Oh no. Approaching them, I rein in my own agitation. ‘So, how are things in the ecommerce industry? Thriving, I hope?’ I hear Dad ask, inevitably, his smile fixed in place as he appraises Jason, as if measuring him up. Why does he do that? Make it so obvious he doesn’t rate him?

Jason takes a breath, visibly quashing his annoyance. ‘Not exactly thriving, no,’ he says, with a tight smile, ‘but we’re ticking along.’

That won’t impress my father. I can’t help but feel angry for Jason. He mentioned only this morning that the new software interface he’s designed, and as good as sold to a major overseas client, has hit a major glitch. Having just two employees, and only one as skilled as he is, he said he’ll need to get someone else on board if he’s to have any hope of staying ahead of the game. With a major cashflow problem, though, that isn’t going to be possible any time soon.

‘I wish you’d reconsider approaching my father for a business loan, Jason,’ I ventured, busying myself with the kids’ sandwiches rather than meet his gaze, which I knew would be incredulous. Our last discussion on the subject had ended badly. Jason had flatly refused to entertain the idea. ‘I mean, he wouldn’t be doing you any favours, would he? It’s not as if it’s a personal loan. He’d be investing in the company, so…’ I hurried on, hoping he would relent.

‘Investing? Jesus…’ Jason almost spat out his coffee. ‘Have you any idea what you’re asking? He’d be breathing down my neck 24/7, trying to control everything. Then there’s Rachel and Mark to consider. They’re not going to want to work for someone like him. No, I’m sorry; I can’t do it, Karla. You know I can’t. There’s no way I’m going to be indebted further to him. I’d rather go bust than let Robert ruthless fucking Fenton anywhere near my company.’