“I don’t know. I haven’t seen him. As I said, some of the news and social media has the two of you off together working through your issues.”

“I guarantee that we’re not. I spoke to him and he left.”

“Julia, I need to be honest with you,” Dad said. “This could be it for Wade. And it breaks my heart. I’ve put my heart and soul into this company for you and your mother. I don’t know if we can come back from this downturn. If this buyer isn’t announced and announced as a reassurance to maintaining and helping Wade Pharmaceutical, we’ll be done by the beginning of the year. We can’t meet the balloon payment, and we’ll have no choice but to sell.”

“You don’t have any clue who this buyer was?” I asked.

“Marlin had some ideas, but he couldn’t prove it. He thinks it’s a personal vendetta against our family. Your grandfather was selective when he chose the first investors. Some people wanted in and weren’t offered that option. This could be a personal grudge that has been held since then.”

Marlin was right. It was personal, but Van’s grudge seemed to be more with Marlin Butler than the McGraths. I grinned, thinking about the relationship between Van and one particular McGrath, me. It was definitely friendly.

“I’m not answering my phone,” I said, “but I’ll watch for another secret email if you learn anything.”

“I don’t know how you know what you claim, but if you learn anything more, please call us.”

“I will, Dad.” I took a breath. “I’m sorry about the expense of the wedding.”

“Compared to what we stand to lose, the wedding isn’t my biggest concern. You and Wade are. Wade is our family’s lifeline. I don’t want it to fail.”

“Me either, Dad.”

“Julia, now that I know what Skylar did, I’m proud of you, sweetheart. Kick his ass to the curb.”

“Thanks, Dad.”

After hanging up the call, I sat for a minute in the quiet suite, trying to absorb all the information.

Why hasn’t Mom told Dad where I am or about the job in Ashland?

Why hasn’t she told me what is happening with Wade?

Those questions and more were going through my mind.

While Van’s home was large, I was already getting a feel for the general location of different rooms. Off the main living room toward the south wing, essentially neighboring my suite, was the library, being as the library contained both levels. My thoughts were on Wade Pharmaceutical as I mindlessly made my way back to the library and the information waiting to be deciphered.

As I descended the staircase and headed to the left, I thought about what Van had said he did.

Van said he bought and sold things.