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"Technically, you've already crossed me by stealing my daughter and forcing her to marry you."
The urge to react is strong. But that's what he wants. He's goading me, and I'm not going to allow it to happen. Smarter men than him have tried and failed. Regardless of the terms or the properties involved, this is a negotiation.
And I'm well-versed in the art of negotiation.
"I'm assuming you didn't call my wife simply to see how she’s doing." I steeple my fingers, rocking slightly in my chair. "What is it you want?"
"You know what I want."
I do, but I will not be making him any offers. All I’ll be doing is countering. "Unfortunately, I don't. The wedding has already happened, so it wouldn't be an invitation you're after. I suppose I could see what I could do about getting you some photographs."
His eyes narrow on me, and it makes me want to smile. "You cost me when you stole her out from under me. I had a deal on the table and now it's off because of you." He leans closer, eyes filled with contempt. "That means you’re responsible for making up for what I lost."
I lift my brows, appearing surprised. "And what exactly did you lose? I would assume it's not money since the sale of human beings is illegal."
He works his jaw from side to side, making it clear this conversation isn't going the way he expected. "Her fiancé and I had an agreement. A business contract of sorts. I was set to make millions when it all went through, but now that won't happen." He leans even closer, making an attempt at looking menacing. "Because of you."
I wish it was because of me, but everything fell apart because of his daughter’s fearlessness, and I couldn't be more proud of her for running away from this man and the web of bullshit he tries to spin. "I seriously doubt it was set to make you millions." I take another sip of my tea as he sputters. "Do you know what sort of an investment is required to have a return of millions?" I set my cup back down, meeting his wild-eyed gaze. "Because I do, and unless you were putting up millions of your own money, you would have been lucky if your return was in the tens of thousands." I lean forward this time, equipped with all I need to corner him into the deal I’m going to make. Folding my hands in front of me, resting my forearms on my desk I lay out what I'm willing to offer him. "But, because I'm feeling generous and eager to get home to my lovely new wife, I am willing to give you the benefit of the doubt and offer you an even million to bring an end to this."
He scowls at me, displeased. "I said millions.”
"And you also said you didn't put millions of your own money into this deal, which means your payout would not have been as high as you seem to want to argue it would be." I lift one shoulder. "Now, if you do have millions you wish to invest, I would be happy to help you get the kind of return you’re after." I lift one hand, adjusting the cuff of my shirt. "But, without that option, a million is more than fair, and certainly more than you would have garnered from the deal you attempted to make in exchange for your daughter’s hand in marriage."
I'm fairly confident most of what he's saying is bullshit. Valerie believed her father's goal was to gain power and control, but he wouldn't be able to put a price on that, so it doesn't surprise me he's portraying things differently. And that's fine. I can't give him power—not the sort he wants—and I certainly won't give him control.
But I can give him money, and as Elaine said, Valerie is worth every penny of it.
The longer I stare at her father, the more her actions make sense to me. The more I understand the sort of desperation she must have felt. And the more impressive it is she has turned out to be the woman she's become.
Her father slides his tongue across his teeth, sucking them loudly before crossing both arms over his chest. "Fine. You wire me a million dollars, and we’ll call it even."
"Excellent.” I lean forward, ready to end this call. "I'll have it sent over first thing in the morning."
He scoffs. "You don't even know where to send it."
I give him a smile, leaving him with something that will make him think. "You clearly underestimate what I'm capable of, Mr. Berdard."
I end the call, picking up my phone as I stand and sliding it into my pocket. In under a minute I've collected my things and I'm walking out the door to my office. I asked Brian to reschedule my afternoon when I collected my tea, so I simply offer him a wave as I exit. "I'll be back tomorrow."
The drive to my mother's place is blessedly quick, and soon I’m in the lift on my way to the penthouse. I'm beyond ready to talk to Valerie. To tell her it's all over. That she doesn't have to worry any longer.
That we can now put all of this behind us. Her problems and mine, and move forward.
But then the lift doors open and I find my lovely wife standing on the other side, red rimmed eyes open wide, her suitcase handle clutched in one hand.
She jumps back at the sight of me, full lips parting as her jaw goes slack.
I lift one brow before leaning out to look into the sitting room where my mother is sound asleep with three dogs piled across her lap.
I turn back to Val. "And where do you think you're going, wife?"
Her throat works as she swallows, eyes darting around the space. "I just assumed—"
I wait, but she doesn't continue. "You assumed, what?"
One hand comes to tuck the long length of her dark hair behind an ear. "Your mother said you'd handled everything, and so I figured that meant our business was done."
"You figured?" I narrow my eyes at her, leaning one hand against the doors of the lift, keeping them open since I'm fairly confident I'm about to drag my wife in with me. "Have I given you any indication our business is done?"
