There was a pause. My father cleared his throat. “Well… maybe there was some miscommunication. But we can’t let this poison such an important business partnership.”

Nathan never raised his voice. “The partnership isn’t happening.”

My father’s silence was louder than any shout. “Excuse me?”

“Cole Hospitality Group will not be signing with Whitmore Construction.”

“You can’t make that decision over a family disagreement.”

“I didn’t make it because of a family disagreement. I confirmed it because of a lack of ethics.”