Johnathan sighed. “I probably won’t be able to go with you and our son. The company is a madhouse right now—I can’t take off for a few days of fun.”
He gave her an apologetic look. “But I’ve made arrangements. You and our son can go, and Jane will pick you up when you get there.”
Sariyah’s smile held a trace of disappointment. “Our son was really hoping you’d spend some time with him. Summer vacation is long—you could still try to squeeze in a day or two. If not, it’s fine. I’ll take him so he can make some friends.”
“Sariyah… I’m sorry.” Johnathan reached for her hand. “I barely have enough time for you as it is. Honestly, this is all Dad’s fault. Why did he retire so early? Other men work into their eighties, but Dad? He was out before fifty. Dumped the entire company on me and ran off with Mom. They only come back twice a year because she’s afraid I’ll drag her back to work.”
He shook his head, half in frustration, half in disbelief. His father had retired so early and whisked his mother away, living a life so carefree it almost seemed childish.
Old men from other prominent families would never retire that young. Seventy would be considered early. Most only stepped back when their successors had proved themselves—sometimes they even had to return when things went wrong.
But his father? The moment he handed over the Lafayette empire, he was gone without a backward glance. And he never returned—not once in all these years.
Please log in to unlock this chapter for 45 coins or purchase more coins.