I shrug, feeling emotionally juvenile but still wanting the answer.
‘No.’ His tone is matter-of-fact but I’ll take it.
I try not to smile but I’m not convinced my attempt is successful.
‘Now, shall we get on with this meeting? I was told this morning in no uncertain terms that we absolutelymustdiscuss Shangzen Tek.’ He steps back against the table and folds his arms across his chest as he presses those perfectly pert arse cheeks onto the edge.
Clearing my throat, I take a notebook from the front of my document folder, keeping my eyes down to lessen the distraction. ‘You mentioned a new company.’
‘Yes. I’d like to structure the joint venture through a new subsidiary of GJR Enterprises.’
‘Have you already agreed the approach with Mr Cheung?’
‘I wanted to discuss the feasibility with you first. I want to fully understand the tax implications and how the ownership of the products we develop would work. If this idea comes off, it could provide the software necessary to significantly increase the flight speed of a drone, something that could be very valuable to businesses using drones commercially.’
We’re both fully in professional mode. He moves to take a seat on the opposite side of the table from me.
‘I assume you’re aware that there’re fairly tight limitations on the use of commercial drones?’
‘Yes, but hurdles can always be navigated. In fact, my thoughts are that the software would probably be seen as more desirable once companies have had an opportunity to explore some of the development areas of the drone.’
I nod, making notes. ‘And you understand things are a little trickier in other jurisdictions? The US is particularly unfavourable as things stand.’
‘Yes. We’re also looking into how we could make the drone safer and more visible. Or at least the new company will. There are always hurdles to surmount where something is innovative.’
‘Okay. Well I can come up with a briefing paper for you, specifically covering tax and intellectual property. If you think of any other areas you’d like me to explore in more detail, let me know, otherwise I’ll give an overview of the pertinent points.’
‘Excellent.’
‘When do you need it?’
‘Tomorrow would be ideal. Wednesday morning at the latest.’
Picking my head up from my notepad, I try to remind myself he’s a client but I can’t help my eyes from rolling.Does he really think I have no other work to do besides his?
‘I’m not trying to be difficult,’ he says, reading my mind. ‘I’m flying out to Hong Kong early Wednesday morning to discuss the deal with Shangzen. I’d like to have had the opportunity to digest the paper before my meeting with Mr Cheung and his board.’
‘I didn’t realise you were planning to go away.’
‘Scarlett, you know I work away a lot. I thought you understood that?’
‘I know. I do. I just thought, what with things the way they are at the moment.’
He leans forward on the table towards me. ‘Are you uncomfortable in the apartment without me?’
I hadn’t even thought of being alone in the Shard. ‘I don’t know. I haven’t been there alone since?—’
‘Jackson will be there. I could ask him to stay in a bedroom closer to ours if that would make you more comfortable.’
‘That would make me muchlesscomfortable.’
‘I can’t understand why,’ he says, his lips slightly upturning.
I squirm a little in my seat, not knowing quite how to phrase my next question. ‘Are you actually allowed to leave the country?’
Gregory sits back sharply. ‘I’ve not been charged.’ The mood in the room instantly changes and I wish I’d never said anything.
‘I could come with you, you know, if you need legal support?’ I hate how unbelievably needy I sound.
