"He’s definitely a chip off the ol’ block," I manage.
I must have said the right thing, for Nathan nods his head with enthusiasm. "That’s what my wife says."
"Uncle James, did you bring me a gift?" An imperious voice asks.
I look down to find Freya staring up at me. Today, she obviously dressed up for this party. She’s in a black skirt, black stockings, and black blouse. She has her hair in two pigtails. And with her dark eyeshadow and lipstick she’s a dead ringer for Wednesday Addams, which is slightly creepy, if I’m being honest.
"Was I supposed to bring you a present?"
She sniffs. "If you want to be in my good graces."
"I promise, I’ll get you one next time." I deliver a salute in her direction.
"Make sure you don’t forget." She turns her gaze on Nathan.
"And you are?" Her voice could cut ice with its sharp edge.
Nathan’s lips twitch, but he steadies his expression and holds out his hand." Nathan Davenport."
"The CEO of the Davenport Group." She nods. "Your upcoming merger is ill-advised."
His jaw drops.
So does mine.
He recovers enough to cough out, "Excuse me?"
"You're paying too much for the infrastructure. The real value is in the proprietary tech, which is currently undergoing a litigation review you clearly overlooked."
"Uh?" He looks like he’s swallowed a bug. A myriad of expressions passes over his features. Then he nods slowly. "I’ll take another look at the details before I sign off on it."
"Good.”
He looks at her with curiosity. "Where did you read the details of the merger?"
"In the Financial Times, of course." She looks at him with an expression that implies the answer was self-evident.
He lowers his chin. "You’re an impressive young lady. When you’re old enough to intern, make sure you look me up."
"Actually, I’d rather intern with Uncle James." She turns to me.
"With me?" I’m taken aback.
Her eyes shine. "I love the complexity of putting together all the flavors related to creating a dish that tickles the palate and satisfies the senses. I believe working in the pressure cooker environment of a professional kitchen will help me in becoming a well-rounded artist." She nods.
What the fuck? How does this kid know all this when she’s only ten?
I’m sure she gets bullied at school the way kids who’re different in any way tend to. I’m glad Harper is using some of the money from our agreement to pay for her to study at the Royal Drawing School.
The trust fund I’ve started for her seems doubly important.
I’m going to make sure her genius is nurtured. That she gets all the opportunities she deserves. Anyone who messes with her will have to contend with me first.
The vehemence of my thoughts takes me by surprise. But isn’t that what anyone in my position would do? Wouldn’t they want to protect someone who’s as much of a genius as this little girl?
"Freya, it’s dinnertime," Briar calls out from across the room.
Margot arranged for her housekeeper to take care of Freya so that Briar can eat with the adults.
