I stood and smoothed out my red dress. Reached for my heels. Mentally decided Alton would love to order us a car. “Girls.”
Genie straightened. “That tone means trouble.”
Hell yes, it did. “Do either of you feel like ruining someone’s night?”
Jessie blinked.
Genie’s smile spread slow and wicked. “Oh, I’m so down.” She pushed back her chair. “Lead the way.”
Chapter 21
Elijah
Douglas Tucker soaked up his audience. He had from the moment the meeting started.
He stood at the far end of the conference room with his chest puffed out, chin lifted, hands clasped behind his back in what he probably imagined was a statesman’s stance. The wide window behind him framed the Deadwater skyline, evening light glinting off the river. A view designed to impress.
The room was full.
Investors. CEOs. Board members. A few politicians who pretended they weren’t politicians. Men and women with enough power between them to reshape half the industries in the country if they felt inclined.
They’d all come because I’d asked.
And Tucker thought it was all for him.
At the head of the table, I rested one ankle on the opposite knee, my fingers steepled under my chin.
Let him talk.
Across from me, Mitch tapped notes into his tablet with the quiet efficiency of a man who was just happy to have me in the office. He’d changed his tune since meeting Bonnie. Or since he’d understood the change in me.
He’d even helped me with today’s little setup.
Tucker cleared his throat and continued smoothly, “As I was saying, Deadwater represents an untapped market. Infrastructure expansion alone could generate billions over the next decade.”
A murmur of interest rippled around the table.
He was good. So confident and polished. Every word dipped in charm that had men with money leaning forward to listen. The women, I noticed, eyed him with greater caution.
Smart.
Tucker gestured towards the digital presentation glowing on the screen behind him. “My firm has already identified several investment opportunities, all of which could benefit enormously from the backing of someone with your resources, Elijah.”
Heads turned towards me.
He thought we were on friendly enough terms now to use my first name. I didn’t smile. “Go on.”
Encouraged, Tucker launched into the next slide. Tastefully colourful charts. Growth curves. Property developments. He expounded on opportunity and influence, his voice growing richer with every sentence. The more he spoke, the more convinced he became that today marked a turning point in his career.
I almost admired the confidence.
He finished his pitch with a flourish and a broad spread of his arms. “And that is why this partnership could be mutually beneficial.”
Silence filled the room.
All attention shifted back to me.
I let the quiet stretch a moment longer than comfortable. Then I tipped my head. “Thank you, Douglas.”