Jacquelin Thomas - Five Star Attraction

Malcolm nodded. “I know, but I want it, all the same, son. I’m not doing this for them as much as for me.”

Ari waited to see if his father would say more, but nothing came. The matter was settled.

Chapter 2

After spending over an hour going over an inventory of Robert’s real estate holdings, Ira called for another five-minute break. He excused himself to take a phone call. Natasha did the same, leaving Malcolm and Ari alone in the conference room.

Ari stood up to stretch. He had no idea their meeting would take so long. He was tired and his father looked exhausted. They were both still on East Coast time.

Malcolm picked up the unopened letter and said, “I was about eight or nine years old when I asked my mama why I didn’t look like any of them.”

“What did she tell you?” Ari asked.

“She sat me down and explained that I had a different father. Mama did tell me that he was a white man, and that they had loved each other very much. That’s all she told me, and at the time, I guess it was enough for me.”

“How do you feel about all of this now?” Ari inquired.

Malcolm shrugged. “Son, I’m not sure. First, I want to have that DNA test done, and then we’ll just go from there.”

Ari pointed to the letter. “Aren’t you going to read it?”

“Eventually, but not just yet,” his father responded.

“You plan on waiting until after the DNA test results come back?” Ari walked around the room, looking at the artwork. He stopped at a window and peered outside.

Malcolm shook his head. “No, it’s addressed to me specifically, so I intend to read it, but I’m just not ready right now.” He rose to his feet and joined Ari at the window. “This is a beautiful city.”

“It sure is,” Ari agreed.

“Dad, Robert DePaul was a brilliant man,” he said after a moment. “He wouldn’t have left you his estate if he didn’t know for sure that you are his son. Take another look at that portrait on the wall behind you. You are the spitting image of him—you just have more coloring. That’s why I can’t believe a DNA test is needed.”

“Ari, there’s no shame in taking that test. It will alleviate any issues later.”

“Ira told us that the will is ironclad.”

“To be honest, I’m not worried about it, son. I’m not sure I want to be saddled with Robert DePaul’s estate. Look at all that stuff on the table. Our lives are not complicated, and to tell you the truth, I prefer to keep it that way.”

A muscle quivered in his jaw. Ari couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “You are actually considering not accepting the inheritance? Dad, you can’t be serious.”

“I have always worked for everything I ever had, Ari. I am not going to feud with the DePaul family over this man’s money. I never knew Robert DePaul personally, and I don’t need his money.”

Ari didn’t argue, but he didn’t believe that his father should refuse the inheritance. He was Robert DePaul’s son and legally entitled to his estate.

His parents believed in helping others less fortunate—with that much money, they could really make an impact in their small town. The schools needed books for students. His family had been hosting fundraisers to get the money. Well, the inheritance would enable them to buy textbooks for all of the students. Then, there was Habitat for Humanity. His father wasn’t thinking clearly.

“Son, what are you thinking about?”

Ari turned his attention to his father. “I was thinking about all the good that could come from you accepting this inheritance. The schools back in Aspen could have textbooks for every student.”

Malcolm nodded. “We could build several houses… I’ve considered all of this. Despite it all, I have to consult the good Lord, Ari. Everything we do must be done in order. God is the ultimate counselor, and it’s his advice I will seek.”

Ari couldn’t argue with that, so he remained quiet.

Natasha paused a moment outside the door of the residence to straighten her jacket. She ran her fingers through her dark brown, shoulder-length hair.

“This is definitely not going to be as easy as I thought,” she whispered. Ari Alexander had taken an instant dislike to her the moment she opened her mouth. Now she had to find a way to do damage control.

I can’t come on too strong, she thought. It will only make them suspicious.

Natasha took a deep breath and released it slowly. She allowed the tension to leave her body before she entered the residence. She was never this nervous around clients.

Ari was in the living room when she strolled into the foyer. He eyed her a moment before saying, “I see you’re back, Miss LeBlanc.”

Her back stiffened at the coolness of his words. “Did you assume I wouldn’t return?” she asked, noting that his gray eyes were like silver lightning.

“I am smart enough to never assume anything where you’re concerned,” Ari replied. He checked his watch and then said, “We should join the others.”

Irritated, Natasha glared at his back as she followed him into the conference room. When they were all seated, she pulled out a proposal. “Mr. Alexander, this is a copy of an offer from another corporation interested in acquiring the five-star properties.”

Malcolm picked up the proposal but didn’t open it. “I will review the offer and then get back to you with my answer,” he told her.

Natasha had expected this response from Malcolm. She also expected the stern expression that graced Ari’s face.

“May I have a word with you, Miss LeBlanc?” Ari inquired.

“Sure,” she responded with a tiny smile. Natasha struggled to appear calm, but deep inside her stomach was filled with nervous energy. She half expected Malcolm to intervene, but he remained silent.

Ari led her into another room.

“Tell me something. What’s in this for you?” he asked, openly studying her face, as if trying to read her thoughts.

Her eyebrows rose in surprise. “Excuse me?”

“Let’s not play games,” Ari snapped in frustration. “What will you get if you are able to convince my father to sell? What’s in it for you?”

Natasha struggled to keep her voice low. “I’m afraid I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“C’mon, I wasn’t born yesterday,” Ari uttered. “You definitely have something to gain, or you wouldn’t be working so hard otherwise. Who wants to buy hotels from my father?”

“It’s a conglomerate out of Nevada. They are looking to get into the hospitality industry. Purchasing the DePaul Hotel & Spa Resorts would provide them the opportunity with minimum risk.” Natasha settled back in her seat, saying, “I am merely here to look out for your father’s best interest. I think their proposal is a sound one. Mr. Alexander stands to make millions off this deal.”

Ari folded his arms across his chest. “Miss LeBlanc, my father doesn’t need you to look after him. He has a wife and six children who definitely have his back one hundred percent.”

Frustrated, Natasha shook her head. How could a man look so sexy and be so irritating at the same time? She carefully considered her words. “Ari, I’d really like for us to be on the same side. This is why Ira asked me to meet with you and Mr. Alexander. I am merely suggesting that your father consider all options.”

“No, you’re not,” Ari argued. “You are pushing for him to sell the properties. As long as you’re trying to force my father to sell what is rightfully his, we will never be on the same side.”

She folded her arms across her chest. “I haven’t known your father for very long, but from what I’ve seen, I can’t force him to do anything.” Natasha paused a moment before adding, “And neither can you. Now, if you’re done, I’d like to rejoin our meeting.”