Victor sits back against the cushions and throws out his hands.“Then what do you recommend?”
We both turn our attention to Brandon as I slide my hands into my pockets and rest my ass on my desk.
He takes his damn time, pacing the room and staring out at the city.It’s getting darker outside, now late in the day.
“We need to prove reasonable doubt.That there’s no way you’d even consider doing such a thing.Sebastian has a good relationship with him, so it’s more about saving face here.Whoever witnessed the action must have been mistaken.”
“That’s the plan?”
“Yes.You can’t just rock up and say, I didn’t do it.We have to lead them to that conclusion themselves.”
Shit, he’s right.
But how the hell do we do that?
“It would be easier if you were married.”He continues thinking out loud.
No thanks.
I keep my thoughts to myself because telling Jack’s story is not something I do.Not ever.Even sharing my thoughts on marriage and seeing how my sister cried almost made me kill the father of her children.
I protect those I love.
Catherine might be my big sister, but she still belongs to me.
I can’t imagine trusting or loving a woman the same way I do my family or friends.Sandy did that.The world around me has just reinforced it.So, I’ve simply decided I won’t do it.
“But he’s not.His marital status is well-known here and around the world.Single billionaire, blah, blah.”
That’s true.I’m photographed with the occasional woman who the media speculates I’m dating.But it never goes further than that because I don’t date.
And I’m never marrying.
“Next idea.”I glance back at Brandon.
“A man in love would never cheat, and that’s what we would have to portray.”
I laugh because the idea of me being in love with someone and convincing everyone is a joke.
“Half a billion dollars, Sebastian.Are you going to pull that out of your ass?”Brandon shakes his head.“You know how much is invested in this.”
“Of course, I fucking do.”I stand.“My entire reputation.Two billion of our own funds.”
It’s the biggest development we have ever undertaken.It crosses two blocks and will change the way thousands of people live and work in Hell’s Kitchen.
The entire industry is watching.
“Calm down, boys.”Victor smirks.
I watch Brandon narrow his eyes for a moment in reaction.It’s not just me.Victor’s being a jerk.
I wonder if he’s job hunting and suddenly hope he is.
Losing my CFO at a crucial time would be a nightmare, but he has to give me three months’ notice.I’d deal with it.
“It’s a good idea in theory, but I’m not in love, Brandon.That’s not something you can fake.”I round my desk and pick up my phone.
We’re fucked.
