Page 114 of Succumbed

“There’s certainly something to be said for first mover advantage,” I concede, “though I’ve always focused more on results. That was the key difference between us, wasn’t it?”

Anne-Marie crosses her arms, waiting for me to go on. I give her a wolfish smile, tamping down the fury I’ve felt since her betrayal. Faced with the opportunity to dress her down, I find I don’t want to waste the energy. I want to eviscerate her company, yes, but she isn’t worth my time. When I look at her, all I feel is pity.

“You might be seduced by speed, but I’ll always put functionality first. You’ll give me the perfect lay up, Ms. Townsend. You can share all the lofty promises you’re so fond of, get the ball ready, but it’ll be Solum who sends it through the net.” I’m looking forward to it.

“You think you’re hot shit now, huh? Got a little funding and think you can waltz in here and play in the majors.” Anne-Marie spreads her arms, like she owns the Summit and everyone attending. “What even is Procerus without me, Declan? The three of you couldn’t make it happen then, and you can’t now.”

“Well, Ms. Townsend.” Lex steps up next to me, poised and nonplussed. “I’d say it was a pleasure to see you again, but we both know that would be a lie.”

Shocked murmurs start up in Anne-Marie’s crowd, a tall man in the back glaring daggers at Lex as he steps forward. Lex had mentioned she saw Anne-Marie at Bay events here and there. From what I understood, they’d always been civil.

“I didn’t realize we had history, Lex.” Anne-Marie’s careful mask slips as she glances back at the people behind her. “I assure you I wish you nothing but the best.”

Lex cocks her head, a patronizing smile on her lips. “This is the fourth–no, fifth–opportunity you’ve missed to right your past indiscretions, Ms. Townsend. One must wonder whether you’re truly that calculating, or simply oblivious. In our line of business, I know which is worse. Do you?”

Anne-Marie gapes. I’ve never seen her at a loss for words. Point, Lex.

“That’s enough.” The tall, dark-haired man scowls, and Shane moves to intercede.

Lex holds up a hand, bringing Shane to an immediate halt. “It’s good to see you, brother. Despite the company you keep.”

Brother? I glance at Shane and Linc, but their expressions are stoic. I knew Lex had a brother in the business, everyone in the Bay did, though I’d never met the man.

“Are you seriously here just to stir shit, Lex?” Her brother’s voice is low as he leans in, clearly wanting to keep the conversation between them.

“I’m here to celebrate the launch of one of Athena’s most promising clients,” she answers, her voice firm and clear. “Why are you here, Nate?”

“You know damn well why I’m here,” he snarls.

Shane is a solid wall next to me. Linc shifts, gripping his arm tightly and shooting me a concerned look. Despite the tension, Lex laughs. She shakes her head, smirking at her brother.

“I don’t, actually. I’ve been focused on my client. I suggest you do the same; seems she could use the coaching.”

Anne-Marie’s cheeks pinken. “I do not need coaching,” she protests. “I’m perfectly prepared and looking forward to sharing Greenstar’s revolutionary technology later today. You may have been fooled by those three and their pathetic last ditch effort to get attention, but I’m the one–”

“Do not mistake my professionalism for leniency,” Lex sneers. “I can look past your insolence and lack of preparedness three years ago, Ms. Townsend, though I won’t forget it. But I will not allow you to stand there and make baseless claims about my clients.”

Lex takes a step forward as Anne-Marie tries to back up, but the people behind her aren’t about to move away and miss the show.

“The three businessmen behind me have given their all to Solum Technologies, and they’ve built something remarkable. You might be good at selling an idea, but I suspect your ability to deliver is as nonexistent as your professional courtesy.”

“Lex, that’s enough.” Nate’s nostrils flare as he stares his sister down.

Lex tsks, her eyes on Anne-Marie, who is white as a sheet. “You’re right. It is. Ms. Townsend isn’t worth another second of my time.” She turns to Nate, dismissing Anne-Marie.

Nate’s eyes narrow as Anne-Marie’s gaze pings back and forth between the siblings.

“Anne-Marie.”

I turn to Shane in surprise as he calls to her, his deep voice deadly and soft. Her gaze flies to his, her lips pinched in frustration.

“You asked what we even have without you.” Shane slides a nonchalant hand into his pocket, his expression hard. “Nothing you gave to Procerus made a difference, so why would you possibly think we ever needed you? You did us a favor when you walked out the door.”

Anne-Marie’s brow furrows. “Listen here, Shane–”

“Is Reginald here?” Lex barks at Nate, ignoring our former partner entirely.

Anne-Marie steps back abruptly, eyes wide as she notices the attention of the crowd. Swallowing roughly, she spins and hurries away, shoulders hunched.

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