Brie’s lips curve, reflecting amusement, like she’s on my team.
“She said you listened and understood.You’re not about to do something reckless, are you?”There’s an edge to his tone I haven’t heard in quite some time.It’s his boardroom, no bullshit tone.That’s fine.I no longer answer to my father.
“Dad, I need you to set up a meeting for me with Moira Kelly.”
“You’ve lost your mind.”
“No, Dad, I haven’t.”
“Adrien, this isn’t a woman to cross.She doesn’t just ruin businesses—she destroys lives.”
“Then why have you worked with her for years?”
“Because I was smart enough never to cross her.”
“Do you really believe that?Think about it.Who cares if you bought competitive insights?It’s not like you were using the information for insider trading.Corporate espionage happens all the time, and you’re in fashion.It’s not like you’re developing nuclear weapons.And as for me?My clients include some of the wealthiest in the world.If she releases their secrets, are they going to be angry at me, or at her?Me?The man who bought a club three years ago and expanded the enterprise without knowledge of an employee undercutting him?Or the woman who built a business on secrets?”
“Moira is elusive for a reason.You’ll never find her.”
“That’s why I’m calling you.I need you to ask her to meet with me.”
Silence extends across the line.Brie reaches across the table and covers my hand with hers.
“You’re going to sell us out?Throw everything away?”
“No.Because I have no intention of allowing my employee to undercut me.After all, would you allow that?You have a personal relationship with her, do you not?”
“Why do you believe that?”
“Margot told me.She said she’s a family friend.”
“Intéressant.Why did you leave without Margot?”My father may be in his eighties, but he’s not easily duped—never has been.
“Margot has business in New York.”At least, I assume she does.She’s an efficient CEO.Even if she didn’t, she wouldn’t fly across an ocean without capitalizing on the trip.“And don’t worry, I didn’t take the company jet.I left it for her.”
The d’Avricourt company plane is far nicer than the private plane I located at the last minute.I would’ve flown commercial if pressed, but I’m grateful for this plane.It allows me to have this very conversation while in transit.
“Kind of you, given you didn’t want anything to do with our company.”
Yes, that’s a sore point.
“Dad, arrange the meeting.I’m asking as your son.”
“You’re just looking to cut a deal?”
“That’s all.”My gaze cuts to Brie, and my gut twists.I’ll have to beg for forgiveness from my father later.
“You won’t harm her?”
“I’m not a brute.”
“She is a friend.We have history.”
If I’m right about his history, then I understand what he’s saying.
“Dad, come on.I’m your son.You know me.I don’t want to hurt her.I only wish to talk with her.”
“Ah, yes.My son.A man who willingly walked away from his heritage.”
