Page 17 of Succumbed

“One thing working strongly in Anne-Marie’s favor is her visibility. The press adores her. We need to be thoughtful in how we take Solum to market, but the business will need a consistent, reliable public face.”

“Do you have someone in mind?” Shane’s eyes glint knowingly.

“Declan.”

Lincoln coughs in surprise, but I don’t look his way. True surprise flickers across Declan’s face for the first time, his surly mask slipping and giving way to incredulity.

“Me,” he says.

“Yes,” I confirm.

“You must be joking,” Declan protests.

“Do I sound like I’m joking?” I tilt my head, daring him to argue.

His grumpy expression returns immediately, lips pursing in annoyance. As our server returns with our drinks, I bite back a smirk and turn to Shane. His eyes shine with amusement.

“Is there more?” Shane drawls as our server departs.

“One last thing.” I pause and meet each of their eyes, ending with Shane. “I’m going out on a limb and trusting you all are as brilliant as the data and my team’s forecast suggests. I expect you to be successful, because there’s one type of business Athena refuses to back. Do you know what type that is, Mr. Kelly?”

“Failures.”

“Precisely. So if we’re going to do this, I expect each of you to put whatever baggage you’re carrying aside.” At my targeted glare, Declan swallows roughly and drinks deeply. I try to ignore the way his Adam’s apple bobs behind his dark stubble. “We’re going to dive in and work together to make your dream a reality. We have a short runway and plenty of opportunity for missteps, but failure is not an option.”

“Agreed.” Shane’s gaze doesn’t waver.

“Good.” I settle back in my chair, holding a hand up to invite Shane to take the floor. “What questions do you have?”

His response is immediate. “You mentioned you’d handle our account until launch. What comes after?”

“You’ll be transitioned to the head of our sustainability portfolio, Parker Brooks.”

“And we’ll no longer meet with you personally.”

I shrug noncommittally. “I’m sure Parker will invite me to milestone meetings as a courtesy, but he’ll be responsible for working directly with you and the team you’ll build. He’ll keep me apprised of your progress.”

My eyes dart to Lincoln and I can’t help a small smile. He looks so pleased with where the conversation is going, his expression open and a wide smile on his lips. He catches me looking and winks. My chest warms as I tuck my hair behind my ear.

“Thank you, Lex.” Lincoln raises his glass, amber eyes twinkling.

I raise mine and tap it lightly to his. “You’re welcome, Mr. Wilde.”

“Linc. Please, call me Linc.”

“Linc,” I murmur through my smile before taking another sip.

“Ms. Livingston–”

“Lex,” I interrupt Shane. “Just Lex.”

I can see Linc’s smile out of the corner of my eye. Shane’s lips twitch as he inclines his head.

“First names, it is. Do you have connections with the Green Innovation Summit organizers?”

“I do. We’ve hosted launches there in the past. Parker and his team will ensure we get everything ready for a big splash at the Summit.”

“I look forward to it.” Shane nods thoughtfully. “You mentioned Anne-Marie earlier. We have no contact with her anymore.”

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