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Bradley hesitated for only a second before making a hasty exit. I watched him leave out of the corner of my eye, but there was only one person here who had my full and undivided attention.

The door closed behind him with a soft click and Sutton took that as her opportunity to speak. “How long were you standing there?”

“Long enough. You handled yourself well.”

“I don’t need your approval on how I do anything.” The words came out sharp and after what I just saw, I expected nothing less.

“I know you don’t,” I replied, moving toward the conference table. “But that doesn’t mean I won’t give it when it’s deserved.”

Sutton crossed her arms. “Did you send him in here as some sort of test? Like you send in your attack dogs to see if I break?”

“No,” I answered honestly. “Bradley overstepped. He’ll be dealt with.”

Sutton laughed, but there was no humor there. “Right. I’m sure he’ll receive a stern talking-to about his approach, not his objective.”

She was so very wrong. Bradley’s punishment hadn’t begun yet for his action today, but he would be dealt with. And soon.

“We should continue this conversation in your office,” I said. “We have a scheduled meeting.”

“Yes, we do, surprisingly. And Erica and Nancy had a wonderful time coordinating to figure out a time that works for both of us. Let’s make sure that keeps happening.”

It was obvious she was talking about when I demanded we were having a last-minute meeting and forced my way into her schedule. I raised an eyebrow at her comment but chose not to engage with the barb. Her irritation was justified, and I found myself oddly appreciative of her willingness to push back. Most people in her position would be falling over themselves to appear accommodating, especially after her confrontation with Bradley.

“Shall we?” I gestured toward the door to shift the conversation elsewhere.

Sutton gathered her things and I watched every sway of her hips as we made our way to her office. She moved with the kind of confidence that made me want to both challenge and reward her. When we reached her office, she stepped inside without holding the door, forcing me to catch it before it closed in my face. A small act of defiance that I found more amusing than irritating.

“Let’s cut to the chase,” Sutton said, taking a seat behind her desk without making a gesture toward the seats in front of her desk for me to sit down. Another power move. “I’ve had time to consider your offer.”

I remained standing, looking down at her. “And?”

“I have conditions.”

I felt my lips curve into a smile. “Of course you do.”

She pulled out a folder and slid it across her desk. “My terms. I will be made the head of Prescott Vantage with expanded autonomy. I report directly to you, not through your transition team. And my staff remains intact for a minimum of eighteen months while we evaluate the most effective integration strategy.”

I picked up the folder but didn’t open it. “Anything else?”

“A seat on Ashcroft Group’s executive committee. Not advisory—voting.”

Now that was bold. I studied her face, looking for signs of hesitation or uncertainty, but found none. She maintained eye contact, but I was willing to bet her heart rate was currently off the charts.

“You’re asking for quite a lot,” I said, finally taking a seat across from her.

“I’m asking for the bare minimum of what I’m worth. You didn’t acquire Prescott Vantage for its client list alone. You acquired it because of what I built here.”

“Fair enough,” I acknowledged, but didn’t let her in on the full scope of why I did what I did. “Though a seat on the executive committee is typically reserved for those with years of proven loyalty to Ashcroft Group.”

“Then consider it an investment in future loyalty,” she countered. “One you’ll find pays considerable dividends.”

I leaned back in my chair, enjoying this exchange far more than I should have. “And if I say no to any of these terms?” I asked because I was curious about her backup plan.

“Then I walk. Today.” She folded her hands on the desk. “I have three competing offers already. Turns out I’m in high demand.”

I didn’t doubt it for a second. Sutton Prescott was exactly the kind of asset competitors would scramble to acquire if they knew she was available. The thought of her working for someone else made my blood boil.

“You’ve been busy these past three days,” I observed.