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“That is not how things work!”
The tension in the air is palpable, the anger in Madison’s eyes clashing with her uncle’s stubborn resolve. And as the exchange between them threatens to escalate, I decide that there is nothing to gain by watching them argue like this. I really want this deal, but not like this—and I don’t want to spend another second in this man’s vicinity. He clearly doesn’t respect Madison the way he should and uses dubious tactics to get what he wants. She is the only person that matters, the only person I need to talk to.
“There has obviously been a great misunderstanding here,” I interject. “I think it’s best for me to come back another time.”
“Mr. Keaton, please,” Mr. Hailey tries to soothe me. “Please excuse my niece’s behavior, she doesn’t know what she’s talking about.”
I can see her gasp for air from the corner of my eye, but I get in between, before she gets to erupt again.
“To be honest, Mr. Hailey, I don’t feel comfortable attending a meeting that has been arranged under these circumstances.” My eyes find hers for a split second, and I see her shoulders relax a little. “If the CEO has not been informed about this meeting and has had no chance to prepare, there is very little point in talking today. I can’t work like this.”
Mr. Hailey sighs and flails his arms in disappointment while casting his niece an aggravated look, as if to say, ‘See what you did now?’
“Have a good day,” I say, nodding at him first before I turn to her. “Madison.”
She’s smiling when she nods me goodbye, though I’m hoping it’s not because she thinks I’m going to let the opportunity go this easily. I’ve had an eye on this investment for a long time, and I will get what I want. I always do.
Just not today. And not like this.
Madison complicates things, but with a little luck, I can kill two birds with one stone here: Get her into my bed, and her company into my hands.
Chapter 8
Chase
It doesn’t take long until I hear her footsteps approaching from behind. I’ve reached the elevator and I’m just about to push the button to go down when she calls to me behind my back.
What a good girl.
“Chase!” Her voice carries through the hallway, a note of desperation beneath its firmness.
I pause, my hand lingering near the elevator button. I knew she would do this. I knew from that subtle smile that she would want to talk to me without her uncle present.
She reaches me, her breath slightly uneven from her hurried pursuit. “I’m sorry,” she says, her voice softer now, contrite. “I didn’t mean to blow up like that. And I’m sorry for wasting your time.”
I meet her gaze, her eyes a storm of emotions. It’s clear that her argument with her uncle has rattled her, but there’s also an undercurrent of vulnerability that she’s trying to conceal.
I shake my head, a faint smile playing on my lips.
“Doesn’t look like he takes you very seriously,” I offer.
She runs a hand through her hair, her frustration still palpable. “You have no idea. We have been arguing about this for weeks. I can’t believe he did this.”
I can’t help but empathize with her frustration, even though I don’t like hearing that she’s this adamant in her stance not to sell.
“Neither can I,” I offer. “That was highly unprofessional—and disrespectful toward you.”
Her eyes widen, and she parts her lips, seemingly in awe. “Well… um, yes. Yes, it was.”
She looks positively surprised at my acknowledgment of her struggles. Great. This is exactly what I was hoping for. I can only imagine how tough it must be for someone like her to hold her ground in a world that is dominated by older men and assholes like myself. To most of these idiots, she’ll never be more than a little girl who doesn’t deserve to be taken seriously.
And I’ll be the knight in shining armor who gives her the respect she deserves, the one and only man who doesn’t make her feel like a little kid at a grownup party.
A small sigh escapes her lips, and she glances away as if trying to gather her thoughts. “Are you just a representative or are you the CEO of Keaton Care Solutions?” Her question is straightforward, but I sense an underlying curiosity.
I raise an eyebrow, mildly surprised by the question. “I’m the CEO.”
The response seems to catch her off guard, and a flicker of realization crosses her features.
