Chapter 92 - ninety two
Chapter Ninety-Two
Malachi’s POV
After breakfast, Pa Wood summoned us to his study. The us in question being me, Mario, Travis, Tom, and Pa Wood himself. The power players of the Blackwood family. Or what was left of them.
The study felt smaller with all of us in it. Tension made the air thick, suffocating. Travis sat slumped in a chair near the window, looking like he wished he could disappear. Mario stood near the fireplace, his earlier confidence from breakfast restored now that we were away from the women. Tom took position by Pa Wood’s desk, arms crossed. And I remained near the door, watching. Calculating.
Pa Wood sat behind his massive desk, his fingers steepled in front of him. The disappointment radiating off him was palpable.
"Travis," father said, breaking the heavy silence. His voice was cold. Cutting. "I’m so disappointed in you."
Travis flinched but said nothing.
"I’ve been in China building our operations there," Tom continued. "Securing relationships. Expanding our reach. Working to ensure this family’s future. And while I’m doing that, you’re here stealing from us. Gambling away company funds. Destroying everything we’ve built."
Growing up, I never saw any of my parents around. It was just me, Travis, and pa wood in this large mansion that felt more like a grave of souls.
"I didn’t mean—" Travis started.
"You didn’t mean to?" Tom’s voice rose. "You didn’t mean to steal three million dollars? You didn’t mean to hide it for years? You didn’t mean to embarrass this family in front of everyone who matters?"
Travis looked at the floor. "I’m sorry."