CH.74

I found Robert nursing a cup of coffee at a secluded corner booth, looking utterly distraught and miserable.

My heart clenched at the sight of my normally vibrant younger brother in such a state. "Oh Rob, what's the matter?" I asked softly, sliding into the seat across from him.

He blew out a frustrated breath and stared dejectedly down into his mug. "You know how much I want to do music, Lav. How I've never had any desire to work for Dad's precious company like he's always wanted..."

Robert's voice was thick with barely contained emotion. "Well, I finally worked up the courage to tell him that once and for all. And he just...he absolutely lost his freaking mind when I said I'm not going to join the family business."

My heart sank, knowing all too well how viciously our hot-tempered father could lash out when angered.

I reached across the table to give Robert's hand a comforting squeeze. "I'm so sorry you had to go through that, Rob. You know Dad can be a real asshole sometime