Tough Love (Completed)

Chapter - 8

Dean

"No Henry, I just reviewed the proposal and I am not satisfied with the charges. Just because we have been in business with them for ages doesn't mean we will pay anything they charge. Their price is 15% more and they don't even provide us with priority service. I am looking for other options and let Mr Wyatt know that when you talk to him next time.", I say looking out of the floor to ceiling window from the 2nd floor of the office building.

" Fine, but if he reworks the proposal will you look into it?", Henry asks and I want to scream at him to stop being benevolent with his friend and our business partner Mr Wyatt. The sly old fox is only taking advantage of us. If only Henry saw that. In the past couple of years, Henry has become a born again relationship advisor and all he wants is to maintain a good relationship with everyone. I understand his ideology to maintain a cordial relationship with our business partners but that does not mean we let them take advantage of us.

"Fine", I concede since I am more worried about Henry's health than the loss we are incurring with the current deal. I wish he could just relax for some days and not worry about business. Though I get it, he has worked too hard for the most part of his life and letting it go and stepping back is harder for him. But after his last visit to the Cardiologist, I am determined to force him to rest.

At least, Beth is finally here. I had to give him an ultimatum that either he tells her what's going on or I fly to London and bring her back. Finally, he caved in and asked her to come though I am positive that he didn't tell her the full extent of his condition.

" Have you told Beth?", I ask. Henry remains quiet for a long time before answering.

"No, I just need some time", his voice sounds distant and a pang of sadness hits me. In the past few years, Henry and I have become close. Though he was furious at me for driving Beth away from him, he has warmed up to me since I joined the office.

" She needs to know", I insist. I would have given anything to spend a few more hours or days with my father. After the fight, I had with him once I returned from London, I stopped talking to him for more than 2 years. Only after the incident in College did I come around and started to mend our relationship. If only I did it a lot sooner. His sudden death made me realise all the untold words and unfulfilled promises. I don't want Beth to feel the same feeling of guilt and sorrow I feel every day.

"There is a test next week. I will let her know after that", he says. His voice is shaking and I can only imagine how he must be feeling.

"Okay, what time is it? I will update my calendar", I tell him. I have accompanied him to all his tests and doctor appointments since the first time he collapsed on the floor in the middle of a business meeting even though he says he doesn't want me there. If it was my father, I wouldn't want him to face whatever it was alone. So I went with him every time and his condition hasn't improved.

" I want to do this one alone.", he says in finality. Before I can protest he cuts me off and continues to speak,

"Beth will be coming in today. Is the office ready?"

I am shocked by his words. I didn't think after the disastrous dinner last week Beth will be ready to come within a mile of my presence let alone share an office with me. Anyway, I don't understand why Henry wants her here. Even though she will hold a major part of the shares, 40% precisely, she is not needed to make everyday decisions. I along with Mr Kane have been making all the major decisions for the past few years and I don't see why Beth's presence is required unless Mr Kane and I do not agree on something. Even then, Beth will be given a full report of the dispute to make her decision. Beth might not be interested in business but I have no doubt that she is intelligent enough to make the right choice.