Free Eternal Love (Bend to My Will #11) by Emily Jane Trent Page B

“Little good it did you. Don’t you see?”
    “See what?”
    “Jacob Rinaldi, the head of Rinaldi Imports, attempted the murder of his own father.” Carl’s eyes darkened. “And it wasn’t the first time. You know that. And I know that.”
    Jacob didn’t respond.
    “Do you think your position in the business community is so secure that no one would bat an eyelash to hear about what you did? Think again…my idiot son.”
    Embarrassment over word of his misdeeds spreading rendered Jacob speechless.
    “And Daniel Kenyon was correct. You don’t know your position in life.”
    The mention of Kenyon’s name was a shock. “What’s he got to do with this?”
    “You just wouldn’t back down, would you?” Carl said. “You continued to malign the reputation of a good man like Daniel. You don’t learn.”
    He glared at Jacob. “Dan told me to look for you here, that you eat at some Chinese dump every day. And you know what else he told me? That you are sweet on a woman in the perfume industry…Vivienne, isn’t it?”
    Jacob cringed at hearing his father speak her name.
    “Does she want to be hooked up with the likes of you? Think about it.”
    Jacob wasn’t going to back down that easily, especially now that he’d threatened to involve Vivienne. “A word from you and you think everyone will run from me, that it would be that simple to sever their support?”
    “No, but the media will be interested, Jacob. Didn’t you know that Daniel is close friends with people in the right places, those with power to control the media? Oh, you thought he was just a lowly subordinate at Williamson Imports. Well, you underestimated him.”
    With horror, Jacob began to envision what his father intended.
    “The story will spread, not only through the news, but social media. It’s not something you can turn away from. Releasing that story, telling the world that one of the largest New York importing companies is run by a criminal, would spread like wildfire.” Carl laughed. “And it comes from a credible source…your natural father.”
    When Jacob didn’t reply, Carl continued his tirade. “You aren’t a Rinaldi. You’ve been pretending. I know what you really are .” He pointed at Jacob. “You say I’m a heartless bastard? Well, you are my son.”
    Jacob stepped away, shaking his head.
    “Vico will pay. He took you away. You are my son, Jacob…and he stole you from me.”
    Crazy asshole . Jacob turned and strode back toward the office. He didn’t know if Carl followed or not. He hoped not, as he’d already given the man one reprieve, but wouldn’t be accountable for his actions if Carl came at him again.
    If he persisted in this vein, Jacob swore he would end it. He would do whatever he needed to do, and he knew what he was capable of. He hadn’t needed Carl to tell him that. The man had made a dire mistake when he threatened Vivienne. Keeping her safe mattered most, and Carl wasn’t going to get away with this.
    Jacob returned to his office and closed the door. His life had been shaken to the core. Carl’s threats were ludicrous. Yet if he followed through, it would be very damaging. The scathing news story would start a controversy, and bring Jacob’s mental fitness into question. And worst of all, it would put those he loved at risk.
    ******
    There was no way that Jacob could work any longer that day. He needed to talk to Vivienne. And he needed a drink. On the way back through the lobby, he said to Meg, “I’m out for the rest of the day.” He provided no further explanation, and she didn’t ask for any.
    On the way down in the elevator, Jacob texted: I have to see you now. It’s urgent .
    The reply was instant. I’m here. I’ll wrap up, so I can leave when you arrive .
    At the garage, Jacob got in the car and Ian drove him to Vee’s, then waited out front for them. He returned with Vivienne and slipped into the back seat.
    “Take us to King Cole Bar.” Ian nodded, and headed toward St. Regis