Family Business

Chapter 36

"I think this calls for a celebration!" John said happily after they shared the news about William's return to Aaron.

"Right." Aaron muttered under his breath and rolling his eyes.

Aaron did not seem to take the news very well. He seemed to be jealous of William and the attention John gave him.

"A celebration?" William said feigning humility. "I'm sure it's not that big a deal."

"This is a huge deal." John said as he poured some champagne for everyone. "My boy, my only son, my only child, has returned to me....in full working order." He added with a laugh which William returned.

"We will host the dinner tomorrow night." John declared. "I even have the perfect gift for you."

"Really dad? You dint have to...." William said.

"This is the only chance I have to show everyone how brilliant you are." John said. "For years I had to deny your existence because I couldn't handle the fact that people thought my son was... was..." his voice trailed off.

"I'm sorry I embarrassed you, dad." William said sadly. He always wanted to make his father proud but murder was not something he could do.

"It's all in the past now, son." John said. "My son has every chance to make me proud again. Once day you will be taking over the business I built all by myself after all."

"Er... I think Cristy would prefer-" William began but John cut him off.

"She is just a girl, she can't handle this." John said dismissively to which Helen frowned in disapproval.

"Women are just as capable as men, John." She said.

"Of course they are, my love. But William is our son, our flesh and blood." John explained.

"No offence, but I don't think William is ready for this." Adam said coldly, his arms crossed.

"He will learn." John said flatly and Aaron did not reply.

William sat in silence between them, contemplating everything that was happening before him.

It's been years since he sat with his family like this. It was comforting to have people who loved him, but the truth would ruin everything.

He couldn't live with the lie either, because that would destroy him.

"You look exhausted, Rob- I mean William." Helen said. "Why don't you go upstairs, I'll prepare a room for you to sleep in."

"That's ok mother, I'll just go home and sleep." William said. "I'll see you at the party tomorrow. Is there anything I need to do?"

"Just dress in something smart and black, darling." Helen said. "We have people to plan the party for us after all."

"I'll go too." Aaron said getting to his feet and they walked out together.

"I hope you are not serious about joining the business, let alone start running it." Aaron said.

"You are very direct, aren't you?" William laughed but Aaron did not. He only frowned.

"You don't think I can handle this?" William asked.

"I don't think you are who you say you are." Aaron said.

"I'm sure parents can recognise their own kids." William said sarcastically.

"I mean- I don't think you are capable of doing what we do." Aaron said through gritted teeth. He looked angry.

"I get that you don't like the fact that I'm back, but my dad would never let you take over the business anyways, so don't get your hopes up." William said, stopping in his tracks once they left the mansion. He did not want to give Aaron a chance to sabotage his return to the business.