“I have done nothing of the sort,” she said coolly.
“That’s not what Winifred thinks,” he said with a shrug. “In fact, she’s rather torn up about it, poor thing.”
Alex stepped closer and pointed her finger directly against his chest. “You’relying.”
He merely raised an eyebrow. “Are you certain of that?”
Alex pursed her lips. She wasn’t, actually. But given their past, it was a reasonable assumption. “What do you want?”
“I’ve been trying to arrange to meet with Lucien again, but the lad’s been rather evasive. I can’t help but think you’ve put him off me.”
“I absolutely have not.” That, at least, was true. “Perhapsyouneed to make him a better offer.”
Benjamin seemed to consider this, then shook his head. “Hmm. No, I don’t think so. Actually, I think he should accept my new offer. Unfortunately for him, it isn’t as good as my original offer.But it does come with the assurance that I won’t ruin his reputation and yours by spreading some rather nasty rumors.”
Alex didn’t know why she was so shocked. She should have anticipated something like this since the moment he appeared in the LaSalles’ salon.
“You’re threatening to blackmail meagain?” She let out a bitter laugh. “I thought you would have come up with something better by now.”
Benjamin raised his hands up in a helpless gesture. “I stick with what works. And this approach has served me well in the past.”
Alex gritted her teeth against the knowing look he gave her. She wasn’t sure what angered her more: that she was being swindled by this man yet again, or that the whole of society was convinced he possessed some kind of unparalleled business acumen. Though perhaps having absolutely no moralswasthe best way to get ahead.
“Why are you really back? Did something happen in New York?”
Benjamin flicked a glance at his nails, as if the question was terribly boring. “Oh, the usual. A few bad investments. A lean year in returns. A failed romance and a very irate husband,” he added with a sly look.
Alex rolled her eyes. “And now you need money.”
Then he met her gaze. “I need a guaranteed success. Quickly.”
“And you came to me of all people?”
He tilted his head, considering her. “You have good instincts. When it comes to business, at least. And besides, you owe me.”
“I absolutely donot,” she huffed.
His eyes narrowed. “We would have been married for years by now if you hadn’t been so stubborn.”
Alex couldn’t hold back the incredulous laugh at the thought. “You are making a very big leap there, Benjamin.”
“Then give me this and I won’t do something worse,” he said. “Like go after your company.”
Alex’s breath caught. “You wouldn’t.”
“Only if I have to,” he murmured.
A heavy weight seemed to crash over her then and she let out a sigh. She was so bloodytiredof dealing with people like him. But what choice did she have?
On impulse Alex grasped his hands. “Will you promise to make a success of him?”
She had never pleaded with anyone before. At least, not since she was a child begging Lucien’s mother for one more slice of cake. That she was now doing it on behalf of the same woman’s son was not lost on her. “Please, Ben,” she whispered. “If you ever cared for me, even just a little.”
He frowned and for a brief moment she caught a glimpse of something that looked very much like concern. “Of course.” He then pulled his hands from her grip and smoothed his cuffs. “That’s the best way to make real money anyway. And itisa good idea.” He paused and gave her a considering look. “Frankly, I’m surprised you didn’t want to invest in it yourself.”
She let out a little huff. “I don’t want to go into the food business.”
“Why not? I know you helped with that proposal. It has your mark all over it. And your ideas were sound. Inspired, even,” he added reluctantly. “You can’t tell me you’re happy sitting in an office marking up other people’s ideas all day.”
