Christian

I walked with Alex back down to the main event, after he successfully stored his cheese in his office desk.

Of course I had questions... like why did he feel the need to snag a bag of expensive cheese when I could just buy him some? At last, I thought it would be best to address it after the event. Something told me it had nothing to do with Alex, and everything to do with Derek.

Not much time passed before I felt my phone vibrate in my vest pocket. When I took a look to see who it was, Brad's contact popped up with a message. He was letting me know that he had just pulled into the underground parking. I glanced up from the screen and leant towards Alex.

"I'm going to have to step out for a short while, Alex. I'll be right back." I whispered in his ear. He was still pretending to listen intently to the conversation some of our investors were having, but the diversion of his eyes let me know he had caught my words.

"Sounds good." He whispered to me briefly, before redirecting his attention to the two women.

I slid my phone into my pocket, and began the almost impossible act of getting out of the event. Every two steps I took, it felt like someone had to tap me on the shoulder, or give me a light arm tug. For the first time in what I'd argue ever, I started to recognize more of the investors. Usually, everyone's faces would all sort of mix together, and Brad would have to remind me of their names. Today, I was actually able to greet a few people by name.

It helped to have Alex by my side. He was a natural when it came to conversation, and his ability to look interested in absolute nonsense was just- more than I could ever do.

I gave one more greeting to a good friend of my fathers who was taking photos for the event. He gave me a quick hug as soon as he spotted me, and complimented me for how well the turnout was. "It was actually all my assistant, Alex." I told him honestly. Henry gave me a look.

"I don't think I've ever heard you not take credit for something before. This must be the Alex your mother has been going on and on about." Henry replied. He shifted the camera to his other hand so he could pick up a glass of champagne that was being offered by one of our caterers. I was going to swat his hand away and remind this man that he was still on the clock, but then I thought fuck it. There was only a little time left of the launch anyways.

Another text came through my phone. I felt the aggressive vibrations in my pocket, but I didn't dare draw attraction to it. Instead, I did my best to cut this conversation with Henry short. "I'm just going to head out to meet a few guests that are walking in, but I'll catch up with you before the event is over." I told him.

Henry gave me a nod. "I'll try and locate this Alex. Tell him how great a job he did- since you don't feel the need to take the credit."

I chuckled at his words as I watched him disappear into the crowd. That was when I got a move on, myself.

The underground parking was almost completely packed. Due to the severe weather warning that was sent out today, we had tried to fit most of the distributor and investors cars here. I even had the valet team drive some of our company cars out to create space.

Luckily, Brad's car wasn't an accurate representation of his boring ass personality, and was easier to find. The car wasn't as extravagant as mine, but he had still splurged in a sports model. The headlights flashed twice to indicate where he was, even though I was already walking towards him. I rolled my eyes his way when he unlocked the passenger door for me.

"Don't you clean up nice." Brad said as soon as I shifted into the seat and shut the door.

"I could say the same for you." I replied, taking in his appearance. Brad was wearing a dark burgundy and grey suit. One I had never seen before in my life. With just a glance at the fabric, I could tell it was expensive and custom made. "Please don't tell me you bought another suit."

Brad was quick to defend himself. "First off, I donated quite a few suits because of Joan- so technically, I think I'm deserving of a new one... but no. Much like your suit, Slav had one made for me as well. Kinda nice, huh?" He asked, as he straightened out the fabric.

Our father sure knew how to pick suits. "Looks amazing, yeah." I noted. We watched as another car made it into the underground parking. The valet driver looked like he was scoping out a spot to put the car. When he glanced our way, he slowed down, giving us an odd look before driving off. "What was that all about?" I asked, glancing towards Brad. He was already sinking further into the car seat like he had enough room for his six foot something build to disappear behind the dashboard.

"I may or may not have taken a reserved spot." Brad replied sheepishly. "I was driving in circles just trying to find a non reserved lot and after 10 minutes I said screw it."

I stared at Brad for a moment. "I don't know who you are but I'd like my brother back."

Brad rolled his eyes at me. "Anyways, let's get on with what we came here for. Due to the storm, some people are already starting to clear out. I want to get this over with so we can wrap up the launch and go eat."

"You got something prepared already?" I asked him.

"Well you and Alex are coming over, and I'll be taking Joan home with me... so this only leaves Derek who I assume will find his way to my home regardless. Remember the last time he was over? Yeah, I took some precautions this time. For one: all the top shelf heavy hitter liquor is locked up. I also picked up some food from the market that wasn't kale. Nothing special tonight but I got some things for tacos? I'd Derek has shit to say about tacos, he can eat grass for dinner."

I couldn't help but laugh at the extent Brad went to. He was sensitive when it came to things like this. I always told him to just hire a cook or something, but I understood his hesitation. Nathaniel had been placed in my house because of my position in the company. He was my caretaker in every sense. When I just inherited the company, Nathaniel whipped me into shape with his harsh words and even harsher punishments.

I would trust this man with anything.

But placing that same faith in a stranger is difficult to ask for or do. Brad was a private man at heart. He didn't like people putting their noses in places they didn't belong.

"I'm sure Derek will love tacos. As for why we're here-" I pulled out the file that was wedged so tightly under my armpit. "This is what was printed."

Brad reaches out, taking the paperwork. I half expected him to rip through the papers immediately, but he paused before opening it. "Have you seen it yet?" He asked. I shook my head no.

"This is my family, and I love you all... but that's not my place. I want us to be on the same page with this because only god knows what mum and dad had kept from us all these years."

Brad gave me a sincere nod at my words. I wanted him to understand that even if he didn't feel like it, he came first here. What mattered to me, mattered the most to him.

Did it make me feel uncomfortable that I had to run a thorough background on our own mother?

One hundred thousand percent.

But what other option did I have? My parents would take secrets to the grave if they could, and the only way Brad and I had been able to squeeze anything out of them was through the research we did on our end. It was almost like you had to catch our parents in the act before they decided to reveal anything.

Brad's fingers played with the edge of the folder, as he stared on expressionlessly. It took another few moments before he flipped the tab open. As his eyes scanned the documents, I saw his eyes grow larger. It has the only expression he gave me. No gasp, no words, just pure shock. I looked on nervously, wondering just what information had come to light.

"What is it?" I finally asked, breaking the thick silence that was hanging in the air.

Brad took a second before he replied. "A lot of the text has been blocked out, but from the looks of it... I think Vadik might be right..."

My eyes quickly darted from the papers to Brad. "What are you saying?" I asked.

"It's no longer about what mother has and hasn't told us. According to these documents, mum flat out lied."

••