Trophy Wives by Jan Colley

man’s eyes were lit up with guarded pleasure. “When did you start on this?”
    â€œGot the tip-off a month ago.”
    â€œYou’ve been busy.”
    Ethan nodded. “I’m the only player. Clark knows.”
    Magnus eyed him, nodding slowly. “Clark’s a good man.”
    Ethan leaned back in his own seat, folding his arms. “Is it a go?”
    Magnus roused himself. “Your father—” He tapped the file. “He did all the work on this, twenty years ago. Would have clinched it, too, but for the coup.”
    Ethan sighed. The old man read him like a book. “Before my time.”
    He was well aware of the history. Nearly twenty years ago, before this priceless piece of land had been nationalized, there were only two companies in the Pacific large enough to buy the rights to develop the bay into the world’s most exclusive resort. “You also spent millions,” he reminded him. “Lawyers, surveyors, architects…”
    â€œAnd we both lost.”
    â€œHere it is. You don’t want it?”
    â€œHell, yes. It would be the jewel in my crown. I’d be thrilled for you if it wasn’t your father and this island.”
    â€œIt’s business,” Ethan told him stubbornly.
    â€œYou know, Ethan, you only took the job I offered you to rub his nose in it. Else you’d be running his corporation now, instead of mine. He’d welcome you, andit wouldn’t be like working for someone else. You’re his only son. His rightful heir.”
    â€œI’ve earned my money—sufficient, I think—my way.”
    â€œYou’ve done well.” Magnus pursed his mouth thoughtfully. “If you ever decide to call in ownership of all your units at the same time, you’d damn near break me.”
    They smiled at the joke. Magnus had been among the top five Australasians on the rich list for the last decade.
    From the time Ethan had completed his first project for MagnaCorp, he’d deferred the generous bonuses his boss offered in lieu of a down payment on a small portion of land on every project since. Sometimes this took the shape of a unit to be let out, a small piece of beachfront. In one case, he’d purchased the resort golf course.
    â€œI want you to think about this, long and hard. Jackson’s done well these last few years, even if he didn’t do right by you and your mother.”
    â€œMy father doesn’t even feature in my thoughts most of the time. Some families just aren’t that close.”
    â€œYes but his failures made you what you are today,” Magnus insisted. “Forgive him, Ethan. Don’t allow him to leave this world with regrets. You do, and you’ll do the same.”
    Ethan blew out a long breath and leaned toward the table. He picked up the Turtle Island file and saluted his boss with it. “Duly noted. And appreciated. Now, can we get down to business?”
    Magnus grinned. “I swear, I’ve never met anyone as single-minded as you. Loosen up, son. Quit ticking things off that interminable list in your head. Come hunting with us.”
    Ethan shook his head. “Not my idea of fun, old man. I’ll stick around here, enjoy the scenery.”
    A smile nagged the corners of Magnus’s mouth. “Little Miss Lucy does kind of light up a room, even in the middle of nowhere, doesn’t she?” The smile broadened when he saw Ethan’s guarded expression.
    â€œLet me have a go at Turtle Island, Magnus,” he hedged.
    Magnus shook his head ruefully. “All right, son. If you think you can swing Turtle Island without causing an irretrievable break between you and your father, then go for it. I have every faith in you.”
    Ethan slapped the file on the table in elation. “I’ll call Clark now, get the ball rolling.”
    Magnus waved his hand. “Since you’ll be hanging around here, how about doing something for me?