“I already did. David and I agreed months ago that if I came in as a full partner, I’d have veto power on all major contracts, especially those involving construction firms for the new facilities they’re building.”
Justin finally spoke, his lawyer instincts kicking in.
“That’s not ethical. You can’t use business relationships for personal vendettas.”
“Personal vendettas?”
I said calmly.
“I’m just making sound business decisions. My partner and I need to work with companies that share our values. Companies that understand the importance of family, of treating all people with dignity and respect.”
I looked at each of them in turn.
“Does your company share those values, Dad?”
The implications settled over them like a fog. My father’s construction business had been struggling for years. This contract would save it, set them up for a comfortable retirement. Without it, they’d likely have to sell at a loss within two years.
“You can’t do this,”
my mother said, her voice cracking.
“We’re a family.”
“Family?”
I repeated softly.
“You mean like how you treated my daughters tonight? Like they’re worth nothing, like they don’t matter?”
Valerie stood abruptly.
“This is blackmail.”
“This is business. Just like you all have always told me. Business isn’t personal, right? You make decisions based on value and return on investment. Well, I’m making a decision based on my values.”
I gathered Emma and Lily, who were still crying but now watching everything with confused expressions.
“We’re leaving now. Girls, say goodbye to your grandparents. I suspect we won’t be seeing them for a while.”
“Wait,”
my father said, standing up.
“Let’s talk about this.”
“There’s nothing to talk about. You made your position clear. My children aren’t important enough for a single Christmas present. Not even a five-dollar toy. They’re a waste of your resources. Those were your words.”
“We didn’t mean—”
my mother started.
“You meant exactly what you said. You’ve always meant it. I was never good enough because I didn’t marry rich. My daughters aren’t good enough because their father left. You spent my entire life making me feel less than Valerie. Tonight, you made my children feel worthless on Christmas.”
My voice hardened.
“So now you get to learn what consequences feel like.”
Justin was typing frantically on his phone.
“The Henderson deal is real. They announced the merger last week. This is actually happening.”
Valerie’s face had gone from smug to panicked.
“Justin, do something. Use your legal connections.”
