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  “What time do you get off work, Ari?” Blaze inquired. “I’m going to the gym this evening.”

  “I can meet you there at six,” he said.

  Malcolm joined them a few minutes later. “Sorry I’m late. I had a last-minute phone call.”

  A waitress appeared at the table almost immediately to take their drink orders.

  While waiting for her to return, they decided on what they wanted to eat. Sandals Steak House was located inside the Alexander Hotel. Ari and his family knew every selection, so they didn’t bother looking at the menu.

  The waitress returned with a tray of drinks. She took their food orders before walking away from the table a second time.

  Ari finished off a glass of water before saying, “Dad, I’m glad you decided not to sell.”

  “Some of the executive team members are related to Robert DePaul,” Malcolm said. “We have to be aware that we really don’t know how much of the staff will be loyal to that family.”

  “Well, the first thing you should do is put a new managing director in place,” Blaze suggested. “I believe that person should be Ari. He’s been in the position of general manager at our hotel for five years. He’s more than qualified. I also have a feeling that Robert’s relatives are all going to jump ship rather than work for you. We need to be prepared for that.”

  “I agree,” Drayden said. “If Ari is going to be the new managing director, then he will need to move to Los Angeles as soon as possible. It’s key for him to orient the staff or hire new staff so that they completely understand your expectations, policies and procedures.”

  “Drayden’s right,” Ari responded. “We need to transition quickly and smoothly.”

  “Sage told me that she wants to take charge of the residential properties,” Malcolm said.

  “She is a real estate agent, and she’s done quite well for herself,” Blaze commented. “This is what she’s wanted to do for a while. Sage was looking to move to a bigger city where she could broker high-end homes.”

  “Blaze, are you interested in joining the family business?” Ari questioned.

  “Actually, I am,” Blaze replied. “How about a VP of sales position? I’ve been director of sales and marketing with Hanson’s Grocery chain for almost six years now. I’d like to do something a little more challenging.”

  Malcolm made notes as they talked. “Ari, would you consider moving out to Los Angeles right away? If we do this, then I’m going to need someone I can trust to be my eyes and ears until your mother and I can get things straight out here. We’ll join you in a couple of months permanently. In the meantime, I will be flying back and forth.”

  Ari was touched by his father’s faith in him. “I’ll do whatever you need, Dad.”

  “Blaze, if you’re serious, then you should start transitioning out of Hanson’s,” Malcolm said.

  “I’ll give them thirty-days’ notice,” said Blaze, “so that they have time to find a suitable replacement.”

  Ari glanced over at Drayden. “Have you given any more thought to moving to California?”

  His brother nodded. “I’ve been researching office buildings in Los Angeles. I think I’d like to work somewhere on Wilshire Boulevard.”

  Drayden’s words made Ari smile. He was thrilled that the entire family would be relocating to California. His younger siblings had already planned to join them after they graduated from grad school.

  “I’m glad we’re all going to be together,” Blaze said.

  “If this hadn’t come up, I was considering relocating to Atlanta or Charlotte,” Drayden confessed. “I love Aspen, but for business…it just wasn’t going to work out.”

  Their food arrived.

  Malcolm gave thanks for their lunch and for the gift from Robert.

  Ari eyed his father. “Dad, you’re not just doing this because we want you to—this is something you and Mom want, as well, right?”

  “I admit that I had no intentions of accepting the inheritance. I had planned to turn it over to Robert’s other relatives, but your mother gave me a different perspective of the situation. She reminded me that Robert had been tracking me, and she believes he truly felt I was the right choice as his heir—his successor. She doesn’t doubt his love for me, but Robert DePaul has always been an astute businessman. This wasn’t just about me being his son. It was a business decision, pure and simple.”

  Ari smiled. “Mom is a smart businesswoman in her own right.”

  Malcolm agreed. “She appointed herself as hospitality director. She made me think it was my idea, however.”

  They all laughed.

  Blaze wiped his mouth on the edge of his napkin. “Robert made the right decision, Dad. We have to remember that there are things we don’t know about the rest of his family, but apparently Robert knew all of their secrets. Maybe there is a reason why he did what he did.”

  “He wanted to acknowledge his son,” Drayden contributed. “I don’t know why we are trying to overanalyze this.”

  Ari couldn’t help but wonder if there was something more behind Robert’s generosity. Why wouldn’t he leave his estate to his nephew—the one who had been by his side for years?

  “You haven’t heard anything from Ira or Malcolm?” Harold asked.

  Natasha held her temper in check. “I told you twice that I haven’t heard a word,” she retorted tartly. She was irritated to find him sitting in her office. She vowed to have a serious talk with her assistant.

  “I wonder what they’re plotting.”

  “Why do you think they’re plotting?” Natasha asked. “Malcolm already has the inheritance—what more could he gain?”

  Agitated, Harold began pacing back and forth across the floor. “I’m sure he’s smart enough to know that we will fight him tooth and nail. He has to know that we will challenge the will.”

  “Are you sure you want to do that, Harold?”

  He stared at her. “Why not? What do I have to lose?”

  “Your share of the estate,” Natasha said. “The will was very clear.”

  Harold muttered a curse.

  “If you want my advice—just wait and see what Malcolm decides before you work yourself up into a stroke or heart attack.”

  “What he needs to do is stay in that country town with the Alexander Hotel,” Harold said tersely. “That’s where he belongs.”

  “Harold, let’s get one thing clear,” Natasha demanded. “I agreed with your plan only because I feel that Malcolm doesn’t have enough experience in running the company. If I felt otherwise, I wouldn’t have gone along with this.”

  “You make me question your loyalty when you say things like that,” Harold responded. “Can I trust you, Natasha?”

  “Have I ever exposed any of your secrets, Harold?”

  “I hate all of this tension between us.”

  “It’s not my doing.” Natasha checked her watch. “I have an appointment in about twenty minutes.”

  “I’ve grown to care for you over the years. I was thinking we could go to Catalina Island for the Memorial Day weekend. We—”

  She interrupted him by saying, “Harold, don’t…”

  “I think we would be good together.”

  “How is it that you keep forgetting that you have a wife?” Natasha questioned. “I’m sure Sara isn’t interested in sharing her husband with another woman. But not only that—I know you, Harold.”

  “You know, you’re always accusing me of being a racist,” he said in a nasty tone. “I think you should look in the mirror.” Harold stood up and walked to the door. “I’ll be in touch.”

  Natasha shook her head in disbelief.

  The DNA test results proved without a doubt that Robert had indeed fathered Malcolm, just as Ari didn’t doubt they would.

  After receiving the results, his father made arrangements for them to travel to Los Angeles. The plane was already en route to Atlanta. Ari and his father would be leaving first thing on Thursday morning.

  Ari was
looking forward to starting over in Los Angeles. Malcolm would be returning home, but he would be staying. Malcolm wanted to hire someone to replace Ari as managing director. His parents planned to join Ari in a couple of months. In the meantime, Malcolm would be flying back and forth.

  The day merged into night.

  Ari went to bed around midnight but was up before his alarm clock went off. He got up and spent some time reflecting on his life and all that he was leaving behind. He was going to sell the house he had shared with April and donate all of the furnishings. He had been undecided about his Land Rover until now. He was going to have it transported to Los Angeles.

  Drayden drove Ari and their father to the airport.

  When they hit some traffic on I-20, Ari said, “Feels good not to have to worry about missing a flight again.”

  Drayden chuckled. “I’ve never flown first-class, but I have a feeling it doesn’t compare to having a family plane.”

  Ari agreed. “Wait until you get on it, Drayden. You will never fly commercial again.”

  “Or coach,” Malcolm interjected.

  Forty-five minutes later, they were on the plane. They wouldn’t land for another five hours.

  Ari and Malcolm spent the entire flight poring over information on the hotel properties. Ari intended to hit the ground running. They couldn’t afford to waste any time, but the most urgent item on their list was removing Harold from his position as managing director.

  Malcolm was still sifting through paperwork regarding all of Robert’s assets. He and Ira had spoken almost every day. Outside of the hotel chain, his father had discovered that he also owned two restaurants.

  The smiling flight attendant brought them breakfast.

  “Son, there’s something you should know.”

  Reaching for his orange juice, Ari looked over at his father. “What is it?”

  “The Nevada State Contractors Board has launched an investigation against Robert. It seems that two of the hotels in that state had renovations completed without obtaining the necessary building permits. We need to find out who signed off on that construction.”

  “I’ll make that a priority,” Ari responded.

  “If we are at fault, then we will need to settle this as quietly as possible. I don’t want news of this getting out.”

  “Do you think it was Robert?”

  Malcolm shrugged. “I don’t know. He was ill for a while. It could’ve been an innocent oversight.”

  A limo was waiting for them when the plane landed. They were driven straight to the hotel in Beverly Hills. Natasha was in the lobby when he arrived.

  “It’s nice to see you again, Mr. Alexander,” Natasha said as she shook his hand. “Good to see you, as well, Ari.”

  He returned her smile.

  They gathered in the conference room.

  Ira arrived fifteen minutes later.

  As soon as everyone was seated, Malcolm announced, “My family and I discussed the proposal at length and we’ve made a decision.”

  Natasha glanced over at Ari. She couldn’t read Malcolm’s expression, but she was trying to see if she could get an idea of where this was leading. Harold and the other DePaul relatives would be outraged if their plans fell through. She couldn’t help but wonder what would happen to her son. They needed the money for his medical expenses.

  “After a lot of thought and conversation with my family, we have decided not to sell the hotel properties.”

  Natasha cringed inwardly. Harold was going to be furious, but there was nothing she could do.

  “I hope your clients won’t be too disappointed,” Ari said to her. “Give the DePaul family our regards.”

  Natasha was mildly surprised that they had figured out she was representing Harold and the rest of the DePaul family. It wasn’t a real stretch to figure out that they would try to buy the properties to keep them in the family.

  “I guess you should be on your way to break the news to the DePaul relatives.”

  Natasha boldly met Ari’s gaze. “I hope you and your family know what you’re getting into.”

  “We do,” he responded.

  She was aware that Malcolm and Ira both remained quiet. They sat there listening to the exchange between her and Ari.

  “Why do you want this so badly?” Natasha asked.

  “It’s in our blood,” Ari responded. “This much should be obvious to you.”

  She nodded in understanding. “Well, I wish you much success in this venture.”

  “Do you really?”

  “Ari, I don’t want to see your family fail—this is why I thought it was best that you sell the properties. Your family could’ve made millions of dollars from the sale alone.”

  “Do you think this is about money?” he asked. “We are not ruled by the mighty dollar.”

  “I didn’t mean it that way.”

  “This is a dream of ours, as a family, Natasha. This is a legacy that we can leave for our children and their children. My parents are smart businesspeople. You don’t have to worry about us. We are more than qualified to manage the DePaul properties. Robert knew this—he believed in my father.”

  The fire in his eyes displayed Ari’s passion. He probably wanted this more than Malcolm.

  “I assume you will also be coming on board,” she said.

  Ari shrugged. “If this is what my father wishes.”

  He’s not about to reveal anything to me, she thought silently. She glanced over at Malcolm, who had been listening to their exchange, his expression a blank page.

  “If there is anything I can do to make this transition a smooth one, please call me,” she said.

  Malcolm shifted his position in his chair. “I would like you to stay on for a year as a consultant, Miss LeBlanc. We also want the option to extend your services for another year after that. Ira can draw up the contract.”

  She stole a peek at Ari. He had not fully recovered from the shock. Apparently, Malcolm hadn’t discussed this with his son.

  Natasha returned her attention to Malcolm. “Thank you for the offer. I would be more than happy to stay on.”

  She could feel Ari’s eyes on her.

  Smiling, she looked at him and said, “Looks like we’re going to be working together.”

  Chapter 8

  Ari bristled at the news that Malcolm wanted to keep Natasha on board. It wasn’t just that he didn’t trust her. She stirred something in him that defied description, and he didn’t want to be forced to work so closely with her.

  However, he couldn’t change his father’s mind once he’d made a decision.

  When he had the chance to get Malcolm alone, he said, “Dad, I’m not sure keeping Natasha on as consultant is a good idea. I don’t think we can trust her.”

  “We can keep an eye on her if she’s close by,” his father responded. “I want to know every move this little lady makes—at least until we know the lay of the land.”

  Seeing Malcolm’s point, Ari nodded in agreement.

  Natasha walked back into the conference room. “Am I interrupting?”

  Ari wondered how much of their conversation she had overheard, but her face was devoid of emotion. “Where is Ira?”

  “He’s finishing up a call,” she responded. “He should be in here shortly.”

  Ari eyed her as she sat across from him making notes.

  The attorney entered the room and closed the door.

  “I might as well tell you that I intend to make a change in the name,” Malcolm announced as Ira took his seat. “The hotels will now be known as the Alexander-DePaul Hotel & Spa Resorts in honor of both my fathers.”

  Surprised, Natasha turned her gaze to Ari, who said, “I think it’s perfect.”

  “May I ask why you decided to change the name?” she asked.

  Malcolm finished the last of his water. “The rebranding will unite all members of the organization with one shared vision for success. We believe this evolution honors our heritage and better positions us to m
ove forward under a unified brand.”

  “I’ll get all of the paperwork started,” Ira stated.

  Natasha didn’t put up any argument against the name change, which surprised Ari. He had assumed she would be against rebranding.

  “I would like to see the rest of this hotel,” Malcolm said. He hadn’t wanted to take any tours until he decided what he was going to do.

  Ari and his father followed Natasha out of the penthouse and to the elevator.

  “All of the properties are beautiful, but I have to admit that this one is my favorite,” she was saying.

  “It is a masterpiece,” Ari commented. “I told my dad that it looks so much better in person.”

  She nodded. “The photographs are stunning, but to truly appreciate it, you have to see it.”

  “Outside of acquisition, disposition and development consulting, what other services does your company offer?” Ari asked her.

  “We conduct appraisals and valuation, feasibility analysis and specialized research such as brand-repositioning studies.”

  “Where did you receive your MBA?”

  She smiled. “Stanford. How about you? Where did you obtain yours?”

  “University of Pennsylvania,” he responded.

  “The Wharton School of Business?”

  He nodded.

  “I’m impressed,” Natasha murmured. “I’m not surprised, though. You seem like Wharton alumni.”

  “Why do you say that?”

  “I have a friend who went to Wharton, and you remind me of him.”

  “An old boyfriend?”

  She shook her head no. “He was my best friend.”

  “Was?”

  “He passed away three years ago,” Natasha said. “He was killed by a drunk driver.”

  “I’m sorry to hear about that,” Ari responded.

  Natasha took them to see a couple of the empty rooms. She had the housekeeper unlock one on the eighth floor that had just been cleaned. “The guest rooms are spacious, ranging from five hundred to two thousand square feet,” she told them. “All of the hotels offer more than a place to temporarily retreat in luxury. As you already know, there are a limited number of residences ranging from two to five bedrooms with ample room to accommodate housekeepers, personal assistants or nannies.”