Page 42 of Billion Dollar Dispute

“There’s a lot of work to sift through,” I say, gesturing toward it.

There are legal and financial documents here, along with a list of former clients we could reach out to and see if she might work with them again.

“No shit,” she says, grinning.

“I love it when you talk like that,” I reply, my grin matching hers.

She releases a frustrated sigh. “I shouldn’t have bothered,” she murmurs, then promptly turns to leave.

Her words pique my interest. “Was there something I can do for you?”

She subtly tenses before answering. “Lunch. Just seeing if you want a break?”

In a cute, awkward way that seems so unlike her, she shuffles on her feet.

“Well, when you put it like that, how can I say no?” I reply with a faint grin.

“Molly is coming too.”

“Danny?” I wonder what our colleague is doing.

It might be a good chance to bond as a small company and discuss upcoming events or how everyone is doing on their assigned tasks. I’m curious to see how Danny is doing with his work. There’s a niggling suspicion in my gut that tells me something is off with him, but I don’t have concrete evidence to back me.

“No, he’s gone out to meet a potential client.”

That cold feeling still sits in the bottom of my stomach.

“Can I ask how you know him and why you kept him?” I ask, hoping to understand his role in the company.

“Do you have a problem with him?” she asks with an accusing tone.

“No. I’m trying to understand every aspect of the business.”

She knows I’m here to learn and help it turn around, so she needs me to be honest with her about everything.

“He’s a family friend.”

There’s a trace of vulnerability in her words.

She trusts him.

“How long has he worked here?”

“Molly and Danny worked with my dad. Danny was one of my dad’s first hires.”

A connection to her family, specifically her father, will blind her in business. So I need to be gentle. Doesn’t mean if I find anything, I won’t do what I have to do.

I have to make this work, so I walk away with my trust fund. My friend Wyatt is drawing up a business plan for the consulting firm. I want to be ready to go in a few months.

“And Molly?”

“She’s just a co-worker and friend. Why?” she says, her voice firm, but there’s no bite to it. She folds her arms across her chest and glances away, as if the question doesn’t quite land the way I intended.

“I’m just asking.” I shrug, trying to keep it light. “Why do you always think I’m attacking you?”

Her eyes flick back to me, and the sharpness fades in them a little. “You’re always putting me on the spot.”

“I’m not judging, I swear.” My tone is teasing now, hoping to ease the tension.

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