“So that some poor sucker like me will pay him three times the amount to buy out the current contracts he has,” Lincoln says, rubbing his chin. “If he’s the only shareholder, he doesn’t need a yes or no on selling, with you still in the mix he would need your consent to sell and you would get majority proceeds. Why wasn’t she notified on the other sales?”
Kate’s cheeks go pink. “Carl would send me updates, I just didn’t usually read them,” she winces.
“I think he was counting on that. I’m sure he thought you would’ve folded before now and that’s why he’s resorting to blackmail. He has the most to gain financially if he buys you out first and has a larger competitor buy him out,” the lawyer says.
“I bet he thought we would buy for an astronomical price, or maybe another regional builder looking to expand,” Lincoln says, looking pissed off.
Kate seems withdrawn, like she’s taking all the new information in a haze.
“What about the stalking? What about her safety?” Gavin interrupts, grabbing her hand and squeezing above the table.
There’s a second lawyer for this issue as she clears her throat.
“Unfortunately, all the images taken of Ms. Morley were in public spaces. However, we could go down the avenue of a civil lawsuit for extortion and blackmail. It would be a time consuming process and you would be at the helm of public opinion. However with the evidence we have and the currentTRO in place I do think we have a case, not a home run of a case, but a case, nonetheless.”
“So, he faces no consequences for the mental distress of stalking her.”
“That would surely be a part of the lawsuit. We will also contact the police and get a permanent restraining order in place in the meantime,” the lawyer says and Gavin huffs, and moves his hand from Kate’s to place it on her thigh.
Kate taps her fingers on the table a few times, like she’s contemplating her next move.
“What deal would hurt him most?” Kate says, and the lawyer gets a wicked grin on his face.
“A few options here. One is cut and dry, you sell to Mr. Carlson and then he goes to war buying out the rest of Dennis Commercial and will then own the majority share of commercial construction in the area or we could play safe?—”
“I want to sell. I’m ready to sell,” Kate interrupts.
“Then let’s get the paperwork set up and prepare ourselves for the fallout. I think it should take about forty-eight hours to get this processed.”
“That’s enough time,” Kate says with a nod, and I glance over at her in confusion. “Just send me everything I need to sign, and make sure you give him a good deal, he’s family, after all,” she says, winking at my Lincoln who looks happier than a pig in shit to take down his biggest competition.
“This definitely means we have a truce about talking shit,” I say to Lincoln, who rolls his eyes, but waves me off nonetheless. “What do you need forty-eight hours for?” I direct toward Kate
“Are you guys ready to go public, like all the way in?” she asks and my brows furrow.
“Of course.”
“All right, then let’s head to campus.”
I’m standingon the white pedestal in nothing but black boxer briefs as a series of photography students roll into the studio space.
“Oh, my god. Everyone is going to be talking about this photoshoot for years to come. You all look so hot,” her friend Savannah gushes as she puts some powder on Kate’s face.
“You sure this isn’t a bit much?” Gavin asks, readjusting himself.
Kate’s wearing a one piece that is slightly sheer around her middle. She looks fucking sexy and I’m a little irritated about everyone seeing how beautiful she is, while also being honored that she cares this much to make a statement.
“I want him to know. I want everyone to know that I don’t care what they think. That we’re together and it might be different, but it’s still beautiful and us and no one can tell us otherwise.”
“Stop or else I’m going to get hard,” I say, and Kate and Savannah laugh.
“What will the pictures be used for?” Gavin asks.
My brother is asking too many damn questions at this point. Our girl loves us, she’s all in and he’s worried about semantics.
“Well, it’s going to be a learning experience for my students in black and white portraits and I think Kate has something planned,” Savannah says, keeping her lips tight.
“Trust me? I mean, I’m trusting you right now,” she says with a smirk. Gavin takes a deep breath but gives her a sharp nod.
