Faux Vows, True Desires novel Chapter 476

"Maybe Grandpa should come back and take over the company?" Eric suggested, half-jokingly.

"What? No way!" Campbell responded immediately, echoing Eric's concern. "Grandpa's retired and enjoying his golden years. We can't drag him back into this mess. That would be downright disrespectful."

"Alright, you two need to head back home, sit down with your dad, and see if he’s up for a temporary comeback," their mother chimed in, trying to find a solution to the leadership crisis in their family business.

Eric and Campbell exchanged a look of mutual understanding. They knew too well that returning home meant facing the relentless matchmaking attempts of their parents. To suggest that their father return to the company's helm would undoubtedly come with strings attached – likely in the form of an ultimatum to settle down with a wife.

Freedom was far too precious to give up.

With a silent nod, Eric spoke up, "Big bro, Campbell and I will follow your lead on this. But we insist on bringing the rest of the gang into the mix. Everyone except the youngest – they all need to take their turn."

"Even if they're green behind the ears, it's exactly why they need to step up and get some real experience," Campbell added.

So it was settled; from the third sibling onwards, each would take a day in the office, rotating through the week. This way, each month, everyone would only need to clock in a few days of work.

Stefan couldn't help but chuckle at their plan.

Just then, the intercom buzzed.

"Let me get that for you, big bro," Eric said, eager to help.

Stefan nodded, allowing Eric to answer the call.

Moments later, Eric reported back, "Big bro, Owen's here to see you. He’s already in the elevator on his way up."

Stefan frowned slightly. Owen was back from his business trip already? And he wanted to see him first thing?

When did their relationship become so chummy?

"What does Owen want with you?" Eric asked curiously, hanging up the phone.

"Go ask him yourself," Stefan replied, not hiding his irritation.

Eric chuckled, "Word on the street is he's hot on the heels of your sister-in-law's best friend. Our family and the Martinez clan might just become in-laws before you know it."

"We're already 'in-laws' in a sense. Haven't our families been intertwined since Grandpa's days?" Stefan remarked, the sarcasm not lost on Eric.

Their exchange of competitive banter was their own unique way of being 'in-laws.'

Owen, frustrated, shot back, "Just wait, Campbell. One day you'll be coming to Stefan with a woman problem of your own."

But Stefan finally intervened, "Enough, you two. I'll take your suggestions into consideration. Now, give us some space."

Eric and Campbell rose, leaving the office with a parting shot from Eric, "Owen, just make sure you don't set your sights on my big bro, alright?"

Once they were alone, Stefan turned to Owen, ready to hear what was so important that it couldn't wait.

"I'm not one for the whole 'love 'em and leave 'em' lifestyle, you know? Just the idea of dealing with one spouse is headache enough, let alone juggling multiple lovers on the side. Besides, our family values loyalty. Cheating? That's not on the menu."

Eric was a steadfast bachelor at heart.

In any case, he wasn't even entertaining the thought of marriage - at least not in the near future.

Sure, he'd sometimes catch a glimpse of his older brothers, all cozy and content in their marriages, and feel a pang of envy. But tying the knot? That wasn't something you could force or settle for. Since he hadn't felt that spark with anyone yet, he decided to let the chips fall where they may when it came to wedded bliss.

In the office, after the younger brothers had left, Stefan turned to Owen and said, "Hey man, make yourself at home. Grab a seat, pour yourself a drink if you're parched. I've got a ton on my plate, so if you've got something to say, make it snappy. Don't waste my time, or I'll start charging you consultancy fees."

Owen plopped down into the chair Eric had just vacated, looking at Stefan with a hesitance that suggested he had something to say but was holding back.