“I think you do, Mr. Rourke. The timing of this proposal, the fact that you’re here personally instead of sending representatives. This isn’t just business.”
She’s perceptive. I’ll give her that.
“My personal interest in Ms. Vance doesn’t change the validity of this proposal,” I say. “The terms are fair. The investment is sound. What happens outside of this business arrangement is separate.”
“Is it?”
“Yes.”
Nadia looks at Aurelia. “What do you think?”
“I think we should discuss this with Julian before making any decisions,” Aurelia says, her voice tight.
“Agreed. We’ll need time to review the details.”
“Of course. Take all the time you need.”
Nadia starts gathering her documents, clearly preparing to leave.
This is it. If they both walk out now, I’ve wasted resources on nothing.
Aurelia glances at me, and I see the conflict in her eyes. She wants to leave. Wants to run. But she also wants to stay.
Nadia stands. “Thank you for your time, Mr. Rourke. We’ll be in touch.”
“Actually,” Aurelia says suddenly, “I’d like to stay and go over some of the financial projections. Just to make sure I understand the numbers before we present this to Julian.”
Nadia stops. “Are you sure?”
“Yes. You should head back. Julian is expecting you.”
Nadia looks between us again, and I can see her weighing options. She knows something is happening here that has nothing to do with business. But Aurelia is an adult, and this is technically a professional meeting.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Nadia says carefully.
“I’ll be fine,” Aurelia insists.
The reassurance doesn’t seem to help, but Nadia finally nods. She picks up her portfolio and heads for the door. Before she leaves, she turns back to me. “If anything happens to her?—”
“Nothing will happen to her. You have my word.”
Nadia doesn’t look convinced, but she leaves anyway.
The door closes, and we’re alone.
Aurelia doesn’t move. Just sits there staring at the documents spread across the table.
“That was risky,” I say.
“I know.”
I stand and walk around the table. She tracks my movement but doesn’t back away.
“Why did you stay?” I ask.
“Because you’re not going to stop. You’re going to keep calling, keep showing up, keep pushing until you get what you want.”
“And what do I want?”
