“I would ask to what do I owe the pleasure of this visit, however, I’m going to skip the pleasantries,” I say while walking around my desk to sit. “Take a seat.” I point to the chairs in front of me. “Please explain to me what was so dire you were inclined to barge in without a meeting first thing in the morning,” I ask bluntly, scowling at all three men, waiting for one of them to speak up.
Conrad sits up straighter. “It’s come to our attention that you and your people have been snooping around our business,” he says, devoid of any emotion.No shit, asshole.When I don’t answer, he continues. “As a professional courtesy, we have come here today to ask you to back off.”
I lean back in my chair and cross my arms. “And why would I do that?”
The vein in Warren’s old wrinkled neck pulses, clearly annoyed I’m not falling to his feet. I don’t care who he is. Youdo not come into my building and demand anything from me. Professional courtesy, my ass.
Warren holds up his hand when Conrad attempts to speak again. “This purchase is personal, Harrison, and we’d appreciate it if you’d take a step back.”
“Personal,” I repeat. “I’m well aware of your personal ties to the building.” I hold his eyes, telling him how much I really know.
His jaw clenches, and then he looks over at Matteo, wondering why he’s here and how muchheknows. “Matteo knows everything, so let’s not hold back. Explain the importance of buying this building. I would be a fool to think you’re unaware of the tenants you’re kicking out.”
His face changes, and the shrewd businessman with a reputation around the city emerges in a flash. “An opportunity arose to buy the building. Due to inflation, we’ve had to increase the rent.”
“And this opportunity happens to be so soon after the death of your son?” I snarl, not holding back. I’m not here for chit-chat. “You’re going to kick your granddaughter out while she still mourns her father?” I bellow, banging my fist on my desk. Philip’s face drops, it’s the only morsel of humanity I’ve seen yet. “Are you that selfish?”
“They took our son away!” he snaps, pushing his chair away to stand.
I follow his lead, standing and walking around my table to tower over him. “No, Warren, it is you who pushed your son out of your family. You are the one to blame.” Conrad lets out a low rumble of rage, which I ignore. “Now, I think it’s time you leave. You had some nerve coming here, asking me to back down, and now that I know the truth, you can bet your pompous ass I will do no such thing.”
Warren straightens his shoulders. “Fine, if you love the girl so much. We will drop the deal with the management company if you break up with her. We’ve seen the pictures of you two this weekend. You care for her, and the building is important to her.”
“And why would I ever break up with her? Why do you have an interest in my personal life?”
Oh….
You fucking idiot, Harrison. It all hits me at once.
Juliette was famous in the dance community but not enough to air her dirty laundry. Now that she is Juliette, ex-principal dancer, and partner to Harrison Davenport, billionaire, the vultures will dig up her past and her family, which would eventually be linked back to the Archibalds.
I smirk. This is great. “Afraid your horrid secret of disowning your child and his family will come to light? Is that it? You’re afraid of a scandal.”
When none of them answer, I lean back and press the buzzer, asking Lauren to escort the Archibald family out. “Let me explain something to you, gentlemen, and then I want you to get the fuck out of my office. You will never threaten me with an ultimatum again. Otherwise, you will regret ever meeting me. I assure you, I won’t, and will never, break up with Juliette.” I take a threatening step forward. “If you don’t drop this deal, you’ll be sorry, and that isnota threat.” Conrad opens his mouth, but I cut him off. “Get the fuck out!” I point to the door just as Lauren opens it.
I turn around and give them my back, signaling I’m done.
The second the door clicks behind them, I glance at Matteo, and his wide eyes tell me he’s just as shocked as I am. “They’re not going to drop it.”
He nods. “I know, and holy shit, what kind of fucked-up family are they? Jules’s dad was lucky to get away from them.”
“I know. Dare I say they’re worse than my parents?” I chuckle sarcastically. “I think we need to act fast. Go back to your office and call the management office. Do not let this sale go through, Matteo. I’m not kidding. Pay whatever you need to pay, buy the building, the whole damn block for all I care, but whatever you do, do not take no for an answer. These fuckers are not pushing Jules out of that damn building.”
“On it.”
“I’m going to call Jules’s realtor and ask her to stall the deal.”
He gives me a doubtful look. “That’s not her decision.”
“Money talks, Matteo. I’ve never been one to throw my name around, but today might be a first.”
He nods. “Yeah. Good idea. I’ll update you as soon as I have an answer.”
“Thanks. And Matteo.” He turns back. “Thank you for your discretion and keeping this from Becks. If I were put in the same situation without knowing the context, it would have been hard to keep it from Juliette.”
His face falls. “Yeah…I haven’t seen her much lately, so it wasn’t an issue. I don’t think it’s going to work out between us.”
“Really?” I ask, surprised. Jules never mentioned anything, and they looked like they were on the fast track to a serious relationship.
