Page 20 of A Game-Changing Christmas

Chapter Six

The following morning

“We’re losing money in this.”

“It’s not about the money.”

Cadena Winthrope wrinkled her nose then turned her gaze to her father’s audacious stare. “Everything is about the money.”

“This is about the better economic growth of our country.”

“And why do you think they’ll help us better our country?”

“Because we have common goals, and they stand to be a benefit to their hometown, maybe even their country. It’s a win-win situation.”

Cadena stood from the chaise lounge in the Four Seasons Hotel, her cinnamon legs carrying her in a strut across the room to her father and mentor. She swept a bundle of strands off her shoulder to fall at her back.

“You are King Isaac Winthrope, Ruler of Kéra Asnela. We should rethink this visit. These men are adversaries. They’ll never see eye to eye long enough to make this deal a reality, regardless to the commonality of our goals.”

King Winthrope’s pervading russet gaze stared back at his daughter.

“You worry too much.”

“And you don’t worry enough. It’s not safe for the royal family to be in one spot on foreign land.”

“We’re on foreign land all the time.”

“Yes, but no one has received us.”

“That’s because no one knows we’re here.”

“Our enemies might.”

The king laid a peering eye on his daughter skeptically. She had been his advisor for many years of his rule, but she was on constant alert, though their kingdom hadn’t been threatened in a decade.

“We have enemies?”

Cadena sighed. “You know what I mean.”

“What do you mean? Do we have enemies or not?”

“Not on record currently, but that doesn’t mean—”

“Relax, Cadena, everything will go according to plan. We’ll have Rose Security Group receive us shortly, and they’ll provide our cover.”

“When?”

“Has either of them began looking into the bidder?”

“Yes.”

“Send them a message tonight, and let’s plan to have the meeting before dawn.”

“Should I inform them of who will be in attendance?”

“No.”

“That may not be such a good idea.”

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