Page 17 of Billion Dollar Dispute

Restlessly pacing my office, I’m interrupted by the loud ring of my work phone. I storm across the gray plush rug to my marble and timber-legged desk to answer the call. I run a hand through my swept-back hair, before settling into the chair, and resting my hand on my suit pants.

“Harvey,” I answer, my tone clipped as I struggle to maintain composure.

“You have a meeting at one in Manhattan. The driver is downstairs when you’re ready.”

“Thanks, Esme,” I reply curtly, my mind still reeling from thoughts of Jemima.

“Before you go, um,” she stammers.

“Yeah?”

“Would it be okay if I left early?”

My eyebrows pull together. “Why?”

“My daughter has a temperature; I need to pick her up from school.”

That is the exact reason why I’m nowhere near ready to have kids. They interrupt your life at any given time. Hence why I’ve stuck with flings. It keeps me focused on my goals.

“Sure,” I reply, hanging up.

Attempting to distract myself before I head into the meeting, I turn to my emails, but my mind still drifts to the feisty brunette. I need a game plan to break through her defenses.

Who better to ask than one of my brothers?

The question is, which one?

Jeremy, like me, didn’t receive one of our parents businesses. I’m not jealous of Oliver, who took over Mom’s gallery, or Evan, who took over Dad's media business, because our parents have money for us to support our own business adventures. Jeremy built his own empire; he started as an ophthalmologist and then become a hospital chain owner. As for me, I started with college, where I completed a Master of Science in Business Administration, and then worked for a company, where I gained industry experience, before venturing out on my own almost five years ago. Where I’m my own boss and buy other businesses to turn them around. We’re having a black-tie networking cocktail event this Friday, and the focus will be on mingling, showcasing recent acquisitions, and fostering connections between investors and industry leaders.

Shutting down my computer, I make my way out of my office, nodding to Esme. The car is waiting downstairs, which will take me to my first meeting.

An hour later, I’m walking away after they successfully approved our proposal, so now we can move on to drafting a contract. Next task of the day is Recaredo Events…

On the way, I call Jeremy. He’ll help me work through this roadblock with Jemima.

I’ve never encountered anything like this before. People never say no to me; they’re usually willing to do anything for me. But Jemima’s different. She’s saying no, and I don’t know how to change her mind.

He answers on the first ring. “Harvey. What can I do for you?”

“I need some advice.”

“Go on.”

I run my hand along my freshly shaved jaw. “I have a client who’s running out of time to pay their debt to the lenders. Dad’s given me an ultimatum. He wants me to turn this small business around, and I only have six months to do it.”

“Why are you worried? He gave you six months.”

“She’s been saying no for fucking weeks.”

“Weeks,” he barks, like he thinks I’m stupid and irresponsible.

I close my eyes briefly, sneering. “No need to yell, I get the fucking point.”

“She’s hot,” he smartly remarks, drawing my attention. “That’s got to be it.”

Her high cheekbones, long brown hair, and honey eyes I could get lost in, invade my mind.

I snort in an attempt to dismiss his assumption. “Pretty or not, she’s a pain in my ass. And I need her to fucking listen to me.”

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