Part of this is my fault. I didn't hold up my end of the bargain. I ran out on Sebastian, and no matter what he was going to do or not, I was the one who left. I'm part of the reason he lost his dream. And I know how much I want my dream to happen with my cupcake franchise. So Sebastian's no different.

Plus, Melanie told me he wasn't thinking about a loophole anymore. Part of me wants to believe it because I thought I could see how much he had changed during our time together. But he's already made a fool out of me. I'm not looking to do it twice, so I need to stay away from him.

Regardless, I pick up the phone and dial his dad.

He answers in his gruff voice, "Jacob Cartwright."

I take a deep breath. "Jacob, this is Georgia."

Silence fills the air.

"Hello?" I ask.

He recovers, softening his tone. "Georgia. How are you doing, sweetheart?"

I smile, blinking hard again, trying to hold down the emotions. "I'm good. How are you?"

"Id be better if my son wasn't such a moron," he declares.

I softly laugh. "Yeah. I guess we're all morons sometimes. Right?"

Jacob doesn't answer me. He finally asks, "To what do I owe the pleasure of this call, Georgia?"

I muster all my courage and assert, "No one's more capable of running your corporation than Sebastian."

"Did he put you up to this?" Jacob questions.

I talk fast, informing him, "No, I haven't talked to him. I had breakfast with Ruby and Evelyn, and they told me that you were trying to make Alexander the CEO. And I know Alexander doesn't want the role. Plus, I've seen Sebastian in action. He's brilliant. He knows everything about your company. And he has all the relationships. Everybody respects him. He can negotiate better than anyone I've ever met."

Jacob grunts. "I don't know. I heard you're a pretty amazing negotiator."

Embarrassment floods me, but I also know he means it as a compliment. "Maybe so, but I know Sebastian deserves to be your CEO."

More silence fills the air.

My stomach twists. I add, "Please don't hold what happened between Sebastian and me against him."

Jacob finally answers, "Georgia, I'll take your words under advisement, but I can't give you an answer right now. I'm not happy with how my son has acted. And character is a big thing in our family, as you know."

I lift my chin. "Yes, I know, sir. However, I was part of this too."

"I can assure you, Georgia, that not one part of this is your fault."

I don't like how everyone keeps claiming I'm not at fault, because I am. It's not fair to only blame Sebastian.

When I don't say anything, Jacob inquires, "Will we see you on Christmas?"