The Businessman's Daughter ✔️ (Wattpad version)

Changes

Vincent

I stood by Lexie's door as I listened to her and Lacey speak. Everything Lexie said reminded me of when I met Lacey. I wasn't honest with Lacey about my condition and almost lost her because of my dishonesty. Cruz stepped in and helped us even though I didn't want him to help.

I detested the fact that there is tension between Lexie and myself. It concerned me with her safety that I overlooked her happiness. I came downstairs and went into the kitchen. Landon was eating a sandwich.

"That is a good idea. I will join you," I mentioned as I made a sandwich, then joined him at the island. "We haven't discussed what happened."

Landon looked at me as I took a bite from the sandwich.

"Dad, we discussed it. I understand why you and Mom are protective of us," Landon said.

"You shouldn't worry about living in fear. Your mom refused to live in fear, and I agree with her," I told Landon.

"That's the thing, what happened didn't terrify me," Landon said as I looked at him. "Lexie risked her life to save Quinn and me. She would sacrifice herself for us, even though she felt terrified. Dad, when Lexie thought Santino died, you could hear the pain in her voice."

I looked at Landon and furrowed my brows.

"I know you disapprove of what happened between them, but Santino cares about Lexie. When we went to Spain, he would spend time with her, and she smiled a lot because of it. Now, she won't smile or laugh," Landon mentioned as I ate my sandwich. "If anyone deserves happiness, it's Lexie."

I sat there and listened to Landon. As a father, I didn't want to turn out like my father, who despised me. I tried to keep our children safe and give them a life Lacey didn't have growing up. By doing so, I subjected them to not having life's experiences.

"Let me ask you something," I said to Landon.

"What's that?" He asked.

"If I scale back the rules and give each of you more freedom, would that make you happy?" I asked.

"Rules aren't terrible, but it wouldn't hurt," Landon answered as he finished his sandwich.

I looked at our son and smiled. I didn't want our children to become adults and not enjoy life. I remember how that felt before I met Lacey. When Lexie passed away, I submerged myself in work, guarding myself.

The one person who loved me left me; then I met Lacey, and she broke through the barriers I surrounded myself. I decided it was time for changes that would make the kids happy.

Later on, I met with Cruz to discuss a matter. I had Ryan stay with Lacey and the kids. We met at a coffeehouse and sat down at a table. The server took our orders, and we discussed business.

"Are you sure about this?" Cruz asked me.

"Cruz, I watched my daughter distance herself from us. I heard her cry herself to sleep. The girl who was happy and lively became unhappy and sullen. I helped to create her broken heart, and it broke mine. I don't want my children unhappy. I don't want them to endure the life I had before Lacey. I want them happy," I answered.

"It's difficult watching our kids when they're unhappy. It's worse to watch them suffer heartbreak. I know you were angry about the situation, but our legacy is our children," Cruz reasoned.

"I agree. Make the arrangements, and I will see to the details," I said as Cruz nodded. Then we discussed the kids.

Cruz wasn't my best friend; he was family. As angry as I became with him, he was like a brother to me. I trusted him.