A Forbidden Love (Eligible Billionaires Book 9) Read Free Page B

you have in mind?”
    “Economic social activism.”
    The corners of Leo’s mouth lifted into a grin. He shook his head. Devon knew that Leo, the brother he was closest to in easygoing personality, was already anticipating the response of the two more reserved and conservative Travati brothers.
    Justin squinted. “What exactly is economic social activism ?”
    “I want to create positive social change through economic investment. Commercial real estate that helps to build community.”
    “You say ‘build community,’” Anthony frowned, “and I hear ‘below market value.’”
    “I need to do something more important than just making money.”
    “Excuse me?” Leo said. He sat back in his chair, his grin growing wide. “Where is my little brother? Who the hell are you?”
    Justin scowled. While Leo might be getting a huge kick out of watching his youngest brother torture Justin and Anthony, Devon realized that he’d lose them if he couldn’t explain what he wanted to do and why he wanted to do it.
    “There’s more to life than simply making money.”
    “Are you kidding?” Justin leaned forward. “The family is growing. This isn’t just about us anymore, it’s about the next generation and the generation after.”
    “I’m not suggesting that we close Travati Financial. Or even change what we’re doing much at all. I’m simply suggesting that we start a division that does more than just create profit. You keep on making your gazillion dollars, and I’ll make investments that turn a profit and do some good for the community.”
    Justin sighed. His internal war showed on his face. Money was the way he kept score.
    “I’m not giving anything away,” Devon said. “I’m looking to invest in businesses that can not only make money, but can also create a positive impact.” He didn’t really know how much he cared about the making money part at this point, but he had to attempt to assuage Justin and Anthony’s concerns if he wanted them to give him a chance.
    “Look.” Justin scrubbed his hand across his jaw. “If you want to run the Travati Foundation, I can talk to Aubrey. With Max leaving for college and the baby, she’s busy, and I’m sure she’d love the help.”
    Devon shook his head. “This isn’t charity work. What I’m talking about is doing business with a bigger social conscience.”
    “You’re totally going to put us out of business, aren’t you?” Leo teased, a wicked smile playing over his lips. “Have the alfalfa sprouts and avocados gone to your head? You’ve become a hippy dippy socialist.”
    “Stop.” Devon smiled, knowing Leo wasn’t serious. “You know that’s not true. All I’m saying is I’m starting something different out here. There’ll be profit, but the margins will be thinner because success won’t be measured by dollars alone.”
    Justin shook his head. “Sounds like a huge risk.” His gaze darted from Leo to Anthony and back to Devon. “I want to support this decision, but I’m not sure we can.”
    Leo shot Justin a look. “What’s the ‘we’ shit?” He cracked his knuckles. “ I’m with him. It’s called loyalty. You two number crunchers remember that word?”
    Both Anthony and Justin paled at Leo’s stern tone. Yes, Devon had shown his loyalty to them by how he conducted himself during the trial. He’d stood alone when he testified and he’d been selective but honest with his words, never dragging his brothers into the scandal. Anthony’s nostrils flared. Now he was asking for just a little support from them in return. Nope, Devon wasn’t making any of his brothers happy by doing so. Except maybe Leo, who had some twisted love of watching the two uptight Travati brothers (as he called them) become uncomfortable.
    “We’re loyal. We’ve had his back since before the trial, and he still has a job,” Anthony shot out.
    Devon’s chest tightened. So that was it. According to at least one of his brothers, he was damaged goods.