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I raise my brow, cocking my head to the side while waiting for a proper explanation.
“Be the man she fell in love with. The one who got on her nerves, the playboy who made her jealous with his flirtatious behavior. But most of all, be the man she can’t stop thinking about.”
Ava spelled it out in black and white. Basically, I need to live my life as normal, be the old Will she was accustomed to because the simplest of reminders is what will trigger Amelia.
“Back to next weekend,” Ava reminds me, “still a no?”
“I can’t sorry, but I know you’ll show my dad a good time. You’re the daughter he never had. You’re the only one who encourages his behavior.”
Ava laughs, leaning in for a hug. “I’ll take it all as a compliment. But if you change your mind about next weekend, you have my number.”
I force another smile though barely able to concentrate. Everything surrounding me is out of my comfort zone. Traveling abroad is not unusual for me, and over the years, I’ve learned about different cultures and adjusted my habits when visiting a foreign country.
This time it all feels different.
I have traveled to Asia numerous times, so it isn’t out of the ordinary. Yet I have been in Hong Kong for less than a day and already missed the States. I even flew in a day earlier than expected hoping to achieve what I needed to then make a quick departure.
The chairman, Mr. Lau, and his board of directors are all accommodating though the language barrier makes it challenging at times. Our conversations are slower paced, and I am aware at all times of making sure my behavior is culturally acceptable.
It hasn’t stopped my patience wearing thin, especially since I know everyone is on the way to the Hamptons as we speak.
And someone will be there without a fiancé in tow.
As the minutes passed, the discussion grows more serious. My confidence begins to soar, certain our company has this locked in. Lau and his posse are almost in agreeance. That is until we start to talk numbers.
I inform Lau of our bid, knowing it is higher than the other tech giants fighting for this new online platform.
“With all due respect, Mr. Lau, Rockford Technology can make this platform become more than just another social media site. Our plans to grow this far exceed anything we’ve ever done before,” I tell him confidently. “I will give you time to consider my offer. But you and I both know no other company can offer you what we’re offering.”
I rise from my chair, rude of me, I know, but my head is elsewhere, and nothing else in the world matters right now.
Not even this two-billion-dollar takeover.
“Romano,” Lau calls, prompting me to focus my attention back onto him. “The deal is yours.”
I nod, rejoicing in the inside but keeping my expression to a bare minimum. When it came to business, you never fist-pumped openly. Feelings are suppressed, and despite the high price tag attached to this takeover, this is a monumental step for our future growth.
“On one condition…” Lau continues while tapping his fingers against the wood grain table. “We want Lexed also.”
“Lexed?” I question, raising my brow at his absurd proposition. “Why?”
Mr. Lau leans back into his chair, jutting his chin with a hard smile. “We only do business with the best. You get Edwards on board, and it’s all yours.”
“I can’t do that.”
“I’m not understanding why? He helped in establishing your company. Invested in the European division. Surely, he would see the value in this takeover?”
What the hell am I supposed to say to this old fucker? Lex won’t talk to me after I fucked his daughter and betrayed him. I highly doubt he will agree to this, and frankly, I don’t need him or his capital. We can fund this on our own.
“I need time,” is all I say.
“I’ll give you time, Romano, but first thing Monday morning, I want an answer.”
My hands clench into fists, frustrated it has come to this, but with a polite nod, I exit the room and get the hell out of here.
Outside the building, the driver is waiting. I demand he take me straight to the airport, and during the car ride, I organize my jet back to the States.
It’s a fifteen-hour flight back home, giving me ample time to think about my next move both personally and professionally. But then on a whim, I stop overthinking and text Ava, who sends a text back with the address and a thousand unnecessary emojis.
