Unmasking the Heiress

Inside the car, silence reigned. The driver kept to himself, steering the vehicle. Hank, out of habit, smoothed out his suit sleeve and gazed out the window.

Out of the blue, his phone blared to life. Hank glanced at the caller ID and his brow creased in annoyance.

The ringing grew more insistent, practically screaming at Hank to pick up.

He finally gave in and answered.

"What took you so long, you little troublemaker? What are you up to out there?" scolded the voice on the

other end.Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

"Nothing much." Hank let out a forced laugh. "You're always saying I don't cut it, right? How am I supposed to get better if I don't get out and get my hands dirty?" Hank knew exactly what his dad, Grant Tarp, was about to lay on him, so he played his cards right, leaving his father without a comeback.

As expected, Grant's smooth talking stopped.

"Look, I know I've said it before, but you've been out there for what, seven or eight years now, Hank? It's about time you returned to take the reins, don't you think?

"I'm not getting any younger. Can you really stand to watch me work myself to the grave? Your mom is on my case every day, saying I spent my youth chasing the company. Now, when I should be enjoying time with her, I'm still tied up in work..." When Grant brought up Hank's mother, Hank's eyes softened for a second. Nonetheless... just thinking about stepping into the shoes of Foster Group, about Evangeline, who he had already distanced himself

from, his heart just was not in it.

Was this not the moment he had been waiting for all those years by Evangeline's side?

"Dad, I'm thinking of staying out here a bit longer. If the company is in a bind, why not let my brother-in-law

have a crack at it?"

He did have a sister, but she did not have the business gene like their dad did. Her husband, on the other hand, had a sharp mind, perfect for the business.

"Are you kidding me? Spouting such nonsense! I have a son, so why on earth would I pass my legacy to an outsider?"

Hank was at a loss for words.

"What-century are we in, Dad? Still stuck in the past? My brother-in-law's family too, right? Keeping the business in the family still counts if it's with him!"

Alas, it was like talking to a brick wall. There was no way he was going home to take over the family empire.

Grant, crafty as ever, had already figured out Hank's game plan. "Stop beating around the bush and just tell me when you're coming home! Your mom and I are waiting for you. Plus, isn't it time to settle down and get married? 1/2

"Look, it's simple. Either return and take over the family business with a smile, or find a wife and bring her home. It's one or the other. I'm not asking for much, right?"

Hank pondered for a moment before replying with genuine honesty, "I might think about that second option.