Melvin cleared his throat. “Since I have you on the phone, aren’t you about ready to purchase more shares?”
“Yes. Waiting on my commission. I’ll drop the check by your office next week.”
“This will put you at twenty-two percent, won’t it?”
“Yes,” she said. “The day I finally own fifty-one percent, I’ll be too old to care.”
“You know my motto.”
“Uh-huh. Slow and steady.” She dropped into her chair.
“In December, we’ll provide Francesco’s Board with your revitalization plan and request you be added to their January meeting docket. Twenty-two percent should entitle you to a seat on their board, but nothing is guaranteed. Until then, stealth, Brigit, stealth!”
She hung up and tried to concentrate on work, but a sea of meaningless numbers blurred together on her monitor. As of late she’d been restless, but she always felt that way before purchasing Francesco stock. Meeting Mitus only exacerbated her anxiety. She blinked and clicked on a different screen.Melvin’s right. Stay away from Colton Mitus.
Fifteen minutes later, her phone rang. This can’t be good. “Yes, Kaleb.”
“Seth wants to speak with you.”
“Is he alone?”
“Yes.”
She hung up and marched toward his office.
“Go in.” Kaleb smirked. “This time he’s expecting you.”
Seth sat at his conference table, his clasped hands resting on the polished wood. He’d removed his suit jacket and rolled up his sleeves. “You want to explain yourself, please.”
She clutched the back of the chair like a life preserver. “Why did Colton Mitus pay you a visit? Doesn’t he use private wealth managers?”
“His portfolio hasn’t been managed in months and he’s taking colossal hits. He’s considering moving his wealth to our firm. You love the challenge of portfolios in distress, so I recommended you. For some unknown reason, you seem to have quite a problem with this.”
Maybe my secret is safe.She relaxed her white-knuckled grip on the leather. “Taking him on as a client is out of the question. He’s ruthless, cocky, arrogant, self-serving. The list is long. Should I continue?”
As Seth’s eyebrows flew up, his light gray eyes grew wide. “I’ve known him for years and he’s none of those things. He’s brilliant and one of the most respected businessmen in the metro area, not to mention a great guy. Before you dismiss this outright, consider the advantages.”
“From my perspective, there are none.”
“You’d learn a hell of a lot and I’m confident he’d make you a lucrative offer. Imagine managing one client’s massive portfolio, with a solid opportunity to increase your earnings.” He smiled warmly. “Maybe I’ll throw my hat into the ring.”
She breathed, then pulled out the cushy leather chair and plunked down across from him. “You do know your Jedi mind tricks don’t work on me.”
He chuckled. “C’mon, Brigit, just have a conversation with him.”
“I’ve heard he’s demanding and difficult.”
“He’s a driven and determined entrepreneur. That’s what makes him so successful.”
“I’m going to pass, Seth.”
“Five years ago, I took a chance on you.” Seth removed his glasses. “Every newbie I’ve ever hired paid their dues elsewhere. Everyone, but you. Yes, you graduated with distinction from Wharton, but you had no wealth management experience. You told me financial peace of mind mattered and you wanted to make a positive difference for your clients. The majority of my team is in it for the paycheck. I believed in you, so I hired you, handed you one of the firm’s key accounts and mentored your career.”
She eyed him across his desk. “And how’d that work out for you?”
“Dammit, why are you being so stubborn?” His hands flew out, palms up. “I’m asking you to talk to him, for crying out loud, not marry him!”
He’s not backing down.“Several excellent brokers on your staff would jump at this opportunity. Why me?”
