65 A Desperate, Futile Bargain
Istood by the window in my office, watching the city lights flicker in the distance. The door clicked open behind me, and I didn’t need to turn around to know who it was Like a persistent shadow, Alistair had returned.
thought i made myself clear yesterday. I said, keeping my back to him.
“You did Alistair’s voice was softer today, less demanding. “But I’ve come with a better
offer
turned slowly, studying his face. Dark circles had formed under his eyes. His usually impeccable appearance looked strained, his designer suit slightly rumpled.
“Let me guess,” I said. “You’ve increased the price tag on my mother’s bracelet?”
He nodded eagerly. “Fifty million wasn’t enough. I’m offering seventy–five million now?
A bitter laugh escaped my lips. “You still don’t get it, do you?”
“T’m trying to help you, Hazel. Your family needs this money.”
I walked back to my desk, putting it between us like a shield. “My family’s financial
troubles are none of your concern.”
Alistair paced before setting his briefcase on my desk and clicking it open. He pulled out a folder, spreading documents before me.
“I’ve drawn up the paperwork. It’s just a loan agreement. Three months, then the bracelet returns to you, regardless of what happens with Ivy.”
I glanced at the papers but didn’t touch them. “What part of ‘no‘ was unclear?”
He ran his hand through his hair, a gesture of frustration I used to find endearing. Now
just seemed calculated.
“Fine, One hundred million dollars, he said abruptly. “Just for borrowing a bracelet for
three months
My eyebrows shot up despite myself. “You’re that desperate?”
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kvienadition is worsening” he admitted. “The doctors have revised their rimele She might not base three months”
I should have felt something–pity, perhaps, or even satisfaction. Instead, I felt nothing
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“So now you’re using her impending death to manipulate me?” I asked. “That’s low
even for you.”
Alistair’s expression hardened. I’m not manipulating you. I’m offering you a business
deal
“A business deal? I repeated. That bracelet is all I have left of my mother. It’s not for
sale or rent
“Two hundred million, he countered, his voice tense. “And I’ll throw in my shares of Evening Gala
The offer was staggering. With that kind of money could resolve my family’s debt
crisis buy out his stake in our company and still have enough left to expand
internationally. For a moment Lalmost considered it.
Almost
why does she want my bracelet so badly? Lasked instead, genuinely curious about
the motive behind this obsession
Alistair hesitated, averting his eyes She says it would bring her peace?
“Peace” Lechoed fatty “Taking something precious from me would bring her peace?
“It’s complicated, he mattered.
No, it’s actually very simple Ivy has spent her entire life coveting what’s mine. Even
on her deathbed, she’s still trying retake than the
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“The hundred folion eral and riddenty, fue voice nearly coucking “Final fie
The desperation in fus eyes was almost pitiable. Almost
Let me be crystal dear, Isard, leaning forward on my desk penny of the Everett fortune, my answer would still be no
If so coffered me every
He stared at me, disbelief etched across his face. “You’re still punishing the for choosing lvy, aren’t you?
Flaughed then, truly laughed. You think this is about punishment? This is about me finally recognizing my own worth
I know your financial situation he pressed. Sebastian Sinclair has you in his debt. Use this money to pay him off before it’s too late.”
My smile vanished. “What are you talking about?”
“The Sinclairs don’t give without expecting something in return,” Alistair warned. “The longer you stay indebted to them, the higher the price becomes.”
“You know nothing about Sebastian or my relationship with him.” I said coldly.
“I know enough.” he countered. “They’re dangerous, Hazel. Why do you think nobody crosses them? Take the money, pay off your debt, and cut ties with them while you
still can.
Ibristled at his presumption. “The debt I’m in is because of you. You forced me to find alternative funding when you pulled your investment from our collection.”
“And I’m trying to make it right!” he exclaimed. “Three hundred million dollars, Hazel Think about what you could do with that!”
“At what cost?” I asked quietly. “My self–respect? The last connection I have to my
mother?”
Alistair’s shoulders slumped slightly. “It’s just a bracelet.”
Those four words crystallized everything wrong between us. To him, it was just an object, something with a price tag. He had never understood that some things couldn’t be bought or sold.
“Get out. I said firmly “And take your money with you.”
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of faving, he saak into the chair across from the return it, I swear. As soon
After she dies while wearing something precious that belongs to me? I finished for
Shim. No, thank you?
“Please, he whispered, and for the first time, I saw real desperation in his eyes “She’s suffering This would case her mind.
“My and matters too. I replied. “And my peace matters.
Frustration flashed across his face “Why are you being so stubborn? It’s just a loan!”
“Because I’m done letting you and Ivy take what’s mine, I stood up. “Now leave before!
call security”
He remained seated, his expression changing as he reached for a new tactic
“If you do this.” he said slowly, Tll sign the divorce papers immediately. No more delays, no more legal maneuvers. You’ll be free of me by the end of the week.
The offer hung in the air between us. Freedom from our marriage had been my goal for months, and he knew it. He was using my desire for a clean break as leverage.
I pressed the intercom button on my desk phone. “Security to my office, please.”
“You’re calling security?” he asked incredulously. “On me?”
““Yes, on you.” I crossed my arms. “Because you refuse to understand that no means no.”
Think about this, Hazel, he pleaded, standing up. “Three hundred million dollars and a quick divorce. All for borrowing a bracelet for a few weeks.”
“See you in court, Alistair” I said calmly. “I’m done negotiating with you?
The door opened as two security guards entered. Alistair’s face flushed with
humiliation as he realized I was serious.
Ms. Shay? one of the guards asked.
“Please escort Mr Everett froin the building. I instructed. “He’s no longer welcome here?
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wearefied spaservery as he gathered tus papers stuffing them back onto his briefcase
with shakme hands.
“The only thing I regret “I said quietly is not seeing you for who you truly are years
His face darkened as the guards waited for him to leave. “This isn’t over
Yes, it is
said with (mality. It’s been over since the day you chose Ivy.
As the door closed behind him, I sank back into my chair, touching the jade bracelet ca my wrist My mother’s voice seemed to whisper from the past: “Some things are priceless, Hazel. Never let anyone convince you otherwise.”
For the first time in months, I felt completely certain that I had made the right choice
