His stomach knotted in his abdomen, churning with acid after a meal eaten many hours ago. He didn’t like his father much of the time, but damn, he was the only parent they had left. He was almost angry at Joel for bringing out all of these conflicting feelings when he wasn’t prepared to deal with them.
He loved his father. He hated his father. And he sure as fuck didn’t trust his father.
The nurse called his dad’s name, and his eyelids fluttered open slightly. Sam gazed into those blue eyes that were so like his own, but there was no recognition there. The doctors probably had him blissed out on pain medication. Sam had read somewhere that heart attacks were incredibly painful. He didn’t know if that was true or not.
This visit brought home the reality that Joel Winslow was on death’s door. He might not survive this. The doctors had been clear that only time would tell, but even if he did make it through, he’d be changed. He’d need to retire, live his life differently.
Yeah, he’s going to be thrilled about that.
After a few minutes, they all stepped into the hall where Piper, Lucy, and Jane waited patiently, and Henry was petulantly pacing around muttering to himself.
“I think it’s clear that someone is going to have to take over the firm,” Frankie said. “Dad is not going to be able to do it for a long time. If ever. I know he’d want the company protected in his absence, first and foremost.”
True. Joel had always cared more about the family firm than he had his actual family.
“Of course, of course,” Henry said, nodding in agreement. “I think that Rick and I can fill in until Joel can come back. Just temporary, of course.”
Henry was finally going to get to make a decision on his own? Did he still know how?
“About that,” Frankie said, clearing her throat. “I believe, and I think my brothers and sister will agree, that we need a more permanent solution. Dad’s heart attack is going to take a long time to recover from, and we need a firm and knowledgeable hand guiding the company. I think we should take a vote on the next CEO and chairman of the board of Winslow Financial.”
Whatever Rick and Henry had been expecting, this wasn’t it. Rick’s mouth fell open, and it looked like he was trying to get words out, but they just wouldn’t come. Henry’s expression turned alarmed, his brows flying almost to his hairline.
“We—we can’t do that,” Henry squeaked. “We have to call a meeting.”
“Let’s call one now,” Cooper said. “We’re the board of directors. We all have stock in the company. We can do it here or in the boardroom, but it won’t make any difference. Frankie is right. We need someone in the office tomorrow morning. We don’t want the clients to think that no one is running the show. We need to exhibit strong leadership. Let’s vote now. We can write up the meeting minutes later.”
“I agree,” Zack said. “We need to take swift action. Let’s hold our vote right now.”
“Fine,” Rick said, crossing his arms over his chest. “I nominate myself as the new CEO. Let’s vote.”
Rick would be the worst thing to happen to the firm. He didn’t have a clue as to what to do. He only had his job because of his friendship with Joel.
“Technically, you can’t nominate yourself, but I’m going to let it go,” Frankie said. “Any more nominations?”
Frankie looked over at Zack, who had a smile playing on his lips. Cooper, too. Something was going on. It was a strange time to be happy.
“I nominate Sam as the new CEO and Chairman of the Board,” Zack stated, giving Sam a quick glance.
What in the hell was going on? They all knew he’d quit months ago and told his father to fuck himself. Not to mention, all of them knew that Joel would want Zack to run the firm. He’d always made his wishes clear, and Sam wasn’t it.
“I second that nomination,” Cooper said. “Let’s vote.”
“All in favor of Rick being the new head of Winslow, please raise your hand,” Frankie said.
Rick and Henry raised their hands. No one else did.
“And Sam?”
They all raised their hands. Every goddamn one of his siblings. Had they planned this before he arrived? It was all happening so fast.
“Per Father’s wishes,” Zack said. “When he’s incapacitated, I have proxy for his shares. I vote all of them for Sam.”
It was over. Joel Winslow had the majority of the shares. It didn’t matter what anyone else wanted.
They were all looking at him, expectant expressions on their faces. Frankie nodded, and Zack followed suit.
This is what they wanted. What the family wanted.
