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“You took too long. I have a busy day.”
“Yes, Maddison, you do. But keep in mind, once we get in those elevators, there’s no turning back.”
“I told you to stop saying that. We’re doing this. I’ll be fine. You’ll be fine. We’re going to be great. Maddy will be very impressed.”
“Okay then, don’t forget you’ve met him many times before, so greet him like you’re old friends.”
“But I can’t talk.”
“Choke out a hello to start. He’ll take your hand and kiss it. Smile pretty for him.”
She nodded sharply, and they boarded the elevator, but when the doors opened at Antonio’s office, her stomach plummeted.
“You’ve got this,” Will whispered in her ear.
She swallowed hard. Throwing up would not be good. “Sure.” She reached for his hand, squeezing his fingers.
He pulled out of her grip. “That’s him. Don’t forget to smile.”
She beamed as a tall man bounded toward them.
“Maddison,” Tony said, reaching for her hand, which he kissed, then said, “It’s so wonderful to see you again.” He kept hold of her fingers and lifted her arm out to the side so he could look at her from head to toe. “You look amazing. When Will said you weren’t able to meet with me as planned, I was devastated at missing an opportunity to spend time with you. But mostly, I was worried for your health. Are you well?”
“Antonio,” she croaked. “You must—” She cleared her throat. “My voice.”
“Oh my. So there is a problem. Just your voice? Or is it is something more?”
She smiled and shook her head, then tapped her throat. “Just this.”
“Well that explains it. Please, why don’t you both join me in my office.”
Tony took Charlotte’s arm and wrapped it around his own as he led her into his office, where two armed men stood at attention.
“At ease, gentleman,” he said to them, then led Charlotte to the nearest chair. “Why don’t you two sit? Can I get you anything to drink? Tea for your throat, perhaps Maddison?”
Charlotte smiled and nodded.
“None for me, thank you,” Will said.
Tony made a call to his secretary to bring an herbal tea before he made himself comfortable on the edge of his desk. “So, shall we get down to it?”
“I think that would be best,” Will said. “With Maddison’s unfortunate ailment, I’ll be speaking for her today. I’m sure you understand.”
“Yes. By all means. I wouldn’t want her to strain herself. You must do everything in your power to recover, my dear. I hate to see such a dignified young woman at a loss for words.”
“She’s lost no words, I can assure you. We have discussed everything thoroughly through various means, and we’re both confident that I will convey her wishes to you.”
“Very well. What are your thoughts?”
Charlotte’s skin prickled as the two men discussed the negotiations. It was the first time she realized in a practical why that she was way out of her league. They were speaking in a way she would never be capable of without a script to read from. It gave her a sense of pride for her sister. Maddy must have been brilliant in this setting. It was too bad she’d never get the opportunity to watch her at work.
When her tea was brought in, her nerves settled. Her mouth had been dry, and it helped to have something to hold on to while the two men talked.
“We can do the first three shipments at the reduced rate,” Will said. “If you’re happy with the results, the price goes up.”
“Yes, so you’ve said.” Tony turned his attention to Charlotte. “Maddison, I realize you’re a shrewd businesswoman, but I’d prefer that you make it the first ten shipments.”
She looked at Will, who gave her a steady stare with no indication of how she should respond. Not that he could. Maddison’s personal assistant wouldn’t need to tell her what to do. She was the one in charge.
