Читать книгу Five Star Attraction - Jacquelin Thomas - Страница 11

Chapter 2

After spending over an hour going over an inventory of Robert’s real estate holdings, Ira called for another five-minute break. He excused himself to take a phone call. Natasha did the same, leaving Malcolm and Ari alone in the conference room.

Ari stood up to stretch. He had no idea their meeting would take so long. He was tired and his father looked exhausted. They were both still on East Coast time.

Malcolm picked up the unopened letter and said, “I was about eight or nine years old when I asked my mama why I didn’t look like any of them.”

“What did she tell you?” Ari asked.

“She sat me down and explained that I had a different father. Mama did tell me that he was a white man, and that they had loved each other very much. That’s all she told me, and at the time, I guess it was enough for me.”

“How do you feel about all of this now?” Ari inquired.

Malcolm shrugged. “Son, I’m not sure. First, I want to have that DNA test done, and then we’ll just go from there.”

Ari pointed to the letter. “Aren’t you going to read it?”

“Eventually, but not just yet,” his father responded.

“You plan on waiting until after the DNA test results come back?” Ari walked around the room, looking at the artwork. He stopped at a window and peered outside.

Malcolm shook his head. “No, it’s addressed to me specifically, so I intend to read it, but I’m just not ready right now.” He rose to his feet and joined Ari at the window. “This is a beautiful city.”

“It sure is,” Ari agreed.

“Dad, Robert DePaul was a brilliant man,” he said after a moment. “He wouldn’t have left you his estate if he didn’t know for sure that you are his son. Take another look at that portrait on the wall behind you. You are the spitting image of him—you just have more coloring. That’s why I can’t believe a DNA test is needed.”

“Ari, there’s no shame in taking that test. It will alleviate any issues later.”

“Ira told us that the will is ironclad.”

“To be honest, I’m not worried about it, son. I’m not sure I want to be saddled with Robert DePaul’s estate. Look at all that stuff on the table. Our lives are not complicated, and to tell you the truth, I prefer to keep it that way.”

A muscle quivered in his jaw. Ari couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “You are actually considering not accepting the inheritance? Dad, you can’t be serious.”

“I have always worked for everything I ever had, Ari. I am not going to feud with the DePaul family over this man’s money. I never knew Robert DePaul personally, and I don’t need his money.”

Ari didn’t argue, but he didn’t believe that his father should refuse the inheritance. He was Robert DePaul’s son and legally entitled to his estate.

His parents believed in helping others less fortunate—with that much money, they could really make an impact in their small town. The schools needed books for students. His family had been hosting fundraisers to get the money. Well, the inheritance would enable them to buy textbooks for all of the students. Then, there was Habitat for Humanity. His father wasn’t thinking clearly.

“Son, what are you thinking about?”

Ari turned his attention to his father. “I was thinking about all the good that could come from you accepting this inheritance. The schools back in Aspen could have textbooks for every student.”

Malcolm nodded. “We could build several houses… I’ve considered all of this. Despite it all, I have to consult the good Lord, Ari. Everything we do must be done in order. God is the ultimate counselor, and it’s his advice I will seek.”

Ari couldn’t argue with that, so he remained quiet.

Natasha paused a moment outside the door of the residence to straighten her jacket. She ran her fingers through her dark brown, shoulder-length hair.

“This is definitely not going to be as easy as I thought,” she whispered. Ari Alexander had taken an instant dislike to her the moment she opened her mouth. Now she had to find a way to do damage control.

I can’t come on too strong, she thought. It will only make them suspicious.

Natasha took a deep breath and released it slowly. She allowed the tension to leave her body before she entered the residence. She was never this nervous around clients.

Ari was in the living room when she strolled into the foyer. He eyed her a moment before saying, “I see you’re back, Miss LeBlanc.”

Her back stiffened at the coolness of his words. “Did you assume I wouldn’t return?” she asked, noting that his gray eyes were like silver lightning.

“I am smart enough to never assume anything where you’re concerned,” Ari replied. He checked his watch and then said, “We should join the others.”

Irritated, Natasha glared at his back as she followed him into the conference room. When they were all seated, she pulled out a proposal. “Mr. Alexander, this is a copy of an offer from another corporation interested in acquiring the five-star properties.”

Malcolm picked up the proposal but didn’t open it. “I will review the offer and then get back to you with my answer,” he told her.

Natasha had expected this response from Malcolm. She also expected the stern expression that graced Ari’s face.

“May I have a word with you, Miss LeBlanc?” Ari inquired.

“Sure,” she responded with a tiny smile. Natasha struggled to appear calm, but deep inside her stomach was filled with nervous energy. She half expected Malcolm to intervene, but he remained silent.

Ari led her into another room.

“Tell me something. What’s in this for you?” he asked, openly studying her face, as if trying to read her thoughts.

Her eyebrows rose in surprise. “Excuse me?”

“Let’s not play games,” Ari snapped in frustration. “What will you get if you are able to convince my father to sell? What’s in it for you?”

Natasha struggled to keep her voice low. “I’m afraid I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“C’mon, I wasn’t born yesterday,” Ari uttered. “You definitely have something to gain, or you wouldn’t be working so hard otherwise. Who wants to buy hotels from my father?”

“It’s a conglomerate out of Nevada. They are looking to get into the hospitality industry. Purchasing the DePaul Hotel & Spa Resorts would provide them the opportunity with minimum risk.” Natasha settled back in her seat, saying, “I am merely here to look out for your father’s best interest. I think their proposal is a sound one. Mr. Alexander stands to make millions off this deal.”

Ari folded his arms across his chest. “Miss LeBlanc, my father doesn’t need you to look after him. He has a wife and six children who definitely have his back one hundred percent.”

Frustrated, Natasha shook her head. How could a man look so sexy and be so irritating at the same time? She carefully considered her words. “Ari, I’d really like for us to be on the same side. This is why Ira asked me to meet with you and Mr. Alexander. I am merely suggesting that your father consider all options.”

“No, you’re not,” Ari argued. “You are pushing for him to sell the properties. As long as you’re trying to force my father to sell what is rightfully his, we will never be on the same side.”

She folded her arms across her chest. “I haven’t known your father for very long, but from what I’ve seen, I can’t force him to do anything.” Natasha paused a moment before adding, “And neither can you. Now, if you’re done, I’d like to rejoin our meeting.”

Her cell phone rang.

She answered and said, “I need to call you back. Give me ten minutes.”

“Why don’t you take your call now?” Ari suggested. “There are some questions I have for Ira. I can discuss them while you’re returning your phone call.”

Natasha glared at him before heading to the door. She could feel the heat of his gaze on her body.

In the hallway, she slowed down her breathing as she stepped into the elevator, forcing her body to relax. Natasha went down to the lobby.

She waited until she was out of the building before pulling out her phone.

“I didn’t mean to be so abrupt, but I was having a conversation with Malcolm’s son,” she said when Harold DePaul answered his phone.

“How is it going?” he asked.

“I did as you instructed, but I think you might have a problem.”

“I’m listening.”

“Malcolm Alexander is willing to take a DNA test. Harold, he is the spitting image of your uncle,” Natasha stated. “He is Robert’s son.”

Harold muttered something unintelligible.

“As much as the thought may detest you, Malcolm is a part of your family. It may be better to embrace him rather than become his enemy.”

“I just want what should rightfully and lawfully be mine—Uncle Robert’s estate,” Harold blurted. “I gave that man nothing but years of loyalty and dedication. He owes Malcolm Alexander nothing.”

Natasha didn’t agree but decided to keep her mouth shut. Harold DePaul had always been temperamental, a man who wanted to have everything his way. Although he and Robert often butted heads, they respected one another.

“I did what you asked me to do and left the proposal with Malcolm,” Natasha responded. “Just so you know, his son doesn’t want the properties sold. I’m not sure how much influence Ari has on his father, but he could be a problem.”

“Use your charm,” Harold suggested. “I’m sure a beautiful woman such as yourself can convince the man to do what is right.”

Natasha struggled to keep her temper in check. “I don’t work this way, and you know it.”

Harold was silent for a moment then responded, “I’m sorry, Natasha. I shouldn’t have said that.”

“No, you shouldn’t have,” she said tersely. “I told you from the very beginning that I would help you, but only if everything was aboveboard. I haven’t changed my mind about that. I am not going to do anything illegal.”

“The initial payment has been made,” Harold blurted. “This should put a smile on your pretty little face.”

“It doesn’t matter if you’re planning to play dirty,” Natasha replied, standing her ground. “You can have all of the money back if you try to change the terms of our agreement.”

“Natasha, I know that you need me as much as I need you right now, so let’s just try to get along,” Harold suggested. “We used to be good friends, you and me.”

“Until you showed your true colors,” she responded.

“I never meant to hurt you.”

“I don’t want to talk about it, Harold. Leave the past in the past.”

“I have faith in you, Natasha. You can convince Malcolm Alexander to do the right thing. We can’t let that hillbilly family mess up everything my uncle and I worked for. Those people have no clue how to run a multimillion-dollar-a-year luxury resort, much less a chain of them. Two insignificant hotels does not make a chain.”

“I will do what I can to help you, Harold.”

“That’s all I ask of you, Natasha.”

She ended the call and put away her cell phone. “I hope I’m doing the right thing,” Natasha whispered. She had no idea why Robert DePaul gave everything to a son he had never met, but she assumed it was mostly out of guilt.

He had spoken of his love for Malcolm’s mother, and his regret of not having a relationship with his son. Robert had confessed that he had loved Pearle Alexander more than he had ever loved another woman, including his late wife.

Still, Natasha was shocked over the news that the majority of the estate would go to Malcolm and not Harold.

Malcolm Alexander was not a man moved by money. Harold, on the other hand, enjoyed living a lavish lifestyle. He frequented star-studded galas, movie premieres, award shows and parties—he wanted to be on the Hollywood A-list. Robert DePaul loved the finer things in life, as well, but he was a very generous man who preferred to stay out of the limelight.

Ari watched as the lab tech swabbed the inside of Malcolm’s cheek. Ira had arranged for the DNA test to be done immediately, per his father’s request.

“You didn’t have to do this,” he told his father after the tech left the room. “Robert DePaul’s instructions were clear. If anyone in his family challenged his will, they would forfeit their share in his inheritance,” Ari stated. “Their portion would automatically revert to you. The man made sure his will was ironclad.”

“This is not about them,” Malcolm stated. “They have every right to be concerned, but I’m doing this for me. I thought you understood, son.”

“I hear what you’re saying, Dad,” Ari responded. “I just don’t get it. Do you really think Robert DePaul would’ve left you anything if he were not sure that you are his son?”

“We see the similarity now, but only because we’re looking for it,” Malcolm responded. “How many times have we looked at DePaul’s picture and never noticed that we have his eyes?”

“You’re right,” Ari muttered while staring at the huge portrait of his newly discovered grandfather. His dad was right. He had never seen the resemblance before news of the inheritance surfaced.

Ira and his assistant stepped outside the room.

“Dad, what are you afraid of?” Ari inquired when it was just the two of them.

Malcolm frowned. “What are you talking about?”

“You haven’t opened the letter yet. Why?”

“Because I know that everything I’ve ever believed is going to change. I’m not so sure that I’m ready for that.”

Ari broke into a grin. “Grandma adored you. That will never change. You and Grandpa—the relationship you had with him will never change.”

“Son, why is keeping this inheritance so important to you?”

“Because this is a chance to help our Aspen community in a way that we’ve always talked about. We talked about owning a chain of hotels…this just feels right to me, Dad. I will respect your decision, whatever choice you make.”

“We will hear what the rest of the family has to say,” Malcolm said.

Ari’s eyes traveled around the room. “Robert DePaul certainly had good taste. This is probably the best-looking conference room I’ve ever been in.”

Malcolm agreed.

“Is Natasha still on that call?” Ari asked. He wondered briefly if she were talking with the people wanting to purchase the hotel properties. Probably giving them an update, he decided. His father was a very intelligent man and had a head for business. He would not be easily swayed one way or the other.

“Must be.” His father pushed away from the table and stood up.

Franklin appeared with a tray of bottles decorated with Swarovski crystals.

Malcolm glanced over at Ari, who asked, “What are those?”

“Bottled water, sir,” Franklin replied.

“That’s some fancy bottle,” Malcolm commented as he took one. “Bling H2O. I never heard of this. Have you, son?”

“No, I haven’t.” Ari picked up his cell phone and began typing. “Franklin, would you happen to know how much one of these would cost? I’m just curious.”

“They run anywhere from thirty-eight a bottle to thousands of dollars. It really depends on the type of bottle, sir.”

Malcolm shook his head in disbelief. “Designer water…”

“It’s the Cristal of bottled water,” Ari interjected, reading from the web browser on his iPhone. “It was created by a Hollywood producer. The water contained in the bottle comes from a Tennessee spring.”

“Mister Robert only allowed Bling H2O to be served at his hotels,” the butler contributed. “However, he kept King Island Cloud Juice stocked for select VIP guests.” He paused a moment before adding, “Will this be all, sir?”

“Yes. Thank you, Franklin.” Malcolm examined the bottle of water. “This is too pretty to drink. I’m going to have to take a bottle home to your mama. I can’t wait to see the expression on her face.”

Ari chuckled. His mother would never believe it without seeing the bottle of luxury water for herself.

Malcolm poured the chilled liquid into a glass and took a sip. “It tastes good,” he said. “Almost too good to be true.”

Ari followed suit. “I have to say that this is the best water I’ve ever tasted. I thought Le Bleu was expensive at twelve dollars a bottle.”

His father nodded in agreement. “We only carry Le Bleu Premium when a customer requests it, and even then, they pay for it. This is certainly a different lifestyle.”

“It would take some getting used to,” Ari said. “Don’t know about you, but I’m up to the challenge.”

Natasha strolled into the room. “I apologize for having to interrupt our meeting, but that call had been scheduled for months.”

“It’s quite all right,” Malcolm responded. “You haven’t missed much.”

Ari leaned forward in his chair. “So you and Robert were close.”

“Not in the way that you are implying,” she responded coldly. “Robert was my mentor when I was in college, and I worked for him before starting my own consulting company. I was just as close to his wife before she passed away.”

“Son, stop giving this little lady a hard time.”

Natasha smiled smoothly, betraying nothing of her annoyance.

Ari looked at his father. “Miss LeBlanc looks like she can take care of herself, Dad. She doesn’t need your protection.”

Ira strode back into the conference room with purpose. “I need to get back to my office for a meeting,” he announced. “Let’s table the rest for tomorrow.”

Malcolm gave a slight nod. “That’s fine.”

Natasha rose to her feet. “It has truly been a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Alexander.”

“What about me?” Ari asked.

“It was nice to meet you, too,” she responded. “I’ll see you both in the morning.”

“We’re not going anywhere.” Ari smiled when he caught the expression on Natasha’s face. The meaning behind his words hadn’t escaped her.