Page 107 of Crocodile Tears
Both servants were wearing the Tyler livery of tailored black trousers and black shirts with silver ID tags pinned to their chests. They looked smart and well groomed, and they were effortlessly efficient, in sharp contrast to the shambolic jostling that took place amongst Noah’s ISs whenever there were visitors.
He was shown into a large room with floor-to-ceiling windows that showcased beautiful views over the green island.
George Tyler was sitting on a huge white leather sofa, reading, but he stood up immediately when Alex entered. He was wearing an expensively cut red shirt over a pair of plain black chinos, and Alex noticed how lean and toned he was.
Although he was the same age as his father, Tyler’s energy and dynamism made him look ten years younger; he hadn’t sunk into stuffy middle age like Noah, with his old-fashioned views, dull business suits, and comfortable paunch. Tyler knew how to create the image he wanted to present, and that was a talent Alex appreciated.
He was struck again by how sexy Tyler was. Maybe it was the aura of power and authority he exuded, or the expression of wry good humour in his brown eyes, but there was something dazzling about him.
He shot him a seductive look from under his eyelashes, the way he always did when he found someone attractive – he couldn’t help himself.
Tyler shook his hand warmly, with an amused smile; he knew precisely the effect he was having.
“You’re welcome here, Alexander,” he said. “Although it’s a bit bloody weird – I never thought a Lytton would ever set foot on Tyler land.”
“To be honest, sir, I’m not entirely sure what went on between your family and mine,” Alex said. “I mean, I know something happened, but my father doesn’t really talk about it.”
“Well, why should he? It’s all in the past, long forgotten.”
“I’m not surehe’sforgotten.” Alex knew Noah would hit the roof if he found out his son was in his enemy’s house with the intention of asking for investment in his designs. “He says my grandfather put you through Oxford, and you repaid his generosity by setting up your own rival company,” he blurted, feeling gauche beside this sophisticated man. “He also says you bad-mouth Lytton AV all the time.”
Tyler shot him a shrewd smile. “Is that so? Well, you’re a clever boy; I’m sure you know there are two sides to every story.”
“Yes, sir – and I’m interested in hearing yours.”
“Good, because I’ll be happy to tell it – over a round of golf.”
Alex blinked. “Golf?”
“Most of this island used to be a golf course, Pre-Rising. That’s partly why I bought it – I like the game, and the idea of having my own personal links appealed to me.”
He grabbed a black cashmere sweater from the back of the couch. “It’s finally stopped raining – why don’t we go outside and play a round? I do my best work on the greens.”
Two IS caddies appeared, apparently from nowhere, each of them carrying a large bag of clubs.
Alex had only played the game on a handful of occasions, but that didn’t matter as Tyler showed him how to stand and which club to choose.
“Solange has told me many good things about you. How did you two come to meet?” Tyler asked as they walked around the course.
“Well, I was doing a business degree, but I liked hanging out with the art students better, and one day she just walked into the bar where we were drinking.” Alex grinned. “I had no idea she was your goddaughter.”
“She’s very special to me.” Tyler gave a fond smile. “Her parents were good friends of mine. I stepped in to look after her when they died and made sure she received the education they’d wanted for her.”
“She told me that. She’s very grateful to you, sir.” Alex was sure his father was wrong about this man; George Tyler had been a loyal friend to both Solange and her parents.
“Now, in answer to your question…” Tyler placed his golf ball on the tee and gazed down the green thoughtfully. “Your family and mine obviously have a long and complicated history. As I mentioned last time we met, I grew up at The Orchard and have some great memories of it. Did you know your father and I were best friends throughout our childhood?”
Alex frowned. “No, sir – I didn’t know that.”
“My mother was the housekeeper at The Orchard, and, as you know, my father was the head designer at Lytton AV. This was back before Lytton Village had been constructed. My parents lived in a couple of rooms in the attic at The Orchard.”
Alex knew the rooms, although Mrs Tyler had lived in them alone when he was a child.
“Noah and I were the same age, and that house was a fantastic place for kids to play, with all those long hallways and musty old rooms – as you must know,” Tyler continued.
“My father died when I was eighteen, and your grandfather was kind enough to put me through Oxford. I received a wonderful education, but there was an expectation that I’d join Lytton AV as an indentured servant when I left; that’s when your father and I fell out.”
“You didn’t want to join the company?”
