Page 33 of Boss of Her

“She is,” Evan replied. “She is simply unavailable at present.”

Simone leaned back in her chair and crossed her arms. Another negotiation tactic? Another roadblock dropped in her way? She’d already dealt with all the others. Her few competitors had balked at the price of fixing the defects under the building. Orion Development was still in the running, but with an insultingly low offer. Simone was the only real player left.

But she still had to deal with Ashton’s nephew and the lackeys whispering into his ear, telling him when to buy and sell, when to give ground and when to play hardball.

But playing hardball was Simone’s forte.

She rose to her feet. “If Ashton is unavailable, we’ll reschedule for a time when sheisavailable. I’ll have my assistant get in touch.”

Her words had the desired effect. “I assure you, I’m more than capable of handling any negotiations in Ashton’s stead,” Evan said.

Simone began pacing beside the conference room table. “I don’t see what there is left to negotiate. My offer is on the table. We’ve discussed every last detail of it. It’s time to seal the deal.”

“I understand that you’re eager to see this done, but Ashton is not yet satisfied with your terms.”

“Then she can speak to me about that herself,” Simone said.

“Ashton is a busy woman. It’s my job to ensure we have your best and final offer before we present it to—”

“Cut the bullshit, Evan. We both know I’m the only player left. My offer is more than fair, especially given those defects that were buried in the building report. This is the best deal you’re going to get.”

“I wouldn’t be so sure. We’re still in talks with Orion Development. They’ve put in a very appealing offer.”

Simone stifled a sigh. Evan was bluffing, and badly.

Two can play that game.

“You know what?” Simone said. “If Orion’s offer is so appealing,take it.”

There was a pause at the other end of the line. “I’m sorry?”

“You heard me. Take the deal. Sell The Ashton Star to a faceless corporation that will raze it to the ground to build a parking lot. Wipe the Ashton family legacy from the city. Because what does it matter, as long as you get to line your pockets?”

Beside her, Jade’s mouth fell open, a mixture of shock and admiration in her eyes.You like it when I play hardball too, do you?Slipping behind her, Simone leaned her arms on the top of Jade’s chair, letting her hand fall to her assistant’s shoulder, her fingertips grazing her bare neck. All it would take was a word, and she could have Jade right here, right now, pinned to the conference room table so that Simone could explore every one of those delectable curves…

“Excuse me?” Evan’s shrill voice echoed through the speaker. “You can’t speak to me like that! Ashton will be hearing about this!”

“Good,” Simone said. “Tell her what I said. Tell her she can sell The Ashton Star to Orion Development for easy money. Or she can sell it to me and know that I’ll make sure the hotel her family poured themselves into for generations remains standing for decades to come.”

“You think we’re going to sell you the hotel now? After you insult me like—”

A woman’s voice interrupted him, clear and crisp. “Oh, shut up, will you?”

Simone straightened up, exchanging a glance with Jade. There was another person on the call.

“You tried to play her, and she played you instead,” the voice said. “And quite frankly, you deserved it. To think I paid for you to go to business school.”

Jade’s brows drew together in confusion. But Simone already knew who the voice belonged to.

“Hello, Ashton,” she said. “It’s good to finally speak to you.”

“Same to you. You’re quite the businesswoman, Ms. Weiss. I apologize for my nephew’s behavior. He’s still learning the ropes. And I apologize for the subterfuge. I simply wanted to get a sense of just the kind of person I’m dealing with.”

“I don’t appreciate games, Ashton. Do not test me again.”

Jade’s eyes widened in shock. But Simone hadn’t come as far as she had by becoming a pushover.

“I won’t,” Ashton said. “You’ve proven yourself to be as formidable as everyone says. But if I’m to decide whether to leave The Ashton Star in your hands, I’ll have to meet you in person.”

---