I nodded, not bothering to thank her because it would’ve been a lie. This was the last place I wanted to be.
Opening one of the double doors, I stepped inside. My dad and brother were in the sitting area, Dad in one of the leather club chairs, and Gabe on the sofa. Gabe looked more than a little rough. His eyes were bloodshot and rimmed in dark circles, and his complexion was a few shades paler than normal.
“Nice of you to finally join us,” my father clipped.
My gaze cut to him as I crossed to a chair and sat. “I sent you an email. There was an incident last night, and I needed to be home with Grae.”
Gabe stiffened. “Whatincident?”
My eyes narrowed on him, assessing. I couldn’t tell if he thought that I’d shared his explosion with our father or if he was nosing around about the fire. “Someone set Cedar Ridge Vacation Adventures on fire and left a threat for Grae inside.”
Dad took a sip of his coffee. “You’re going to face a number of personal issues during your life, but I need to trust that this job will remain your priority.”
Gabe shifted in his seat. “She’s been nothing but drama since you got involved with her.”
“I thinkyou’rethe one we should be worried about. Where’d you go after you got booted out of Dockside last night anyway?” If he had started that fire, if he was the one terrorizing Grae… Fury surged and swirled inside me.
Redness crept up Gabe’s throat.
“What’s he talking about?” Dad snapped.
The scathing look Gabe sent me told me he’d like to gut me where I sat. “Nothing. Caden just has his little law enforcement friends stirring up trouble.”
My jaw turned to granite as I stared my brother down, struggling not to throttle him.
Dad’s grip on his coffee cup tightened. “You two need to grow up. I don’t know where I failed in raising you, but I won’t have your immature games ruining my business.”
I struggled to keep my breathing even. Where he’d failed? Just about every way I could imagine, starting with viewing us as pawns instead of sons.
“You both have important projects right now. Caden has Clive’s retreat, and Gabe has the VIP brunch leading up to the gala. After those are completed, I’ll be doing an assessment of your responsibilities.”
My fingers dug into the arms of the chair. “Meaning?”
A cold smile played on my father’s lips. “Whoever has the most success with their endeavors will get first pick of the properties they’d like to manage.”
The coffee I’d downed earlier sat heavy in my gut. Of course, my father would turn this into a competition.
Gabe grinned. “I can’t wait to take control of the New York properties. But I think I’ll keep The Peaks, too, just to make sure Caden doesn’t run it into the ground.”
Anger flared like hot lava sweeping through me. Gabe didn’t give a damn about The Peaks. But he knew I did. Knew it meant everything to me because it was Clara’s favorite place in the world. He would burn it to the ground just to ruin something I loved.
Dad chuckled. “Now that’s the kind of confidence I like to see.”
I pushed to my feet. “Is that all?”
Any hint of amusement fled his face. “Watch your tone, son.”
The urge to deck him was so strong I nearly gave in. “I’ve clearly got lots to prepare for with this death match you’re so keen on.”
Dad’s chuckle was back. “Maybe I should take bets.”
I didn’t laugh.
He waved me off. “Get out of here. Just remember, I’ll be watching.”
I strode out of the office without looking back, rage pulsing through me. I was so distracted I nearly mowed someone over. My hands went to the woman’s arms to steady her. “I’m so sorry—”
“Caden, are you okay?” my mom asked, straightening.
