And I have the contract right here. She lifted a document folder from the stone railing. $150 million, Elena said. Wire transfer ready to go. You get your Kensington Steel.
You save your reputation. You save your quarterly report. Julian looked at the folder, then at her. He was reeling.
You were playing me at the restaurant. I was observing you, Elena corrected. I wanted to see if the rumors were true. If Julian Thorne was really as arrogant and careless as they said.
You exceeded expectations. Why would you lend me money? Julian narrowed his eyes. You hate me.
I fired you. Business is business. Elena shrugged, channeling the coldness he had displayed the night before. You need money.
I have money. The interest rate is 15%. I stand to make a healthy profit from your desperation. Isn't that what you told me?
Efficiency looks like cruelty to those who don't understand the endgame. She quoted his own words back to him. It was a master stroke. It appealed to his greed.
He thought she was like him, a mercenary. He could understand a mercenary. He couldn't understand a victim. 15% is robbery.
Julian grunted, but he reached for the folder. "Take it or leave it," Elena said. "The market's open in 12 hours. Without this cash, you're in breach of contract on the acquisition." Julian hesitated.
He looked at her eyes. He saw nothing but cold calculation. He convinced himself that he had won. She was just a player and he was the king.
He would take her money, use it, and then screw her over later. Fine. Julian pulled a gold pen from his pocket. He flipped to the signature page.
He didn't read the fine print. He never read the fine print when he was desperate. He signed his name with a flourish. Julian Thorne.
Done. He smirked, handing the folder back. "Pleasure doing business with you, Elena. You clean up nice.
Maybe you should have worn that emerald dress while you were serving my steak." He laughed, patting her on the shoulder, and walked back into the party, feeling triumphant. Elena watched him go. She looked down at the signature. Marcus stepped out of the shadows from the adjacent balcony.
"Did he sign it? Marcus asked. "He signed? Elena said.
"Did he read the default clause, the one where Vanguard Shadow retains the right to immediate repayment in full if any undisclosed environmental liabilities are discovered within 48 hours?"
"No." Elena smiled, a genuine dangerous smile. He didn't read a word.
So, what happens now? Elena pulled out her phone. She dialed a contact saved as EPA district director. Now, Elena said, I make a phone call.