Too Late for Regret (Annalise and Roger) novel Chapter 154

Seth’s POV

I hadn’t known how much Laney had struggle in her life. I thought she just enjoyed being argumentative and going against me at every turn. She’s an infuriating woman who refuses to give me a compliment. No wonder Dad likes her so much. She’s just like him, too tough at work. I’ve been catching on quicker this past week, but instead of telling me I’m doing well, she’ll just nod and walk away. I wanted her to tell me “good job,” or at least acknowledge that I was on the right track. I’ve been trying pretty hard lately.

Dad wanted to step back, and I admit I’d been dragging my feet over the years. I didn’t want the responsibility of taking over the company. Dad did so well building it up that if I don’t keep making it a success, I’ll be humiliated. He never told me when he wanted to step down. I assumed I had time. I’m thirty–one now, and I thought he would wait until I got married. I always knew I was supposed to take over for Dad, but I wasn’t looking forward to it.

I wanted to do something to help Laney, but I didn’t know how to other than to stop picking on her. Which I’m going to do. I’m not letting her get under my skin today. She’s quick to sarcasm, and I can’t help but reply in kind. I enjoy our little verbal sparring matches. She’s very sharp, quick to reply, and it’s quickly becoming the best part of my day.

The meeting was going smoothly, and I kept glancing over at her, sitting at my father’s right. She’s brilliant and knows how this business works inside and out. Dad already told me I can’t give her a hard time when I take over. He’s warned me twice that the company won’t thrive without her. I knew that wasn’t a nod to my skills. She has had a more hands–on position in the last two years. Dad has let her have even more control, as he’s started the transition to hand the company over.

I don’t know what it is about her, but she’s driving me crazy. I’ve never been disrespected and ignored like this. It’s pissing me off. I know I’m the total package; I’ve heard it a hundred times since I graduated high school. I’ve been chased by women way more important in society than she is, but I never wanted any of them like I want her.

She was speaking to the group, and her full lips were beckoning to me. I’d like nothing more than to take her hair down and wrap her in my arms, kissing her until she was breathless. My d**k stiffened to the point of painful at just the thought of it. Where is this coming from? I was so caught up in my daydream that I wasn’t paying any attention to the meeting. Not until I heard my father’s stern voice speak.

“Yes?” I asked, looking over at him with a lifted eyebrow. I didn’t want to admit that I wasn’t paying attention to the meeting. Although I’m pretty sure everyone at the table now suspects it.

“I was asking your opinion of the recommendation that Laney just made,” my father replied with a smirk. He knew I wasn’t listening either. It didn’t matter; I already knew the correct answer.

“I think it’s a great idea,” I replied. Giving Dad the same smirk back.

“I agree, we should move forward with implementing it as soon as possible. We can’t make any money until the company is up and running,” the shareholder next to me stated. The other shareholders nodded in agreement. I guess I gave the right answer.

“What part of her plan did you like the most?” my father asked. He’s clearly messing with me. Does he suspect I liked her? Why is he calling me out like this?

“I think Laney is brilliant at her job. She knows the business inside and out, and I’m confident that she’s considered all aspects before she brought it up in the meeting. I don’t have anything to add to what she just said,” I replied.

“Good, I’m glad you see her value. I think that you and Laney working hand in hand to make this a success will be good for both of you. I know this will be an excellent learning experience for you, Seth. I will continue to run Caldwell Industries for the next two years. While Laney teaches you how to run a company from the ground up. If you two can’t agree, bring it to me, or Chuck, as the tiebreaker,” my father responded with a smile.

Laney looked like she had sucked on a lemon, but she wasn’t going to argue with Dad. She had just been smiling just a minute ago. Pleased that whatever she had just suggested had been so well received. I’m kicking myself now for not just admitting I hadn’t heard a word she said. What in the hell did I just agree to? She looks horrified at the thought of me working with her. The worst part is that I’m going to have to admit to her that I have no idea what she said.

My father clearly wants to teach me a lesson, but he knows Laney can barely tolerate me. She thinks I’m a fuckboy, and she’s not too far off. She has no respect for me at all. Knowing that I got this job, not because I’m deserving, but because I’m his son. I wanted to earn her respect, but I don’t know if she’ll ever be willing to give it to me. Not without me taking this more seriously than I’ve taken anything else.

“Laney, take Seth to your office, and bring him up to speed. I don’t think he heard your brilliant plan. Good luck, Laney. You’re going to need it. This meeting is adjourned,” my father said as he stood up. He walked away, speaking with the shareholders before heading to his office.

“What part did you miss?” Laney asked me when the room cleared.

“All of it,” I replied.

“All of it? What were you doing?” she asked, incredulous.

Well, I’m certainly not going to answer that truthfully.

“I was thinking about something else,” I answered. She was right. We were in a meeting, and I should have been paying attention.

She pinched the bridge of her nose for almost a minute before saying, “I was putting together a business plan for the former Vaughn finance company. Chuck Billingsley was looking for someone to run the new venture. He was able to purchase it for a steal, but he doesn’t have time to run it. He bought it for Charlie to eventually take over, but his son has no interest in it. I had some ideas to get the company up and running properly by taking it over myself. You will be taking over here soon, and I wanted to give you the space to run it as you see fit. Your father is sending half of the initial investment over for them to own it jointly.”

“Did you volunteer to get me out of training?” I asked.

I could tell by the way she stiffened up that she had. Pretty smart on her part to try to get out from under me by leaving. I’m glad Dad suggested we both do it, as it pisses me off that she would even try to ditch me like that. Laney would be bringing it back up from the start. There would be numerous opportunities for me to learn what needs to be done by working alongside her.

“No,” she replied, not meeting my eyes.

“Well, looks like we’re partners for at least the next year or two. Your attempt to ditch me didn’t work, did it?” I replied mockingly.

I enjoyed seeing her eyes narrow at me, but she bit back what she wanted to say. Sometimes she couldn’t stop herself, but today she did. Laney started gathering her paperwork and notebook, focused on not taking the bait. I saw Ana heading towards Dad’s office. She stood at Laney’s door and turned to look around. She saw us and set the bags she was holding down. Rita was holding a few bags herself and set them down next to Ana’s. I followed Laney over, curious about what was going on.

“Ana, did you need something?” Laney asked, confused, as she approached her office.

Laney hadn’t seen Ana enter with the bags. She stopped walking when she looked down and saw five bags sitting on the floor next to Ana. I saw the logo and knew they came from Ana’s store. I knew what she was doing. Ana hated the thought of anyone suffering, especially after what she went through with Tiffany.

She was compassionate, wanting to rescue any lost animal she came across since we were children.

She’s always wanted to right the wrongs. If she could, I know she would try to fix the world single–handedly. I hadn’t even thought of anything I could do to help Laney, other than being more respectful. Ana saw a need, and she met it. I wish I’d thought of it, but I had no real idea how to go about shopping for a woman. I didn’t know what Laney needed.

Maybe I should offer to pay Ana to buy Laney a few more things from me. I knew that if I did it myself, the odds of the clothes being thrown in my face were pretty high. She wasn’t going to want anything that came from me. The reality is that Laney did need more clothes; she was an executive assistant, now she’s a CEO. She needed to dress better than she previously had because she represented the company. She needed clothes now more than ever, since we would be running the new business venture together.

I could tell her clothes weren’t name brand, but she was always clean and presentable. I saw Laney’s eyes light up when she saw the bags outside her office, but then she resigned herself to rejecting them. I could tell that she was going to thank Ana, but reject her offer. I knew I needed to step in and remind her that she needed them.

I will give Ana more money to make sure that Laney has what she needs. Ana dressed her to be an executive assistant, not a CEO. There was a big difference between those two positions. Laney was going to need more outfits, and I wanted to be the one who provided them for her, not Ana.

“Ana, you have already done more than enough for me and my brothers. I really appreciate it, but I can’t accept all this,” Laney quietly advised.

“That’s incorrect. This is a gift, one that Ana chose especially for you. You need to accept it, but Ana, you will need to go shopping again. Laney and I are taking over the finance house that used to belong to the Vaughns. We will be acting as co–CEOs. She will need more than what she currently has. You did this, so I will fund that. Just let me know what the bill is when you’re done. Laney will need at least two evening gowns and dresses reflecting her new position,” I insisted.

I could see Laney open her mouth to argue with me, but no words came out. She knew I was right and stayed silent. This was the first time I’d won an argument, and I smiled down at her. I knew it wouldn’t happen often, and I wanted to savor the moment.