Jax settled into the prissy chair, draping an arm across the back and extending his legs, crossed at the ankles.
If his silence didn't provoke Ruby, his deliberately relaxed posture would, and he scored a direct hit as her eyes narrowed, sparking green fire.
Managing a variety of workers in the outback meant he’d learned that letting angry people rave, purging it from their system, worked better than interrupting or stemming the flow, which tended to exacerbate the situation.
Besides, she’d piqued his curiosity. How had she learned of his proposed takeover ofSeaborn? Better still, what did a capricious, eccentric blonde think she could do about it?
His research had been thorough. WithSeabornheavily in the red, no amount of flashy collection launches or handcrafted necklaces could save it.
"Aren't you going to say something? Defend yourself?"
"Why, when you're saying enough for the both of us?" He flashed a self-righteous smile designed to infuriate her.
By the frown slashing her brow, it worked. "Your mine is undercutting us, selling gems at bargain-basement prices to our competitors. Our mine is small, supplying our family business,your mine is supplying the mega jewellery chains selling lesser quality pieces. Cheaper prices attract more customers despite the quality."
The corners of her mouth drooped. "You're killing us."
He didn't blink at her sob story. He'd given up on emotional appeals a long time ago.
Deliberately taunting her, he rubbed his thumb and forefinger together.
Her lips compressed in a thin, unimpressed line. "That better not be what I think it is."
"What do you think it is?"
"The world's smallest violin."
He couldn't help but chuckle at her mutinous expression. "Smart and spectacular."
She swore, and he laughed harder.
"Don't take this personally, but I came here tonight to see your sister to discuss a business proposition."
She shook her head, blonde waves tumbling over her shoulders in a tempting gold swathe. "She's not interested."
"Shehasn't heard what I have to say."
She squared her shoulders. "I'm in charge for the next few months so whatever you have to say, you'll have to say it to me."
"You?"
She bristled at his derisive tone and he couldn't blame her. But did she honestly think he'd do business with a bohemian waif, albeit a creative genius by what he'd glimpsed tonight, when he knew for a fact Sapphire was the brains behind this outfit?
"Sapphire is taking three months off, doctor's orders, so I'm filling in."
Three months? He didn't have ninety days to seal this deal. He had a few weeks max beforeSeabornfinancials plummetedfurther and it wouldn’t be worth his company's investment to acquire them.
The seriousness of the situation suddenly hit him. He couldn't lose this opportunity, not when acquiring the Seaborn mine would establish Maroney Mine's complete domination along the entire western seaboard.
And guarantee a strong foothold into the east; and the rest.
He'd returned to Melbourne for one reason only. To take Maroney Mine all the way to the top. Global.
Nothing and no one would stand in his way.
He needed the Seaborn mine. Needed it for vindication, needed it for safety, needed it to prove he was nothing whatsoever like his father.
He steepled his fingers and rested them on his chest. "In that case, boss lady, name your price."
