The following morning's journey to the Kingman Ventures headquarters was a funeral procession for Sloane's pride. In her purse, the napkin bearing Rhett's scribbled address felt heavy as lead. Her mind was a captive, frenzied bird pounding against the bars of this difficult choice, and she had hardly slept.
She discovered him in a sterile, soundproofed conference room rather than the open, chaotic office. The air was antiseptic and frigid. Rhett appeared very relaxed as he sat at the head of a polished table. His lawyer, presumably, was seated to his right, a severe-looking woman with a pointed black bob and unblinking eyes. Coltrane Hayes, Sloane's own attorney, waited on her side of the table. His silence conveyed a deep, smoldering disdain, but his look was unreadable. His presence was a frigid consolation.
Rhett said, "Sloane," in a slack drawl that irritated her already jangled nerves. I'm glad you could make it. I hope you were satisfied with the accommodations. He pointed to the vacant seat next to Coltrane.
She slid into the seat silently, ignoring the punch. With a smooth, purposeful action, she set her purse down on the table.
"Mr. Kingman, shall we forgo the theatricality?" Coltrane opened with a voice reminiscent of aged, silky whiskey. "Unique circumstances are the reason my client is here. So that each of us may return to our own enterprises, let's outline the terms.
A single sheet of paper was passed across the table by Rhett's attorney, who was identified by the platinum nameplate in front of her as Ms. Sterling. "The terms are straightforward. a legally enforceable agreement to live together and work toward public reconciliation for a period of one year. Following his execution, Mr. Kingman will publicly revoke his offer to bid on Prescott Global. This will be presented as a private, long-term reconciliation in a joint news release.
Sloane took a look at the paper. Although the wording was legal and chilly, the intent was illegal. It called for a primary home at Rhett's Austin property, joint public appearances, and a united front at all business functions.
Her eyes lifted to meet Rhett's, and she murmured, "This is a farce."
With a little smile, he reminded her that it was her idea, sweetheart. "I am merely offering the legal structure."
He leaned forward, Coltrane. Of course, there is the issue of the prenuptial agreement. We must outline asset protection, particularly with regard to Ms. Prescott's majority ownership of,
Sloane interrupted sharply, "Coltrane, we're not getting married." "This is a commercial agreement. A show.
Rhett waved a dismissive hand and muttered, "Semantics." "Everyone believes that we are resolving a marital issue. The lawyers will argue over the specifics. There is just one clause that interests me. With a flinty intensity replacing the casual charm, he fixed his gaze on Sloane. "Clause 7b."
Ms. Sterling's throat was cleared. Clause 7b. The parties will live together for the term of this agreement. They will have a nightly conversation to help ensure the public story is authentic. One inquiry may be asked by one party. The opposite side must give a thorough and honest response. Not a lie. No omissions.
There was silence in the room. Coltrane appeared to have taken a slap. "That's... really unconventional. And completely unenforceable. "Truthful" is an arbitrary term. This clause has no meaning.
With his gaze fixed on Sloane's face, Rhett remarked, "It's not meaningless to me." The gradual, methodical breakdown of her defenses was something he was relishing. It's crucial to the agreement. If you remove it, the entire thing falls apart.
The blood drained from Sloane's face. It was this. This was the real cost. He wanted more than just her body and company. He desired to enter her head and dissect the falsehoods she had relied on throughout her life, one painfully honest response at a time.
Coltrane sneered, "You can't be serious." "This is ridiculous, Sloane. There is another way we can combat him. The white knight, the poison pill,
With a hollow voice, Sloane interrupted, "There is no other way." The unwavering desire in Rhett's eyes caught her attention. They both knew he had her cornered. Everything, including the business and her father's legacy, depended on her readiness to let go of the past.
"Why?" She said the word, a silent, unvarnished plea that she instantly regretted.
The clean room was filled with the intimate, menacing whisper of Rhett's voice as he leaned forward, his elbows resting on the table.
"Because you owe me," he stated, with each sentence acting as a bullet. You owe me silence for seven years. I need an explanation from you. Sloane, you ran. Or ought I to address you as Amina? You left my life without saying a word, and now you want me to preserve the empire you established without me? Alright. But there is a price for salvation. You are not allowed to simply wear my name as a nice accessory for your camera. Without opening the door, you cannot play house.
He stopped, allowing her lungs to be crushed by the weight of his words.
You'll move in, then. You'll live under my roof. I'll let you use my air. And you will give me a fragment of the truth you stole each and every day.
His ruthless glare had the promise of a gradual psychological collapse.
"Just one query. One honest response.
