“Let’s focus on business,” Charles cuts in, his voice carrying authority. “Ryan, walk us through quarter three performance for the shipping operation.”
The next forty-five minutes pass in a detailed financial review. The Matthews shipping network moved significant cargo up and down the East Coast—legitimate and otherwise. Revenue is up eighteen percent from quarter two. They’ve successfully navigated new customs regulations while maintaining operational flexibility for our less-legal interests.
Ryan presents with confidence and competence. He’s good at this. Smart. Strategic. I can see why his family’s operation is valuable to the Carter organization.
“Final item,” Charles says, pulling up a new slide. “Charleston expansion. We’ve been approached about establishing a shipping partnership that would significantly increase our coastal coverage. Ryan, you’ve been reviewing the proposal?”
“I have.” Ryan swipes through documents on his tablet. “The infrastructure is solid. The existing operation has clean books—or at least, books that appear clean. But any expansion into new territory comes with territorial disputes. We’d be disrupting existing power structures.”
“What’s the risk profile?” I ask.
“Medium-high.” He looks at me directly. “The potential revenue increase is substantial—a thirty percent boost in shipping capacity. But we’d be making enemies of whoever currently controls that territory.”
“So don’t disrupt them,” I say. “Partner with them.”
George frowns. “That’s not typically how we expand.”
“It’s how weshouldexpand,” I counter. “Find the existing players. Identify what they want more than territorial control. Make them willing partners instead of displaced enemies. It’s cleaner, more sustainable, and doesn’t leave us dealing with revenge plots for the next decade.”
Ryan’s operations manager—a sharp-eyed woman named Linda—nods slowly. “That’s actually... not a bad approach. It would take longer, but the long-term stability would be worth it.”
“It also requires better intelligence gathering,” George points out. “We’d need to understand their operations intimately before approaching with an offer.”
“That’s why we have people for that,” I say. Meeting his eyes. Not backing down. “I can draft a proposal. Research the key players, identify leverage points, and create a negotiation framework that benefits everyone involved.”
Charles leans back, satisfaction clear in his expression. “This is exactly why I brought Parker on board. Fresh perspective. Different approach. We’re not our father’s organization anymore—we need to evolve.”
The statement hangs in the air. A line in the sand. The Dominic Carter era is over.
“I think it’s brilliant,” Ryan says, and his tone carries respect. “Parker, I’d love to go over some of the details with you. Maybe over coffee or dinner? I can provide context on the Charleston players that might not be in official reports.”
Before I can respond, Charles nods enthusiastically. “That’s an excellent idea. Parker, you should definitely take Ryan up on that. He’s got valuable insights that could inform your strategic planning.”
I feel the shift in the observation room. The tension that suddenly crackles through the one-way glass.
“I’d need to check my calendar,” I say diplomatically. “With the boys starting school and getting settled, my schedule’s fairly packed.”
“Of course.” Ryan’s smile doesn’t dim. “No pressure. But the offer stands. Even just as colleagues comparing notes.”
“Just let me know what night works,” Charles interjects. “Or day, if you prefer coffee. I can help secure someone to watch the boys. Sienna’s always happy to have them over with Lottie and Jimmy. Or Mom would love the quality time. Hell, I bet Jace, Cal, and Silas would even step up if needed.”
From the observation room, I hear it—a quiet snort covered immediately with a cough. Cal. Definitely Cal.
I risk a glance at the dimmed glass and immediately regret it.
I can’t see them clearly. Just silhouettes through the tinted surface. But Silas’s form is unmistakable—all height and breadth and that particular way he holds himself when he’s containing violence.
Even through glass and distance, the intensity radiating from him makes my skin prickle. Heat rises up my neck, pooling low in my belly. Chills race down my spine.
He’s not moving. Not speaking. Just watching.
And somehow that’s more overwhelming than anything he could actually do.
I clear my throat, redirecting my attention to the table. “We’ll figure something out. But let’s table that for now. Ryan, send me the Charleston files, and I’ll start preliminary research.”
“Will do.” He pulls out his phone, tapping quickly. “I’ll have Linda compile everything we have and send it to your email by the end of the day.”
“Perfect.”
