lavishly. I didn’t know any other way of life, never having to work during high school or college. Being taken seriously was an everyday battle - even to my father - and I had to prove my worth by working endless hours, showing that I was smart and dedicated to growing the company name in the entertainment industry. As the years went by and my marketing plans started turning a profit, I was finally taken seriously.
Even my father was impressed — mildly, of course. Thadeus Wilson never showed he was impressed with anyone, let alone his children. He was the face of Wilson Enterprises and loved being in the spotlight. Good looking, charismatic, and hardworking, my father always made sure he was well-dressed and in shape for the public appearances that took priority over his family. He lived and breathed Wilson Enterprises and never wanted to be behind the scenes. In front and center of attention is what he preferred.
And I started to become exactly like him.
I started to enjoy all the benefits — the riches, the parties, and the notoriety of being Thadeus Wilson’s son and heir. I even threw an unforgettable party at being named one of the most eligible bachelors in Canada. Vancouver, and the good-looking women that spread their legs for me, was my very own playground. But Vancouver became not enough and I wanted to dominate all of Canada-just like my father. So I traveled more, worked harder to get our name visible in other Canadian cities, and soon became more in demand than even my father. Most fathers would have been proud of their son’s drive and determination to grow the family business.
Instead, mine became jealous.
I was blind as to what was coming my way. Blind, or maybe just in denial. Denial of not wanting to believe that a father would sabotage his own son. I took notice when my marketing budgets were lowered. I grew suspicious when other employees were assigned to my accounts. Accounts that I hunted, pitched and won for the company. When I was passed up twice for a promotion after pouring my blood, sweat and tears into the company, I started to investigate why.
I should have minded my own damn business.
“I need more time in Chicago, Rhys,” I start up again, not ready to go back to Vancouver as I feel my time in Chicago is not done yet.
“I don’t understand how staying in Chicago benefits us financially. The money that Cal Harrington is paying you to spy on his girlfriend barely covers the new equipment I need for the vineyard.”
“Are you saying we’re running out of money again? What happened to all the money we had left over after the sale of the hockey team?” When my father died, we had to start liquidating our assets, which included the indoor arena football team and one of the hockey teams. I refused to let Rhys sell our other hockey team. The team that he loved as a child and eventually, played for. I’m determined to keep it so that when this nightmare is over with, he can go back and do what he loves. It won’t be as a hockey player, but as a general manager.
“Yes, Chase, we have no money! After paying employee wages and creditors, we barely have anything left. That is even after the mass layoff we did once we sold the sports teams. We were in the red last fiscal year with ice wine sales due to lower than normal productions. We won’t last another year if this continues.”
I suck in my breath, not prepared for this kind of news. I stand up and start pacing my living room. I run my hand through my hair and grip my scalp, hoping the pressure might help with any ideas of what to do to get the money to save us.
“Okay… okay. We’ll fix this. We can do this.” I keep repeating out loud, needing reassurance for myself and my brother.
“How in the hell do you expect us to get millions of dollars from photographs, Chase?”
“I’ll start traveling more. I’ll go back to Los Angeles, New York… maybe even London! The money is better over in Europe.” My mind races at all the places I can envision myself in, knowing exactly where to place myself to get the right kind of scandal for a bigger payout.
“I don’t want any more of that blood money!” he spits out in disgust, while rage fills me at his righteousness.
“I’m busting