“I know about the ne,” said Domenic in a raw voice.


    “You do?” Jordan was astonished.


    “Emilio didn’t embezzle thepany funds.


    I loaned him the money.


    I also knew what the money was earmarked for.


    ”


    Jordan stared at him in wide-eyed disbelief.


    “Are you telling me that you lent him the money to chase after a woman?”


    “Grandpa, this is my personal matter.


    I will take care of it.


    I know you care about me, but even so you should have discussed it with me in advance!” Domenic continued to look at Jordan, unblinking.


    He added in a determined tone, “I will never dismiss Emilio.


    I’m sorry, Grandpa.


    I cannot listen to you.


    ”


    “What did you say?” It never urred to Jordan that his grandson, who had always been obedient to him, would suddenly be so defiant and choose his friend over him.


    Jordan began to tremble with anger.


    Carole quickly rubbed his back to settle his trembling and enable him to breathe more steadily.


    “How dare you? You ungrateful brat!” How dare you challenge my decision? You are in charge of the Walsh Group.


    So you think I have no control over you? Well, think again!”


    Jordan’s blood was boiling, not just from anger but disappointment simmered beneath the surface.


    Since he took Domenic under his wing, shielding him from his treacherous uncles who would have dly seen him meet an untimely demise, Jordan had yed the role of protector and caretaker.


    As Domenic matured, a rebellious streak emerged, and he openly defied Jordan.


    Buried beneath Jordan’s ire was a sense of helplessness, a fear that his ability to control and safeguard Domenic was slipping away.


    After a brief, tense pause, Domenic managed to rein in his emotions.


    He realized his earlier words had cut deep into the old man.


    But as he pondered the kindness his grandfather had bestowed upon him since childhood, a softened demeanor reced his earlier defiance.


    “Grandpa, I’ll sort this out once I’m back.


    Please cancel your order and let Emilio stay,” Domenic implored.


    Jordan furrowed his brow, eyes fixed on Domenic.


    Then, leaning back, a sly grin yed on his face as if he had an idea.


    “Well, since you’re dead set on Emilio staying, I’ll be stubborn.


    But, my boy, I’ve got a condition.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    A simple trade, you might say,” Jordan replied.


    Domenic knew swaying his grandfather wouldn’t be a walk in the park.


    After a moment’s contemtion, he nodded and inquired, “What’s the catch?”


    “I want you to be engaged to Carole!” Jordan said with an air of finality.


    Domenic squinted, shooting a nce at Carole, who was perched beside his grandfather.


    Carole, wide-eyed with shock, pursed her lips and lowered her gaze.


    Trying to keep hisposure, Domenic spoke in a low voice.


    “Grandpa, Carole and I go way back, but we’ve been on separate paths for years.


    Rushing into an engagement seems a bit premature.


    It’s too early for thatmitment.


    ”


    Carole felt let down.


    They had been friends since they were Little.


    She had saved his life, even though they had not seen one other in years.


    Had Domenic never considered being her partner? Why wouldn’t Domenic agree to marry her? Was it because Lindsey was so much better than her? He refused to even give her a direct nce.