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But now that he wasso close, all the dormant truths and unspoken sentiments were clamoring to escape. Things I was forbidden to admit. Truths that were kept back so that our current reality could continue.
After so many years protecting these truths behind the bars of my heart, I couldn’t remember whose reality would come crashing down if they were revealed: mine or his.
“I came to learn more about this property and make an offer.” Axel slid a piece of paper toward Allan and Frank. “It’s exactly what my organization has been searching for.”
My father sniffed, eyes on the paper, a corner of his lip curled up. “We’re entertaining multiple offers on this property right now.”
“We’re prepared to offer you a full million over the asking price,” Axel went on, unfazed. His hand dropped to his dog’s head, starting a lazy stroke between his ears. “Zero and I, that is.”
“Is Zero your dog, Mr. Fairchild?” Robert asked with a little smirk.
“I consider him more like a brother,” Axel said.
Eli’s smirk turned lethal. “Because you’re just a pack of dogs over there at Fairchild Wealth, aren’t you?”
Axel looked down at Zero. “Did you hear something, boy? Sounded like an insufferable little whining noise.” Axel tutted, squinting as he looked around the room, pretending like he was searching for something. “Must have been a mosquito.”
“Jesus Christ,” Eli muttered. “Listen,Wheel Axle,if you’re going to treat me like, that you can get the fuck out of my board room right now.”
“Gentlemen,” I snapped, looking between Eli and Axel. “Please, let’s hear more about the offer. I think it would behoove us to know as much as possible.” I sent a small smile to Axel, but his eyes were on Zero. Eli sent me a prickly glare.
Axel cleared his throat, settling back into the chair with a curious little smile. He focused in on my father. “If you’d prefer cash, I can arrange for that by tomorrow. And if you’re strapped, I can make a down payment today. You tell me how much. A couple hundred G’s, at your office door by…” He checked his watch. “Five p.m. That’ll give you a nice little cushion until the rest transfers tomorrow.”
“There’s no need to send such a payment,” Frank said. “In fact, board protocol requires that there be no acts of bribery—”
“Oh, no, there’s no bribery,” Axel said. “I just wasn’t sure of your financial solvency. Maybe Margulis Enterprises needs some liquidity. I’m prepared to assist if that’s the case.”
“There’s no need to concern yourself with our financial solvency,” my father said, enunciating each word with a particular breed of disdain. “Make your offer and leave.”
“One point five million over asking price. And as an added bonus, I’ll use my real name the next time I come to your office building,” Axel said with a finger gun toward my father.
If my father weren’t so utterly disgusted right now, I would have laughed. Because beneath how horrifying and anxiety-inducing this situation was, it was also hilarious. Even I could admit that, between the heart palpitations.
Axel Fairchild had a way of pushing buttons, but in a charming way. Depending on who you were, of course.
“Can we get that in writing?” Frank asked, peering over the frame of his bifocals.
“My assistant will send it over. The offer will be contingent on viewing the building and the usual inspections, of course.” Axel’s grin widened to maniacal grade. I’d seen every version of his smile. I was uniquely qualified to comment on the ins and outs of this man, even after so many years apart. We’d spent three blissful years together, from junior year of college almost through grad school. He’d asked me to marry him. I’d said yes.
And then the tsunami of tears and devastation arrived.
“That should be easy enough to arrange. Someone will reach out to you to schedule a showing. And I think that concludes our meeting,” Robert said, looking over at my father for confirmation. “The board appreciates your offer.”
“Zero and I appreciate your wonderful hospitality,” Axel said, coming to his feet. Zero rose as well, grumbling slightly at the disturbance. “Let me just reiterate what a joy it is to see you again, Allan. Absolutely wonderful. You were always so kind and supportive to me.”
The sarcasm was so thick everyone in the room nearly choked on it. I pressed two fingers to my temple, fighting not to react. But dammit, Axel made it hard. Eli rolled his eyes, letting out a disbelieving laugh. Frank lifted a brow, turning to look at Allan.
“Did you know that?” Axel pointed at Frank and Robert. “This man is a selfless gem. An absolute paragon of generosity.”
“Get out,” Allan spat.
“Your meeting with the board has concluded, dummy,” Eli added. “Go on now. Skedaddle.” He flicked his hand dismissively toward the door.
But this time, Axel’s gaze swept our way, raking over Eli and me with such force it took my breath away. His gaze doubled as a fist to the cheek, and I deserved it.
Because after Axel had asked me to marry him, I’d married Eli instead.
“Don’t get me started onthisguy,” Axel went on, his voice full ofostentatious douchebag.“This fucking peach right here.” He tutted and cocked his head, and Zero followed him to the door. “I’ll be eagerly awaiting your response.”
