Read Online Crown Jewel by Fern Michaels - Free Book Online

inheritance. Why do you suppose that is?”
    â€œBecause he controls the money. He calls the shots. I’ve seen all his movies. He’s hot box office. I’m not sure he told us the truth about everything. I saw a profile of him once on A&E. He admitted to being wild in his youth, but he’s a poster boy for good behavior now. Actually, for a long time now. I didn’t know I had an uncle, did you?” Tyler asked. He fiddled with his napkin, his gaze riveted on his half brother.
    â€œNo, I didn’t know. I think our father is one of those guys who’s a control freak. It’s going to be his way or the highway. It’s his show, so we accept it going in. I think I’m going to go for it but only for a few months. If it doesn’t work, for him or me, I walk, and there’s no hard feelings. Four times the money I’m making now sounds real good. What are your feelings, Tyler?”
    â€œNot quite the same as yours. He did provide for us, so we have to give him an A for that,” Tyler said grudgingly. “He’s right about us having a good life. I screwed up, though. I’ve never been to the islands, as he calls them. Hell, I’ve never really been anywhere except Florida, Pennsylvania, and home. My mother isn’t crazy about me going with him, but she said the decision is mine. She got married, and she isn’t really interested in me. Sometimes she pretends, but I can see through it. I hate her husband. How about you?”
    Max nodded. “My grandparents pretty much raised me while my mother did the looking-for-myself game. She’s got a lifestyle that doesn’t include a grown kid. It didn’t include a little kid either. She turned all the money over to my grandparents. As far as I know, she never kept a penny. Yeah, I had a decent life with no complaints. I’m going back home to pack up. I just signed a three-year lease on a condo. I’ll have to put my stuff in storage and drive my car to my grandparents and leave it there. I think I’m on the hook for the lease, though.”
    â€œWake up, Bro. Let old Ricky take care of it. That’s what corporations do when they move employees. They pay for everything. This is no different. I’m going to take my inheritance and call it a day. The hell with him,” Tyler said, his gaze on the shimmering blue water in the pool. “I hear a car. He must be home. Nice meeting you, Max.” Tyler’s hand shot forward. Max grasped it.
    Ricky walked out to the terrace. He stared down at the pool area. His sons were sitting in the same chairs, in the same position he’d left them in. He joined them.
    â€œWhat’s it going to be?”
    â€œI’m in.” Max held up his hand. “Tyler’s out. I want to try it for a few months. How does three months sound? If it doesn’t work for me, no hard feelings. You okay with that?”
    Was he? It was the best he was going to get, and he knew it. He nodded, struggling not to show his disappointment where Tyler was concerned.
    â€œThen we’ll get dressed and head for the airport. Tell me where to report in, and I’ll be there,” Max said.
    Ricky looked at his sons, and said, “I wish you could stay longer.”
    â€œWe have jobs,” Tyler said succinctly. “My boss doesn’t care if you’re a movie star or not. I’m speaking strictly for myself, not my half brother Max. A brother I didn’t even know I had until this morning.” This last was said in a hate-filled voice. It did not go unnoticed by Ricky or Max.
    Ricky cleared his throat and turned to Max. “Why don’t you take a week to make whatever arrangements you need for this transition. I’ll overnight your plane tickets and have someone pick you up at the airport on your arrival on Antigua a week from today. One more thing—if you have baggage, leave it behind. By baggage, I mean girlfriends. Cut them