I’m grateful. I never expected them to reward me like this. I was prepared to negotiate a payment plan tobuy the stake. The full twenty percent stake. And that’s why this is bittersweet.
For fuck’s sake, can’t I just get one win? Because while I’m happy and proud that this one comes on merit, it also feels like a consolation prize.
“But?” Of course, Corm picks up on my conflicting mood.
“I would like to buy the other fifteen percent.” I don’t waver; I hold his gaze, lifting my chin.
The jerk of his eyebrows is subtle. Really? I told him I wanted to buy in months ago, so why is he surprised?
“You can afford them?”
I open my mouth, ready to list the reasons why he should let me in, but his question throws me off.
I blink. He frowns, and suddenly looks like a concerned older brother, not my boss or future business partner.
His question was the last thing on my negotiation list. After I’d made my point and they’d agreed that I’m the best option for partnership. Not this early on.
“Yes,” I lie. I will figure out where to get the money later.
If he’s surprised this time, he doesn’t show it. He studies me for a moment and I hold my posture, even though I’m ready to fold. That is something I allow myself only in the privacy of my own home.
“I see. Okay. While you’re an invaluable asset, you lack the experience.”
I open my mouth to offer carefully crafted counterpoints I prepared over the past few weeks, but he shuts me up with his signature scowl.
“Roxy, Liam Stone is here because he’s interested in buying in.”
Of course he is. The defeat takes root, churning my stomach, and suddenly, the fatigue wins. What was I thinking? I stand up. “I’ll show him the office.”
“Not so fast. Sit down.” Corm gestures to the chair, and I obey. “None of us knows Liam, so we offered him a three-month contract to prove himself. I’m happy to extend that opportunity to you as well.”
I frown. “You want us to compete for the partnership?”
Corm smirks, nodding. “If you decide to make it a competition, that’s fine by me.”
I think about all the business experience Liam already has as one of the Stones, and how unfair this is because I have none of that. But a lack of fairness has never stopped me. In fact, it’s been my driving force.
“How will you evaluate this?” I fold my arms, challenging him. “By the profit we bring in?”
He shrugs. “Sure. But more important than that would be client satisfaction and just a general ability tofit in. There you already have an advantage. We know you fit.”
We know you fit.
I stand with renewed determination. “Thank you. I will get Cal to brief me tomorrow.”
He gives me a curt nod. “Haven’t you forgotten something?”
Fucking Pascal. Such an oversight to offer that upfront. Stupid vodka soda. His number was my leverage. “Have I?”
“Roxy, you blackmailed me into this meeting, but let’s not forget I can still fire you.”
This is not the first time Corm has threatened my job here. It worked the first few times, but by now, we both know it’s an empty threat.
I flip my tablet case open and send him the number. And before I leave his office, I vow it will also be the last time he threatens me.
When I’m a partner, he won’t dare.
For some reason that feels like a victory, and I smile before I face the man who can take it all away from me.
