Page 33 of In Love and Revenge

‘Someone must have an idea. What’s working on social media right now?’ I bark.

A guy halfway down the table clears his throat nervously as I pin my eyes on him.

‘Human connection, Mr Fairfax,’ he says meekly.

‘Go on,’ I encourage.

He clears his throat. ‘Real people, real connection. Seeming less ... formal, and more relatable.’

‘We insure FTSE companies, and leading global brands around the world. How do we make that relatable to Joe Bloggs?’ another member of the team pipes up.

I hold a hand up, silencing him, and he shrivels in his seat.

We don’t only insure FTSE companies. We also provide the best personally tailored insurance policies for those companies’ CEOs. For elite businessmen and businesswomen. The best brains in every multimillion-pound industry. More often than not our reputation precedes us, and new business comes from personal referrals. But from time to time we run marketing campaigns, aimed at attracting exclusive clients who have the kinds of assets we specialise in protecting. Superyachts, private jets, priceless art collections.

‘Carry on, Justin,’ I instruct.

The first guy looks a little less like he’s about to piss himself once he realises I know his name.

‘Have you spent much time online watching vloggers, Mr Fairfax?’ he asks.

I purse my lips as images of this morning’s ‘coffee with a friend’ outfit spring to mind. Snug jeans and a cute little t-shirt that showed a peek of her stomach.

‘Can’t say that I’ve spent long enough,’ I answer.

‘Well, they build up a rapport with their audience first. You feel like you know them the more you watch. Like they’re talking directly to you and you’re their only focus. Like you have a relationship with them. When in reality millions of viewers could be having that same experience.’

I crack my knuckles, heat flaring across the back of my neck. ‘Your point?’

‘I’m not suggesting we vlog. But I think we could learn something from that approach. Make potential clients feel like they’re the only ones we’re talking to. That it’s all for them.’

‘Interesting,’ I muse, my mouth curving into a smile.

He’s given me exactly what I need.

‘I’ve got some ideas, Justin. We’ll make it happen, and if it’s a success there’ll be a bonus in it for you.’

‘Yes, Mr Fairfax,’ he splutters, looking shell-shocked.

‘Great. That’s all for now.’ Gabe claps, grinning, no doubt eager to draw the meeting to a close. He hates this stuff. He’d be much happier back in his own office with his computers for company, and only emerging to talk to his small, select team about cybersecurity.

But we all have to lead meetings like this from time to time. Show a united front. Remind everyone that this is a family business, and that by working here, they are one of the Fairfax Guardian family too.Dove leads plenty, and even Angelo has stood up in front of the team on occasion.

Everyone collects their things and files from the room.

Gabe turns to study me. ‘You’ve got that look in your eye.’

‘What look?’

He folds his arms across his chest. ‘The one that says you’re up to something.’

‘You heard the team. It was Justin’s idea.’

‘Whatwas, exactly?’

‘That we should hire a professional social media expert for a touch of consulting.’

‘Oh.’ Gabe nods, thoughtfully. ‘Okay. I have some contacts over at—’