Under the Veil I Rule (Amara) novel Chapter 480

A flicker of distaste crossed her face, but her voice was warm and polite when she answered. “Hello, Dad.”

“Come to the house tomorrow,” Larry said, his tone brisk. “I have something to discuss with you.”

Amara’s stomach dropped. She had a feeling this was something big. “Okay, Dad. I’ll be there.”

After hanging up, she tried to guess what he wanted to announce. She suspected it was about the Sullivan family company shares. He had hinted at it when he visited her in the hospital. The real question was, how did he plan to divide them?

That night, Amara went to bed early. The next morning, she took her time with her makeup, wanting to present a confident and polished image. She drove to the Sullivan family home.

As she expected, Larry didn't get straight to business. He had the kitchen prepare a full lunch, and she, Elowen, and Fiona all sat down at the dining table together. The food was delicious, but the atmosphere was strangely tense. Usually, even if she and Larry didn’t have much to say, Fiona, a master of social graces, would keep the conversation flowing, paying special attention to Amara. Elowen, too, was usually quite talkative, even if her comments were mostly veiled insults.

But today, both Fiona and Elowen were grim-faced. It was bizarre to see the normally smooth and diplomatic Fiona wearing her displeasure so openly. Had she and Larry had a fight? And Elowen’s animosity toward her was more blatant than ever, practically dripping with venom. The fact that Fiona wasn’t even trying to rein her in was even more peculiar.

The meal was an oppressive affair. Afterward, Larry summoned her to his study. “I imagine you can guess why I called you here,” he said. “I’ve decided to distribute the company shares.”

Larry pushed a document across the desk. It was a share transfer agreement. Amara’s eyes widened as she read the numbers. He was planning to give her that much? She had assumed he would split the majority between Fiona and Elowen. After all, he had always seemed to feel guilty toward them, showering them with affection and resources. But now, in this complete reversal, he was giving the most valuable portion to her.

She did a quick mental calculation. If she received this many shares, there would be very little left for Fiona and Elowen. No wonder the mood at lunch had been so strange. They must have already known.

It was so surprising she felt like she was dreaming.

Then, Larry pulled the documents back. “I haven’t signed them yet,” he said, his expression hardening. “If you want me to, there’s one condition.”