Page 24 of Clock Strikes Paradise

“Are you expecting Laurent to present the stronger final offer?” Elise asked from the couch, a laptop open on her thighs and glasses perched on her nose. She was also dressed for business in a crisp suit with her hair neatly tucked into a bun.

I pushed away the momentary desire to unfurl it and run my fingers through the silky strands. After that emotionally charged dinner, I’d expected to be up half the night, trying to avoid going to her room. But instead, I’d dropped off to sleep immediately.

Thank God for small mercies.

“I’d be surprised if he didn’t,” I replied. “He likes to think he’s the top dog in any negotiation.”

The doorbell rang, signaling Laurent’s arrival. Elise opened the door, and the Frenchman swept in. He was alone, which surprised me. I had expected a full business entourage, his effort to look more impressive. My opinion of him ticked up a little. He wore an expensive black pinstriped suit, and his eyes held an arrogant gleam as he glanced around the cottage.

“Laurent, welcome,” I greeted him, extending my hand.

“Bonjour,” Laurent said, shaking my hand firmly.

“How was your day yesterday?” Elise chimed in, trying to maintain pleasantries as she poured him a cup of coffee. “Did you enjoy your time in Miami?”

“It cost me a fortune,” he said, his eyes roaming up and down her as he accepted the coffee. I tried not to stiffen. “Irina insisted on spending the entire day shopping.” Then he turned to look me in the eye. “Enough about that. Why is your assistant here?”

“Elise is essential to the proceedings,” I said evenly. “She will keep an official record of everything.”

Elise picked up her laptop and balanced it on her lap, while Laurent took a stroll around the area, inhaling the fragrance of the expansive bouquet on the dining room table. Then he frowned as he returned to me in the seating area. “Interesting choice, hosting a multibillion-dollar sale and gala in this backwater location.”

I smiled coolly, unperturbed by his condescending tone. “Sometimes it’s enjoyable to unplug from the chaos of the city.”

He arched a brow as he sat across from me. “Then youare living in the wrong city. I assure you, Paris would change your outlook.”

As we turned to business, I maintained my impartiality despite my dislike for Laurent. After he passed over a manila envelope with a single piece of paper inside, I showed no reaction to the very high number he offered for Podium. Laurent was clearly aware of its value, but his superior manner grated on my nerves.

“Your company may be valuable, but without a CFO, I’d say my offer is more than generous,” he said. “Perhaps too generous. Obviously there are cracks in your organization I wasn’t apprised of.”

I hid my irritation that he already knew about Bart, though I wasn’t surprised he had an extensive network. “Let me assure you that Bart’s departure will have no repercussions. I am highly skilled in operating all areas of my companies and can ensure a smooth financial transition,” I reassured him, hoping to put an end to his insinuations. I refused to discuss specifics of what had happened. “And I imagine Podium’s new owner will want to install their own finance team, so the loss of a single member of my staff is a non-issue as far as I’m concerned.”

As the meeting continued, I focused on keeping up my cool, detached manner, determined to do what was best for Podium and everyone involved. Elise understood her role and seamlessly faded into the background, except when I needed a figure or document. She anticipated my needs perfectly.

“You present a very strong offer,” I said as I stood.

Laurent rose to his feet and shook my hand. “I have made it a practice to get what I want. And I want Podium. Though I must ask, isn’t it rather childish to celebrate the winner at the stroke of midnight?”

I shrugged, both hands in my pockets. “On the contrary. It has a poetic elegance I rather like. However, we will announce the new owner earlier that day. The gala is simply a celebration.”

After the royal pain in the ass left, Elise busied herself straightening up and removing all traces of Laurent, while I looked over last-minute financials. At 10:00 a.m., the doorbell chimed again, right on time.

“Good morning, Celeste,” I greeted her after Elise opened the door to our second potential buyer. I gestured toward the couch across from me. Celeste’s hair was styled in an elegant twist and her warm smile was the opposite of Laurent’s.

“Thank you for meeting with me,” she said as she sat, clothed in a designer skirt suit. Elise set a cup of coffee and a croissant before her. “And thank you, Elise, for arranging the lovely Key West tour yesterday. I had a wonderful time, though my assistant was rather put out that your itinerary was so much better than the one she arranged for me.” She turned to me. “You’re really fortunate to have such a great assistant, Clay. Mine are a revolving door.”

I glanced at Elise, who shot me a subtle, yet extremely challenging stare after thanking Celeste. It went straight to my core, a deep throbbing that made me shift my position. I held her gaze for a moment, trying to school my reaction.

Why does she have to be my assistant?

“Yes, Elise has proven herself over and over.” I felt like I should say more, but the satisfaction flitting across her face at least put me at ease. And this was hardly the time or place to wax poetic about her.

Celeste wasted no time in presenting TechWeb’s offer to me. “We believe in maintaining the family-oriented approach and commitment to tradition that has madePodium so successful,” she explained, her tone genuine and passionate.

“Thank you for the offer and your interest,” I replied, careful to remain neutral after I gave the offer a quick once over. “You present a persuasive case, and I’ll give it serious consideration.” I would never let on which company I favored, although hearing her enthusiasm was refreshing after dealing with Laurent. Unfortunately, her offer wasn’t as compelling financially.

“I would like to clarify something, though,” she said, concern in her eyes. “I heard a rumor that Bart left the resort rather abruptly.”

“There was a last-minute staffing reassignment,” I said, keeping my face completely neutral. “Bart is no longer in that role, but I have an extensive number of staff who are very familiar with the sale. I don’t anticipate any impact.”