Page 10

Howard lifted his glass with a forced smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “Partnership.”

I took a sip and watched as Howard shifted uncomfortably, reaching for his water glass instead of the wine.

“Your heart,” I observed. “Doctor’s orders about the alcohol?”

His surprise was obvious. “Yes, actually. How did you⁠—”

“I make it my business to know the people I do business with.” I set my glass down. “Speaking of which, I understand there’s some hesitation about our agreement.”

Howard’s eyes shift from looking at me to looking away. “There are… concerns among certain board members.”

“Concerns that weren’t present when we spoke several days ago.” I kept my voice neutral to not give anything I was thinking away.

“I’m sure you’re aware that major acquisitions naturally involve second thoughts,” Howard said, reaching for his water glass again. “The board is just doing their due diligence.”

“Of course.” I leaned forward slightly. “Though timing is curious, wouldn’t you say?”

Howard shifted in his chair as the server returned to take our orders. I watched him carefully as he requested the salmon, noticing how his fingers drummed nervously against the tablecloth. After ordering steak, I waited until we were alone again before continuing.

“You built something remarkable with Prescott Vantage,” I said. “A legacy worth protecting.”

“That’s precisely my concern,” Howard replied. “The legacy. What I’m leaving behind long after I’m gone.”

“Which is exactly what our acquisition secures.” I took another sip of wine, giving my words an opportunity to land. “Your company remains intact, your name stays on the door, and your vision expands through Ashcroft Group’s resources.”

“And my daughter?”

Ah. There it was. Sutton Prescott. The unexpected variable I’d been waiting to surface.

“What about her?” I asked, though I knew where this was going.

“Sutton has invested her entire career in this company. She’s brilliant, Cain. I need assurances that she’ll have a place in whatever structure emerges after the acquisition.”

I studied him for a moment. His concern seemed genuine, which was both predictable and potentially useful. “Howard, talent like Sutton’s doesn’t go unrecognized in my organization. She would be an asset.” In more ways than one.

“Asset is corporate speak for ‘disposable when convenient.’ I need more than that, Cain.”

I smiled. “Sutton would have considerable autonomy within the Ashcroft structure. Her department would remain intact, reporting directly to me. I value her… particular skills.”

Our food arrived, giving Howard a moment to process my words. I cut into my steak, the knife slicing through with minimal resistance. I took a bite while watching Howard push his salmon around the plate. This was taking longer than I wanted it to, so it was time to kick things up a notch. I wiped my mouth with the napkin and bent down to grab the folder containing Gary Nast’s photos and placed it on the table between us. I tapped the folder with my fingertips as I stared Howard down.

“What is this?”

“Insurance,” I said simply. “Against poor decisions.”

I slid the folder toward him. Howard hesitated before opening it and I watched his face as he took in the first photograph, then the second. The blood drained from his complexion as he flipped through the images.

“My God,” he whispered, closing the folder quickly. “What have you done?”

“I haven’t done anything, Howard.” I took another sip of wine. “But I do solve problems when they arise. Gary Nast thought he could get one over on me. He was mistaken.”

Howard pushed the folder back toward me like it was radioactive. “This is… this is… what the fuck?” He seemed surprised by the fact that he could cuss.

“This is business at its most fundamental level. Resources flow where they’re valued. Obstacles are removed.” I returned the folder to my briefcase. “I prefer cooperation, Howard. But I prepare for all contingencies.”

“Are you threatening me?” His voice had dropped to a whisper.

“I’m offering clarity about the stakes.” I signaled for the check. “You will call a board meeting and they will vote to accept my offer. You’ll recommend they do so, enthusiastically.”