll text Dottie and Freddie now.”
“No. Please wait. I said I’ll let you know.”
But “no” wasn’t a word in Margery Webster’s vocabulary. She hadn’t gotten what she wanted by accepting defeat. “Don’t be ridiculous. Consider it done. Let me know when you leave for New York.”
Helpless, he watched her walk away and, shaking his head, went in the opposite direction to the elevators. Once in his hotel room, he checked the clock but then figured it would be more fun to surprise Chess than to tell him he was coming home a day early, so he showered, booked a flight, packed, and called for a car to take him to the airport. He had little reason to linger.
He was