Page 95 of Invisible Bars
Focused. Sharp.
“For now. But let’s not rush just to look global. Vet that firm’s holding company again—I want to know if they’re backed by any unstable private lenders. Last thing I need is their debt drama becoming my drama.”
A few team members nodded and started typing.
“Also,” I added, “get a call scheduled with Shah Holdings. I want first dibs on the development rights for the next tech corridor. If I have to overpay, fine. But I don’t lose real estate to amateurs.”
“Yes, sir!” my assistant, Angela noted.
The conversation continued—acquisitions, branding, and a new partnership offer from a luxury car brand. But every few seconds, my attention went back to that ring.
An hour later, Angela called out from the doorway, “Sir, Mrs. Evergreen has arrived.”
I didn’t even look up.
“Send her in.”
Moments later, Saroya entered.
“Good morning, Mr. Kors.”
I gave her my full attention.
“Morning. You passed.”
“As I said I would.” She boasted with a chuckle. “I told you I cry my way out of traffic tickets, not background checks.”
I almost—almost—smiled.
“Have a seat. We need to lay some ground rules.”
Saroya nodded and sat across from me, placing a leather purse in her lap.
“First things first—this job is not for the faint of heart. You’ll be under NDA immediately. You’ll travel if I say so. Expect to work long hours, sometimes late at night. And I don’t do check-ins. I expect results, not conversations.”
“Understood. But just sowe’reclear, if you want results, thatdoesmean having a few conversations. PR isn’t magic; it’s strategy built on communication.”
I studied her, my eyes slightly narrowed.
“You always talk like that?”
She smirked. “Only when I’m trying to impress difficult billionaires.”
“Careful… flattery won’t get you far, Mrs. Evergreen.”
“It’s not flattery; it’s data. Every article about you says you’re difficult; I’m just confirming my sources.”
I tilted my head at that, almost amused. Saroya wasn’t afraid of me—and that was rare.
I leaned forward.“If we’re gonna work together, you need to know a few other things. I don’t do gossip, and I don’t respond to every hit piece. I just feel some battles ain’t worth fighting.”
“Agreed. But when your silence starts to write a narrative for you, that’s when I’ll step in.”
“You that bold with all your clients?”
“Only the ones who act like they run kingdoms.”
I reclined in my chair, folding my arms.
