“You look like your father and you sound like him, too. But you are nothing like him.”
“Is that a compliment? I’m touched.”
“I’m being serious. I’m not even sure I’d want to work with your father—not that I wouldn’t want to partner with Knight Industries.”
“You won’t be dealing with him day to day. Once the deal is done, he’s not even involved except to hear updates during board meetings. A project manager will be assigned to each deliverable and they’ll collaborate with…” he trailed, catching her diverted expression. “What?”
“You. Hearing you talk business. Are you sure you don’t want to be CEO?”
He sobered. “It’s not that I don’t like business—I do.”
“But? It sounds like it could be your purpose.”
“My father’s been spiraling since my mother’s death. He’ll never admit it, but it’s been one crazy decision after another. The only thing he gets right is business. Handing me the CEO position is—nuts. It’s crazy. Doesn’t make sense. I don’t want to be forced into taking the job when I know it’s him acting out.”
“You really think he doesn’t want to leave?”
“It’s all he’s ever known. All he’s ever done. He’s brilliant at it. What’s he gonna do when he retires? Fly around in his jet? Sail around the world? He’d get so bored. It would kill him, Zuri.”
“Why not talk to him about it?”
Daemon sighed and leaned back against the table. “I’ve tried. He puts on this facade and it’s impenetrable after ten years.”
“I understand,” she said with a nod. “It’s hard to talk to your father when you’re of two different minds. My father and I argued a lot.”
He snorted. “You and Bayo? I don’t believe it. I can see him giving into you in a heartbeat.”
Her cheeks rounded as she smiled. “I won’t lie—”
“Here it comes.”
“—I did get my way, most of the time.”
“I knew it.”
She laughed. “But I’ll never get to have another disagreement with him.” The laughter in her eyes dimmed and her smile waned. “I’d give anything to have another fight with him.”
“I didn’t spend enough time with my mother. I was always overseas on assignment. If I’d known how little time I had left with her…” His throat swelled, and he swallowed to loosen the muscles. “You don’t have the power to see into the future or you’d do things differently. I would’ve—I’d have given anything, too.”
“You still have your father. So, talk to him,” she urged.
But then I’d learn what he really thought of me.And Daemon already knew the man didn’t respect Daemon’s “little business” he once called it.He sees me as a failure.Could he even live up to the Knight legacy?
He reached out and squeezed her upper arm. “I appreciate your encouragement, Zuri.” He dropped his hand and gave her an appeasing smile. She nodded and stepped back, as though sensing he wanted to pivot the conversation, which he did. “And I promise I’ll talk to him. Later. Right now, the focus is on you and your pitch. I hope the new government doesn’t completely industrialize Bendola,” he said. “I’d hate to see a lot of the countryside turn into large metropolises.”
She raised both brows at him. “I didn’t think two weeks would’ve been enough time for you to appreciate the country. You couldn’t have seen much.”
“I saw enough. I’ve flown over it a few times for other missions and assignments. Beautiful country.” His eyes held hers. “You represent it well.”
Her lashes dipped, and she looked away. “Thank you,” she said softly.
“Like your name,” he added. Her eyes snapped back to his. “Zuri means ‘beautiful,’ doesn’t it?”
Her lower jaw slacked. “How did you—”
“I may not be Bendolan, Princess, but I’m not obtuse. Your father named you well.”
She smiled and then averted her gaze, fingering the strap of her watch. “He’s never late, is he?”
