“Have you considered reaching out to Hiram for investment?” I raised my eyebrows, curious to hear his answer. “He’s made quite a name for himself with his casinos. I’d think someone serious about that type of business would seek out the one person in Texas who’s made bank in that sector.”
“Absolutely not,” Maximus said sharply, his smug demeanor faltering for a moment. “He’s my competition, and I have no intention of sharing my success with him.”
“Interesting.” Maximus was far from being a businessman. His response to my questions showed he was trying to play in the big leagues when he was clearly only suited for softball. “Hiram may be known for bending the rules, but he’s undeniably successful. If this is your operation of choice, you should reach out to him.” I paused, studying Maximus’s reaction. “Or are you afraid you can’t control him?”
“Control has nothing to do with it,” Maximus snapped, his eyes narrowing. “This is my business venture, and I’ll choose my partners as I see fit.”
“Fair enough,” I said. Hiram respected me. He might not have the best bedside manner, but he was fully aware of the situation with Castro, and I considered him a current ally. I hadabsolutely no intention of going into competition against him. It simply wasn’t a smart business move.
“Listen, Maximus.” My tone was measured and deliberate. “Let me give you some friendly investment advice. If you want to make this work, you need to be willing to collaborate with those who can bring value to your project, even if that means setting aside your ego. Hiram may be your competition, but he could also be the key to your success.”
“Perhaps,” Maximus muttered, clearly displeased by my suggestion. “But I don’t need Hiram. I’ve got other potential investors lined up.”
“Of course you do.” I smirked. The guy was bluffing. “But remember, you came to me for a reason. You saw something in my empire that you wanted for yourself. Don’t let pride stand in the way of your success.”
Maximus scowled at me, but the defiance in his eyes couldn’t mask the unease that simmered beneath the surface. It was clear that he recognized the truth in my words, even if he didn’t want to admit it.
“Look.” I leaned forward and fixed Maximus with a level stare. “If you agree to bring Hiram onboard, then I’ll consider investing. Your business could be lucrative with the proper funding and backing, but as it stands now, it seems like you’re looking for me to be the largest shareholder. I don’t mind that, as long as I know I’ll get my investment back. In its current state, I don’t feel comfortable investing that sort of money.”
Maximus’s eyes narrowed, his jaw clenching. “You’re making a mistake, Ty.”
I held his gaze, unflinching. “I’ve been doing this since I was a teenager, Maximus. I know business better than most people. I’ve made countless deals for my family, and I can tell a bad one within minutes. As I stated, as it stands, this is not a good deal.”
Before he could respond, a waitress entered the room, her presence providing a brief reprieve from the tension. “Would you gentlemen like to order?”
Maximus seethed, his fury apparent even as he ignored her existence.
I gave her an apologetic smile. “We don’t need anything, thank you.”
She scurried away from the simmering animosity between Maximus and me.
“Really?” Maximus spat, glaring at me. “You insult me and then act like nothing’s happened?”
“Insult you?” I raised an eyebrow. “As a businessman, you should be grateful when someone offers you free advice. Usually, I charge a consultation fee. I’m suggesting that you weigh the pros and cons to see if it’s worth it to forge an alliance with someone who could benefit your business in the long run.”
“Free advice?” He scoffed, shaking his head. “More like sabotage. You’re afraid I’ll show you up, and that I’ll take away your position as a respected businessman. I see right through your fucking façade, Tyson Keller.”
“Is that what you think? That I’m trying to sabotage your plans? No, Maximus. I’m trying to prevent you from making a colossal mistake. If you’re unwilling to work with others, even those you perceive as rivals, then your business will never reach its full potential.”
He clenched his fists, his nostrils flaring as he fought to contain his anger. “You have no idea what you’re talking about, Ty.”
“Maybe not. But when it comes to business, I’ve yet to be proven wrong.”
“Whatever,” he muttered. “Just... get out of here. I’ll call you if I decide to take your ‘advice’.”
“Sounds like a plan.” I rose from my seat, more than eager to get the hell out of there. One more second with Maximus, and I couldn’t trust myself not to punch him square in his arrogant face. I gave him one last measured look, my dominance settling over him like an oppressive fog.
As I turned to leave, Maximus reclined in his seat, a sinister glint in his eyes. “You know, Keller, a real businessman would sell that little mate of yours to the highest bidder, considering what she is.” The corners of his mouth curved into a cruel smile. “I’m sure Liza would fetch a pretty penny. More than enough to cover all my business endeavors, don’t you think?”
A primal growl rumbled in my chest, every muscle in my body tensing as I prepared to launch at him. Bryce, sensing the danger, jumped to his feet and grabbed my shoulders, his grip like iron as he struggled to hold me back.
“Ty, don’t,” he warned, his voice strained with effort. “This isn’t worth it.”
Maximus’s scent filled the air, a nauseating mixture of arrogance and fear. His beta moved to shield him, but the guy was nearly buckling under the weight of my dominance.
“Listen to me, you pathetic excuse for an alpha,” I spat. “If you ever mention Liza’s name again, if you even think about coming near her, I won’t hesitate to tear your head from your body. That’s not a threat, Maximus. It’s a promise.”
“Come on, Keller.” Maximus sneered, attempting to maintain his bravado in front of his goons, despite the trembling of his hands. “There’s no need to get so worked up. We’re all friends here, aren’t we?”
