Easy for her to say. But I nod again, forcing myself to meet her gaze. “Of course.”
Veronica’s phone rings on the island between us, and my eyes flick to the screen.
Koen Lane.
What the fuck?
He texted me that Sylus, Alaric, and Novalee were at the Plaza, scoping out the rooftop. I didn’t ask what he was doing, but apparently… this.
“What a surprise,” Veronica murmurs before she picks up the phone. “Koen, how are you?”
“Veronica, am I disturbing you?” She has her phone turned up so loud I can hear Koen’s response as clearly as if he were sitting at the island with us.
I clench my fists under the table.
What the hell?
He didn’t mention contacting her. Not a word.
“Of course not, darling,” she coos. “How can I help you?”
“I was wondering if you’ve got a minute for me today,” Koen replies, his voice giving nothing away. “I’d like to talk some more about the joint venture. I’ve been thinking about it and had some ideas.”
“I’m free now.” Veronica’s eyes light up, and when her gaze lands on me, she gives me a satisfied smile. “Nicholas and I are just going over some numbers, but you could join us up at the penthouse if you’d like. I can order us a late lunch.”
“Oh, please,” Koen replies, a light laugh in his voice. “No food necessary, but I’d love to take a coffee with you up there and discuss. Should I grab some on the way, or…”
“Don’t be silly. We’ve got more than capable baristas to make us a coffee. I’ll let them know. How long will you take?”
“I’m at the Lane Building. Ten minutes?”
Her smile widens. “I’m looking forward to seeing you, darling.” She hangs up and immediately dials the concierge to arrange for three coffees to be brought up.
“So, Koen’s coming?” I ask as if I didn’t hear the whole conversation.
“Can you please at least act civilly with him?” She turns back to me, and her expression hardens. “This is a big deal, Nicholas. We need this to work out.”
“I’m still not quite sure how you?—”
“Because you don’t think big enough or far enough ahead.” She sighs. “We’ll make this venture with them, build it, make it big, and pull them into a sense of security with us.Family.” Her voice lowers, dripping with intent. “This is playing the long game, but it will be worth it. So you better start acting friendly, Nicholas.”
“I will, I promise.” She gives me an unbelieving look. “I’m going to try, at least. But for what? What is even the plan here?”
“When they’re in this, we’re going to offer to help them with their financials. They’ll trust us more and more, give us access and power of attorney over their stakes. Let’s be honest, they’re children. They have no idea what to do with all the money they’ve earned and inherited.” Her eyes gleam. “And when we’re there in control, it only takes a little something. Stuff happens to people.”
“Stuff happens? You mean like with Oscar?”
That was too blunt, and I know it.
But fuck. She is fucking ruthless.
She just throws me a glare sharp enough to cut slices through me before her phone rings again, and she picks it up. “Yes?”
“Ms. Harrington.” The concierge’s voice filters through. “Mr. Lane has arrived in the lobby.”
“Send him up.” She hangs up and fixes me with a pointed look. “Sometimes, Nicholas, things have to be done for the greater good.”
Her words linger as I force myself to stay still, to nod as if I agree, but my heart pounds in my chest.
