Page 168 of Secret Heir For The Billionaire Twin

I stare at her.

“You interviewed both brothers,” Claire continues.

“You had access to their New York headquarters, Boston operations, European leadership, family archives. You spent time inside the organization before the antitrust investigation broke. Nobody else on staff has that.”

“Daniel can learn the history.”

“This isn’t only about history,” Mark says.

“It’s about access and context.”

I shake my head. “I’m not doing it.”

Neither of them answers immediately. Claire reaches for the packet and turns it so it faces me properly.

“I’m not going to force you.”

“Good.”

“But I am going to ask you to think about it.”

I meet her eyes.

“Claire, my answer is no.”

“I heard you.”

“Then why are we still discussing it?”

“Because this could be one of the most important pieces of your career,” she says plainly.

“Not because Blackwell is rich. Not because Julian Blackwell is famous. Because they’re opening material they’ve kept closed for years, and we’re getting access to a company that spent the better part of a decade controlling every word that left the building.”

I glance at the packet again.

Claire continues, “You know how to report institutions like this. You know how to sit across from people who are used to controlling the room and make them answer the question anyway. That’s why I’m asking.”

“I said no.”

“I know you did.”

Mark rises from his chair, apparently deciding Claire can handle the rest.

“We don’t need an answer today.”

“You already have one,” I tell him.

Mark gives me a measured look but doesn’t argue.

“Then take the packet and confirm it tomorrow.”

He leaves the conference room.

I look at Claire.

“That was subtle.”

“He’s trying.”