I sighed. The man spoke sense, but we were running out of options. “Keep digging. I want whatever you can get, just in case.”

“On it, boss.”

“Thanks. I appreciate you taking the time. I know you’re busy.”

He straightened, all traces of humor vanishing from his face. “I’m never too busy to help the guy who gave me a second chance.”

“You don’t owe me anything,” I reminded him, but he narrowed his eyes and shook his head, dismissing my words. “Let me know if you find anything big.”

I nodded and returned to my office. If my instincts were right, shit was about to hit the fan. I shut the door behind me and locked it so nobody could interrupt then dragged my chair over to sit near Willow.

“I have to ask you something, and I need you to be honest with me,” I said.

She turned her chair to face me and curled her hands together on her lap. “Okay. I’m listening.”

“Good.” I studied her closely so I could see any micro-expressions that might flicker over her features. “I know it hasn’t been a month, but can you see the difference between how I run this company and how Tom runs Lennox Securities?”

Her mouth tightened, but she nodded. We were off to a solid start.

My palms sweated, and I wiped them on my trousers, surprised by how anxious I was to hear the answers to my next two questions.

“Which approach do you think is more like Frank’s—his or mine?”

“Yours,” she whispered.

Her answer soothed something inside me. “Look at me.”

Her eyes locked on mine, allowing me to read every doubt and fear she had. She didn’t try to keep them from me. “Does this mean you want to go ahead with the takeover?”

“Do you trust me?”

She inhaled sharply, and my heart battered my rib cage while I awaited her reply. Her lips parted, and her eyes searched mine. “I do.”

I released the lungful of air I’d been holding. Thank God. I didn’t know what I’d have done if she’d answered in the negative. “Then I’ll offer to pay whatever debts your brother owes in return for full ownership of the company—or at least anything he hasn’t already given up. Not because I think Tom deserves to lose everything, but because I want to preserve your father’s memory and protect you. That’s all I’ve ever wanted. Tom is ruining his reputation bit by bit and you know it.”

She sighed, unsurprised by my comment. She knew her brother wasn’t a good businessman. I think she’d always known, but loyalty to the Lennox name had prevented her from doing anything about it. “Honestly, Tom doesn’t deserve the company. He is willing to give it away to one of Dad’s oldest rivals. I’d rather you have control than Petrov.”

“So, you’re okay with the plan?” I asked, wanting to make sure we were completely clear.

She drew in a shaky breath and nodded. “Tom has lost all rights to Lennox Securities. You have my blessing.”