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Her facial expression remained neutral as she looked back at Tony. Maybe the answer she gave didn’t matter. They weren’t going to actually do any shipments. Or if they did, they were all for show. The amount they charged didn’t matter. This was all fake. Surely the most important thing was getting him to agree to move forward.
Will cleared his throat to respond, but Charlotte put a hand up to stop him.
She nodded to Tony. “Deal,” she mouthed, and her hand reached toward him to shake on it, but he kept his own clasped in his lap.
Leaning forward, he narrowed his eyes. “Deal? You agree?”
She was desperate to look at Will again, but knew she had to look like she was in control of the situation, which also meant she couldn’t change her mind. With no idea what else to do, she lifted her chin and nodded. “Yes.” She squeezed the word from her throat.
Tony stood and nodded lightly to his guards, who pulled their weapons.
Will jumped to his feet. “What’s going on?”
“Forgive me,” Tony said. “But I sensed something wasn’t right from the moment you entered. When you said Maddison was unavailable, and then suddenly she was again, I became increasingly concerned about what was going on.”
“I’m not sure what you’re talking about,” Will said.
“I’m saying I am stunned how a woman as shrewd and cunning as Maddison could so quickly and easily submit to an extravagant deal.”
“She’s been ill. Her energy isn’t what it usually is. You’ve gotten lucky meeting with her when she’s in a more agreeable mood than usual.”
“I don’t think so. But I would love to hear any other justification you can give me.”
“I have nothing else to offer. This is all a misunderstanding. If you like, we can reschedule for when she’s feeling better.”
Charlotte focused on the gun that was aimed at her. She wasn’t dead yet. Maybe she could help Will find a way out for them.
“No,” Tony said. “In fact, I’ve been uncomfortable with this arrangement from the beginning. I never really trusted you and Maddison, and now I’m sure something is wrong. You have an angle here, and it has nothing to do with my interests. What is it you’re trying to do behind my back?”
“Nothing.” Will looked at Charlotte. “We’re trying to do nothing but good business. Maddison knows you’re a powerful man and will bring her lots of new opportunities. She wants to make sure to seal the deal. A discount on ten shipments is nothing for her in the long run if it secures your business.”
“Your argument has some merit, but I’m not in the mood to take risks. There’s nothing you can say to change my mind. I’ve already found another importer to do business with.”
“You didn’t say you were shopping around.”
“Of course not. But don’t worry. I have no interest in making you suffer. It will be a quick death.”
Charlotte stood shakily to her feet. “Wait,” she said with her full voice.God, you helped me before. Show me what to do.“You’re right. I have been deceiving you. But not Will. He had nothing to do with it. Let him go, and all I ask is that you hear me out.”
Tony looked at Will. “Do you have anything to say about this?”
Will was staring at Charlotte, astonished.
“Will?” Tony said.
“Sorry. No. She’s lying. I know full well what we’re doing. I won’t leave her. I’m not going anywhere.”
“William,” Charlotte muttered in annoyance, as though scolding her employee. “You’re loyal, I’ll give you that. But I’m tired of you. And if I’m honest, you’re too good a person to waste on this project any longer. Why don’t you find a nice animal shelter or something to help?” She looked at Tony. “He loves dogs. It’s cute, but wearying. And truthfully, he’s not really cut out for this business.”
“This is a surprise,” Tony said.
“I’m sorry, Will,” Charlotte said. “I’ll find someone better suited to your position. Tony, if you could please see to it that he goes away? And I’d consider it a personal favor if you let him live. There are so many of us who are coldhearted in the world. It’s important that we keep things balanced.”
Tony smirked. “Yes, a truly unexpected turn of events.”
“I’ll stay, if you don’t mind,” Will grizzled, looking more annoyed than scared. She widened her eyes at him. There was no reason for both of them to die today. If God wanted to salvage this through her, He could. Or if not, she didn’t want to die, but she was ready to leave the world if that was God’s plan. She couldn’t say the same for Will. She didn’t know where his soul stood.
“No. I’m sorry,” she said when he planted his feet. “Antonio, I will do no further negotiations with him in the room. Please remove him from my sight.”
