Page 24 of A Win-Win Situation

"They can do whatever they want if a majority agrees and from the whispers I’ve heard, there will be a vote soon."

"When is the vote?"

"Around the opening."

"Is this some kind of joke?"

"No, it's not," my uncle responds firmly.

"Are they doing it because ofme?"

"They are going to beyourhotels, Lucas. However, they're investors, which means it's also their hotels by extension"

Leora stares down at her hands, seemingly lost in thought. I can tell she's trying to process everything that's happened. But when she starts looking around the office, her eyes freeze on the pictures of me, Liam, and Ammo Antoine standing in front of different hotel doors. I notice something behind her eyes: guilt, and maybe longing.

Her leg moves up and down rapidly as she fidgets with her fingers. It's as if she's holding something back, but I can't quite tell what it is. I feel a sense of unease wash over me when I try to read her expression, but she finally speaks up, her voice soft but firm. "I need some time to think about it."

I study her intently.Is she feeling bad? Or does she realize how much power she has in her hands—meaning she can get more money?

My uncle nods understandingly. "Of course, take all the time you need. But please keep in mind that we need to put this in motion soon."

Leora nods, her gaze shifting between my uncle and I. I can sense her discomfort, and I know that I’m not the only one unhappy with this situation.

"I understand," she says, standing up from her chair. With that, she turns and walks towards the door. I watch her go, feeling a mix of relief and disappointment. Relief that she hasn't said yes, but also disappointment at her aversion to the proposal. Is the idea of marrying me that terrible?

My uncle turns to me, his eyes filled with concern. "Lucas, I know this is not what you want. But we have no other options."

"I know," I say, my shoulders slumping defeatedly.

My uncle sighs. "You have to trust me on this."

I nod, knowing he’s always had my best interest at heart.

"We’ll give her some time to think about it," I say. "But if she says no, what do we do then?"

My uncle fixes his gaze on me, his brows furrowing in a show of deep concern. "We'll cross that bridge when we get to it. But for now, let's concentrate on persuading her to say yes."

The restof my day drags on—my body moving through the motions while my mind remains fixated on her. We simply can't afford to lose the hotels; failure is not an option which means it falls on me to make her agree, no matter what it takes. I don’t have a clear plan yet, but I know I must convince her to marry me.

"Monsieur Ayoub, line three for you." Camille’s voice reverberates and I pick up the phone, pressing the button for line three.

"Yes?"

"Hi." A sweet voice on the other end speaks softly, but I can hear the hesitation in her tone.

It's her.

I take a deep breath, trying to calm my rapid thoughts before speaking.

"Are you calling to give me an answer?" I ask, my tone flat and emotionless.

There's a brief moment of silence before she replies, "You’re not Antoine."

"I’m not."

"Well, I want to speak to him."

"You’ve got me. Now, answer my question."

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