Chapter 66: Chapter 66
“And these are the reports from today's meeting. “Said Hiroshi, his assistant, placing a pile of papers inside a folder on the table.
Suppressing a sigh, Morgan opened the file and brought the papers up to eye level, having to make a huge effort to concentrate on the words that were printed there. Never before in his life had he gotten off automatic and scattered about his work before, but Charlie had changed even that part of his life. Now, instead of easily focusing on the information he needed to absorb and decisions he needed to make, he couldn't think of anything else but returning home to Charlie. And not just to slide inside her delicious pussy, but, perhaps mainly, to have her in his arms and be able to talk to her, hear her laugh and simply watch her exist, which lately had become her favorite pastime...
“Mr. Sullivan? “Hiroshi's voice snapped him out of his reverie, the slightly higher pitch letting him know that it wasn't the first time his assistant had tried to get his attention.
" Yes? Morgan replied, dejectedly.
" Are you well? “ was what the other man asked him, concerned “ It seems a little strange today. I've never seen him so...
“ Inattentive? “ he completed it, with a sad smile “ I think I have a lot of things to think about lately, besides the company...
“Oh, I understand. “ Hiroshi laughed sympathetically “ I still remember how my first months of marriage were. I'm sure it must be challenging not to take some time off and hang out with Mrs. Sullivan on honeymoon...
Morgan blinked at that comment, realizing for the first time that, in fact, he hadn't given Charlie a honeymoon. In the beginning, everything about their marriage was a sham, so it hadn't even crossed his mind, and then he'd been too busy keeping her busy in bed... But had Charlie missed it? Would she like to travel somewhere beautiful with him, where they could be alone, away from Samantha's lawsuit and his work connections, doing whatever they wanted...
And that scenario ended up making him go back to the question that had been hammering his mind for the last week, since Charlie had suggested it to him for the first time.
“ Hiroshi…” he caught his assistant's attention hesitantly “Do you think the company would be fine without me?
" Without you? Like this? “ Hiroshi returned her question with another, absolutely stunned “What are you talking about?
“I'm talking about retiring... Hypothetically. “ Morgan explained, trying to keep the matter calm, so that rumors of him wanting to resign would not cause chaos among the employees, after Hiroshi left. to be the majority shareholder.
“ Well…” his assistant paused for a moment, apparently not only to think carefully about what he had said, but also to recover from his shock “I confess that you took me by surprise, but… Honestly, Mr. Sullivan? My mom worked for your dad, so I can say with confidence that you've done a lot of good for this company, making it something less constrained than it was before. With all due respect, but everyone, even those who didn't know him, knows that your father liked to control every detail of what happened around here, even if it meant that we would have to turn down the boldest proposals and delay deliveries...
Nodding silently, Morgan managed a small wistful smile. It took him a lifetime to understand that his father's controlling behavior, especially after his wife's death, was not just an overly rigid business strategy, but also his way of dealing with his grief. He hadn't been able to predict or prevent the illness of the only woman he'd ever loved, but he was perfectly capable of doing so with the companies and employees that were under his control. And that had extended to his own son. Stopping to look back on his youth now, it was almost frightening how Morgan had simply passively allowed himself to be molded by Robert, living up to his expectations with excellence even when he was no longer there to judge him.
“ That's why... “ Hiroshi continued, interrupting his daydreams “ And, please don't get me wrong, but the company now has much more autonomy and growth potential, thanks to you. Which also means that as long as we weren't all thrown out by the new senior partner..." his assistant smiled nervously, as if he felt he had an obligation to say that "I think the company would be fine, even if we ended up being run by a board of minority shareholders, rather than a single CEO like you.
“ Yes... The company has become strong enough to follow well alone, independent of me, isn't it? Morgan mused, feeling a bittersweet feeling wash over him.
“Thanks to you, like I said. “ Hiroshi shrugged, going back to revising the rest of the reports he needed to deliver to him “ So, as much as you're the best boss I've ever had... And, believe me, I'm not saying that. .. If you think it's time to retire, you can think about it with peace of mind. I know I would never do this in a way that harms the people who work here.
Folding his hands in front of his face, Morgan looked around the office, which, despite having been renovated a few years ago to give it a more modern look, had been used by his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather... Men and more men. of the Sullivan family had lost their lives there, making that company grow... However, for the first time in his life, Morgan wondered how many of them really wanted to do that and how many of them did it only out of obligation and a sense of responsibility, just like him . When his mother was alive, wouldn't Robert rather have been at home than buried in papers in that very office?
Was this how he wanted to spend the next few decades now that he had Charlie by his side? While he spent his entire youth giving himself to that work and to the legacy of generations of Sullivan who were long under six feet of earth, what did he give to himself? What did he build? What dreams have you achieved? How many times has he felt truly happy, taking the last 3 years at Charlie's side?
He had spent his entire life there and, of course, to think of leaving and pursuing a completely new and unpredictable life went against the practical and cautious nature his father had taught him to have... But... Was it really a Such a difficult decision to make like this, especially when, if his life were different, at that very moment he could be learning about cooking as he had always wanted...? Or, better yet, doing it knowing that later he could go home to Charlie?
"Oh my..." Hiroshi's surprised gasp drew his attention, making him realize that he was staring at a sheaf of paper with wide eyes.
" What there was? “Morgan questioned him, becoming even more concerned when his assistant looked at him as if he was afraid of what his reaction would be.
"Uh... I think you should read this..." Hesitantly, Hiroshi passed the papers to him, who started reading them at the same moment.
“ It is the report that the lawyers handling the lawsuit against Ms. Manson sent? “ Morgan realized, as she read the first few lines, “Well, as I thought, she can't do anything against a perfectly legal measure... The trial is yet to be scheduled and the court is likely to rule in favor of Charlie, on account from the evidence we gathered... " he continued to read aloud, more and more confused " But what's so bad here that... Wait...! “ he gasped, hardly able to believe what he had just read “ What do you mean “inconsistencies were found in the death of Anthony Manson, after further investigation”? His medical record and death certificate weren't made available until four days after the funeral?! But this is absurd! “ he grunted, disgusted “ The law requires that the causes of death be clear, before the deceased is buried and, above all, before a will is executed! With so much time on her hands, if she wanted to, Samantha could even have…” Morgan's blood froze, as he realized something “Forge them… And, if Samantha needed to falsify the documents where the cause of the Anthony's death would appear... So...
“Mr. Sullivan? his assistant asked, clearly concerned by the long moment of silence that followed.
“ Hiroshi…” Morgan ordered, his voice anxious “Call the lawyers immediately and tell them to investigate further into the matter of Anthony Manson's death. Let them hire a private investigator to do the dirty work, if need be! “ he snarled, feeling his previously frozen blood begin to boil with anger “ And put me in touch with the company that does our private security. If what I'm believing Samantha Manson did proves to be true, then I'm going to need my wife to be as safe as possible.
“Of course, Mr. Sullivan. “ Hiroshi readily agreed “ Is there anything else you would like me to do?
“You did a few years of law school, didn't you?
“Uh, well, yeah…” his assistant replied, confused “But I'm not done…
" Don't worry. I'm going to ask the lawyers about this too, but I wanted to confirm right away... " he explained, very seriously " If fraud is proven, of any kind, and Mrs. Manson ends up being excluded from her husband's will... Is there any possibility that Charlie still won't be able to receive what belongs to her? even though she's not yet 21?
“ Well…” Hiroshi reflected for a second “ As far as my knowledge goes, I would say that this condition would eventually have to be changed. One of two things: either you would remain the sole legal guardian of her estate or the court might decide that this is an extraordinary situation and allow her to receive the estate in full, as she would be the sole beneficiary anyway.
“And without Samantha to object, even if I became trustee of her estate, I could transfer that money to my wife in full even before she turned 21, wouldn't I? Morgan asked, full of anticipation.
" Exactly. “Hiroshi agreed, turning on the tablet where he used to organize Morgan's routine“ I can start the process of opening a bank account in your wife's name right now, in case you need to do that. I know how you like to be cautious in situations like this...
“Thank you, Hiroshi. “Morgan sighed, resting his forehead on one hand, feeling almost bewildered by all that he had just discovered.
“Would you like me to send the receipts straight to your house so your wife can sign? “His assistant asked, still concentrating on the screen he had between his hands“ Or do you prefer that I do everything remotely?
For a moment, Morgan just froze, struck with the realization of what it would mean for Charlie to know about all this. If there was really any chance that Samantha could have manipulated Anthony's will to benefit as much as it did, which Morgan thought was extremely possible, then that means that Charlie could have access to his father's entire estate in a very short time... And no longer. there would be more reason for them to stay married.
The pain hit him like a stab, so potent that he had to hold his own chest for a moment, as if to try to stop his heart from breaking.
Charlie wanted him in her bed, that was already very clear, but... Would she want him to stay in her life, even when she was able to live alone, follow her dreams and meet new people? Or would he just be relegated to the role of a friend who was a past crush?
And there was no reason for him to even wonder if she could handle it, because she already knew the answer: he couldn't.
" Uh... I think it's better to take care of everything remotely... " he found himself saying, even before his reasoning could normalize " I don't want to worry my wife with such a delicate situation, since we are not sure yet anything.
Yes, it was true. They still weren't sure of anything. For all intents and purposes, he still had a whole year by her side, to protect her and remain her husband...
And even make her fall in love with him, if he was lucky...
Trying to swallow the panic that threatened to take him while a terrible future seemed to be drawing before his eyes, Morgan turned and turned his own mind, in search of a solution that favored Charlie, as it should be, even knowing that the fear of losing him it would definitely impair your judgment.
“ Hiroshi…” he finally decided, gulping hard, before speaking “If this situation ends up reverting to Charlie becoming her father's sole heir… Then see to it that, if the court decides for me to continue as an administrator, then send all the goods to the personal account that we will open for her at the same time. Take all the money I have in my account, if necessary, I give permission. “ he confirmed, determined.
“As you wish, Mr. Sullivan. “Hiroshi nodded, even though he wasn't quite successful in hiding how stunned he was by his boss's request.
Trying to calm his heart, Morgan tried at all costs to be optimistic and imagine that the future did not hold the worst possible scenario for him. With luck, Samantha would have nothing to do with Anthony's death and would only have falsified the documents, which would have earned her a few years in jail and the loss of all rights she had to her late husband's money. The court would give her stewardship of Charlie's estate and leave all the money at her disposal... well, at least in a year. When she turned 21, he could reveal her plan... And hopefully by then he would be more to her than just an affair...
It is not?