The space sits there, unassigned.
Why?
Arthur Lockwood is aparticularman.
He doesn’t care that I can outperform the market.
He doesn’t care that I can turn risk into profit.
He doesn’t care that I can double the capital of his wine empire in a year and make him more money than anyone else he’s ever worked with.
He cares about stability. About longevity.
To him, that happens to mean putting his business in the hands of someone in a long-term relationship. In all my years, I’ve never heard such bullshit. Clients jump at the chance to work with me. I even have a fucking waiting list.
But with Arthur Lockwood, billions of dollars and years of experience still aren’t enough unless a woman is standing beside me smiling for the cameras.
That bastard with his my-way-or-I’ll-take-my-business-elsewhere mantra has become a situational pain in my ass.
“What’s going on with the Lockwood contract, Levi? We were supposed to close the deal weeks ago.” Dad stares back at me, brows drawn tight.
“I’m handling it.” Yeah,barely—and I know my father can tell. So can my brothers.
I’m not surprised when Dorian shoots me a sharp look. He has no filter.
It probably doesn’t help my case that I told my brothers what was going on the other week, and that my solution was to find a woman.
“What exactly does handling it mean? The contract just needs to be signed off and moved forward.” Dad grimaces.
“Arthur has a few matters he needs to be comfortable with first. I’m giving him the space to think about it.”
Dad’s frown deepens. “What isn’t he comfortable with?”
Knox glances at me now.
“He needs time to review the contract and proposal I designed.” That’s a bold-faced lie, but it buys me time.
“Very well. But if any problems arise, deal with him as quickly as possible. The hedge fund division needs that contract. It’s the kind of breakthrough deal that opens doors. Arthur Lockwood is renowned worldwide.”
“I have it covered. Don’t worry.”
Fuck, he looks worried.
“We need stability, Levi. Don’t give Lockwood an excuse to go somewhere else. With everything that’s happened recently, our efforts will be focused on restructuring London.”
A shadow crosses his expression. We all know what he’s thinking.
The mole. The scandals. The damage that almost ruined us.
All crafted by my uncle and cousin—people he should’ve been able to trust. It left its mark. London was weakened because of it. That’s why he needs us all on board.
After what happened, trust won’t come easily in this family anymore, but my father still trusts us.
At the same time every decision will get scrutinized twice as hard now, and every weakness stands out. So I have to find a way to come up with something that secures Arthur Lockwood. I will not be the weakest member in this empire.
“Like I said, Dad, don’t worry.” I sound way more certain than I have any right to.
Knox and Dorian glance at me again, the same doubts written all over their faces. I can’t blame them. While I explained my solution, I didn’t tell themhowI bought myself time with Arthur Lockwood.
