I was born into a world with a loving, caring mother. But ended up with aversionof her. And not really a good one. At the time, I didn’t understand what was happening. Then I grew to resent her. Now, I avoid her.
It took a while to diagnose my mom with brain tumors. That’s what caused her regression and memory loss, according to the doctors. Surgery and treatment were able to get the tumors under control and provide her with a longer life. But nothing the doctors did brought my mom back to the woman she once was.
I spent the rest of my teenage years hiding away in my room, studying and getting the best grades I could get to make sure I got into a good college on a full ride. And it worked. All of my hard work not only got me out of my hometown, but I was able to build a life, a career that allowed me to help my dad financially and provide the medical care my mom will need for the remainder of her days.
By the time Angus returns with a ham sandwich for me, I’ve decided that these Vegas businesses need to stop fucking me around. We both know what I’m offering them is a damn good deal.
After scarfing down the sandwich, I press the button on the intercom linked to Angus’s desk. “I need a flight to Vegas,” I tell him.
“When?”
“Tonight. You’re coming with me. We’re going to go and close these deals in person,” I explain. “Call the Nevada team and tell them I want a meeting at nine tomorrow morning.”
“Sure thing, boss. Where do you want to stay while you’re there?”
“I don’t care as long as it’s nice.”
“Okay, I’ll send you the details.”
Opening my laptop back up, I start reading through all the files my PI collected on these business owners. There has to be something they want, something they won’t ask for but as soon as I offer it, those buildings will be mine. And then they’ll be demolished and a shiny new tower will rise in their place. That’s what I do. Buy up old buildings and rebuild. God knows the Strip could use a facelift.
I walk into the boardroom with my head high and my heels even higher. I dress to impress, especially when I’m on a mission. And right now, my skintight white dress with a square neckline is appropriate for work, but also shows off every curve I have. Paired with a navy blazer and patent-leather red-bottomed pumps, this is my don’t fuck with me outfit.
The room is silent as I take a seat at the head of the oval table. I make a point to let my eyes travel over each one of my team members, letting them squirm under my scrutiny. I know I sound like a bitch, but I don’t have a choice. I’m a woman in a male-dominated field. I started this company from the ground up. Sure, I might have a board and investors to answer to now, but at the end of the day, this is my baby.
“You have all been here for two weeks and not a single one of those properties is in the process of changing hands,” I say. “What am I missing here? I hired you because you all know how to close a deal. You have always closed the deal. Why is now any different?”
“Ma’am, the owners refuse to even talk to us,” Chris, one of my top negotiators, says.
“Why?”
He shakes his head. “I introduced myself to Mr. Marks in a restaurant two days ago. He told me that even if he wanted to sell, he couldn’t.”
“That’s it?” I raise a brow.
“Yes. He then had me forcibly removed from the restaurant.”
At this, my eyes widen. “Anyone else have anything to add?”
“None of them will give us five minutes. Emails are now bouncing back and any attempt to call is either going unanswered or we’re simply hung up on, ma’am,” Adam says. “I mean, I’m not surprised. You do know who owns this city, don’t you? They won’t do anything without the approval of the Giulianis.”
The Giuliani family owns a good portion of the Strip, but they have no vested interest in the buildings I’m wanting to acquire.
“What do the Giulianis have to do with these properties?” I ask.
“Not the properties, ma’am. The entire town. There are rumors…”
I roll my eyes. “Rumors are just that—rumors. You really expect me to believe that this town is being run by gangsters in suits? And even if it is, I’m not scared of them. I will get these buildings.” I stand from the table and level my glare. “Keep me in the loop. I’m going to go and meet with these owners and find out exactly what their price is.” I pick up my laptop and walk out of the boardroom with Angus at my back.
“You know, I never say this, Molly, but the things I’ve heard about the Giulianis… you probably shouldn’t try to go up against them,” Angus whispers as his steps fall into line with mine.
“Why?”
“Because one, I need you alive to keep my job and I like my job. And two, well, I need you alive,” he says.
“You’re being dramatic. I don’t care what the rumors say about them. They’re nothing but a wealthy family throwingtheir money around with some pretense of power. I want those buildings, Angus. I’m going to get them.”
“Sometimes I think your stubbornness is going to be your downfall,” Angus mutters.
