Sterling
I opened the door to my father's office and stepped inside. I felt slightly on edge, the fact this was about Isabelle has me concerned. I needed to know what information he has and I need it now.
"Nice of you to finally show up." My father coldly scoffed.
I know he's not happy with what I'm doing. He knows I'm up to something but the fact he's been kept in the dark is getting to him. Damon Tipton likes to know everything and this is one thing he has no power over.
"What do you want to see me about?" I asked as I sat down across from him. "I've got things I need to do."
"Like what?" His face remained emotionless as he questioned me.
"None of your business." I'll let him in on everything later, I don't want him stepping in to ruin my plans. "Get on with it."
Needless to say, I'm impatient right now. I just wanted to get right to the reason he called me here. Then I can figure out how I need to adapt my plan if necessary.
"Isabelle's asked to leave." He informed me.
I inhaled a sharp breath as I took it in. There was a slight pang in my chest, I saw this coming but it doesn't mean it hurts any less.
"Well, it's a shame she's under contract." I responded. "She can't go anywhere for another nine months."
We had just entered February and she signed a contract with my father for a year. It's the only reason I went ahead with this plan. I knew she would still be here when I was finished and all I needed was for her to give me five minutes to hear me out.
"She's no longer under contract." My father's tone grew colder. "I let her out of it, she'll be leaving Nashville in forty-eight hours."
My heart practically dropped into my stomach and my chest began to feel heavy. I didn't expect my father would go against me. I figured he was smart enough to know I was working on something.
"Why the fuck would you do that?" I gripped the armrest of the chair as I attempted to hold back my anger that was surfacing.
"Because she doesn't deserve this treatment." He answered. "You've been awful to her and I won't stand for it. I raised you better than this, I don't know what the fuck you're doing but I won't let that woman standby and get hurt."
"You asshole." I seethed, I could feel myself losing control. "You had no right to do that! What goes on between Isabelle and I is none of your goddamn business!"
"It is my business!" He slammed his fist down on his desk. "I brought her here in hopes to fix the mess I played a part in, I didn't bring here to have a repeat experience. She's done everything I asked so I fulfilled my end of the deal."
"You just think you know best don't you?" I stood up with so much force the chair fell back behind me. "You're Damon fucking Tipton, everything just works out for you. You get whatever you want because you're a power hungry asshole and now you're mad because for once I'm doing something without you."
He remained silent for a moment as we looked at each other. I thought for a moment that maybe I won this time, but then he let out a dark menacing chuckle.
"You couldn't be more wrong." He sneered as he stood up. "I'm not power hungry, I'm just watching out for my son. To make myself clear by the way, I've worked my ass off for everything I have, including your mother."
"Unbelievable." I shook my head as he brought her into this. "Not everyone can be perfect and have it easy like Damon and Kaydence Tipton!"
"Easy?" His face twisted with rage. "You really think we had it easy? We had everything going against us right from the fucking start! The world was trying it's hardest to pull us apart! We were both almost killed in the process and now I have to live my life with PTSD which believe it or not, still gets me sometimes! I don't want to hear about how we had it easy, you only think that because we shielded you from all the bullshit we could."
I had clearly struck a nerve. I needed to back down or this would only get worse, so I remained quiet and let him finish.
"We gave each other every reason to leave." My father's face softened. "But we never gave up. None of it was easy, nothing worth fighting for is ever easy."
I remained silent, watching as he walked over to the floor to ceiling windows. He looked outside and I joined his side.
"Son, I know the way you look at Isabelle." His gaze continued to be directed at the window. "You have the same look I have when I look at your mother."
"What do you mean?" I arched my brow curiously.
He turned his attention back to me. "You look like you'd take on the world for her, that you'd rather die than let anything bad happen to her. You love her, I can see that. Isabelle has always had your heart, but you've blown it."
I glanced down at the ground.
There's no denying I've majorly fucked up. However, I still have time to fix everything. She's still in Nashville and I need to use my time wisely.
Which means I need to end the Tunts, tonight.
"Tell me what you're up to." My father's voice grabbed my attention. "Let me help you Sterling, if you want to fix this I can help you in whatever way is necessary."
"No." I shook my head.
I still had a point to prove. This was something I had no intention of budging on. He'll know within the next twenty-four hours what I've done.
"I see." His eyes studied me for a moment. "If that's how you want it to be son, then so be it."
Without another word, I turned around and headed out of his office. If I was going to get this taken care of then I needed to make a few phone calls. I had to move this dinner up and I needed Killian to be on standby for help.
"Sterling." My father called out, causing me to turn around.
"What?" I asked.
"I kept her here a few days longer in hopes you'd come to your senses." He informed me. "But I'm done giving you more time. I'm dead serious when I tell you that you've got forty-eight hours, after that she'll be gone and I'll be keeping you away from her."
I let out a low breath. "I guess I better get busy then."