Later, I helped Ethan rise out of the ashes. My edge was the coastal deals; I dealt with Aaron more and more. It was business rivalry—but I truly hated him. He knew Ethan and I needed that landmark waterfront project to prove ourselves to my parents, and he wouldn't give an inch.
The whole company knew Ethan had a nemesis—the one who'd slam files down at bids and flip a cup at the negotiating table.
But nobody guessed. Aaron's hatred was because he wanted Tessa.
When I brought Aaron home, my parents' faces nearly split from smiling. My father met us at the door, took Aaron's hand, said good three times over. My mother dabbed at her eyes, murmuring, "Home at last, home at last."
Aaron, rare for him, dropped the cool act. Called them Mom and Dad properly, which delighted them.
At dinner
