Page 336 of Double or Nothing

I do.

Not beside him. Not anywhere close. I sit across from Adrian.

Bill begins by discussing cooperation. Shared opportunities. The value Parker Capital can bring to Landia’s next stage of growth.

Adrian listens carefully, occasionally writing a note in the margin of the document in front of him.

“This sounds a lot broader than the partnership we discussed,” Adrian says.

“More ambitious,” Christopher replies.

“But still a partnership?”

“Of course.”

The lie is effortless, but it lands hard in my stomach. I look towards Bill, but he doesn’t correct it.

Instead, he explains that Parker Capital wants to provide stability as Landia expands. Greater access to finance. Stronger management. A protected future for the company and its existing shareholders.

Protected. Yeah, right.

The solicitor doesn’t look at Adrian. Not once.

He knows.

Everyone at the table knows except the man whose company they intend to take.

Adrian turns to me.

“This sounds a lot more grandiose than expected at this stage of the proceedings. Is this still the strategy we discussed, Bryce? A supportive investor rather than a change of control?”

The room becomes very still.

Two weeks ago, I’d have taken Bill’s side and believed he had Landia’s future as a priority along with ours. Growth. Partnership. Fairness.

I would’ve protected Parker Capital’s position, because I believed in it.

I look at Adrian.

He trusts me. That much is clear in his eyes, looking at me for reassurance.

Just as I trusted Bill when he called me part of his family. Just as I looked to him for reassurance whenever I needed it, believing the answer without hesitation.

I look at the papers Christopher has drawn up. The strategy I created, with a much more ruthless edge to it. Clauses that were never present before, slipped in there at various stages. Friendly language that doesn’t mean shit with a guy like him as the author.

Bill’s eyes shoot me a warning. A terrifying one. One that makes me feel like a piece of worthless crap without the need for words. Scathing. Meant to shut me down and do his bidding.

And then the truth hits. Hard.

So severely that I want to throw up all over the meeting table.

Bill didn’t keep me close because I was almost family. He kept me close because I was useful. A tool.

The opportunities may have been real, but they weren’t gifts to an undeserving subordinate. I earned them. Every single one of them.

Every promotion.

Every client.