5. Lex
“You trust their data?”
Parker meets my gaze from across my desk, his expression thoughtful. “I do. They’re thorough and have been diligent in their testing. From what they’ve shared, I can see they’re close. But they need capital to rule out the weakness they identified in the version Greenstar is backing.”
While there are few men in my life I trust fully, Parker has earned my faith over his years at Athena, growing from a senior associate to principal I rely on often. He does his homework, has great intuition, and is respected by his clients.
I have the due diligence summary he’d pulled together for Solum up on my laptop, and I scroll through it as Parker continues.
“Everything they sent over from the RD perspective was immaculate, Lex. Their data is meticulous, and their product is one of the most innovative the industry has seen.” He pauses, glancing at his notes. “I can see why you’re considering giving them a second chance.”
“So, RD is strong. What about the business side of things?”
A small frown tugs at his mouth. “Those records are accurate as far as I can tell, but they sent over the bare minimum. They haven’t been irresponsible by any means, but I don’t have a lot of insight beyond verifying they need more investment to afford the equipment they’ve identified as critical.”
“Hm. Shane and Lincoln run RD while Declan manages the business and strategy. He was largely silent the other day.”
“Sounds like he’s less bought in. Could be a problem.”
“That’s an understatement,” I mutter, scrolling ahead in the document.
“Lex?”
“Hm?” It takes me a moment to look up, and I find Parker’s eyes on me when I do.
“What do you need to know to make the most of tonight?”
A soft smile curls my lips. Good question, Brooks. I lean back in my chair, propping my elbows on the arms and steepling my fingers. “Ultimately, I’m either going to wish them luck or offer a deal. Which would you do?”
He straightens in his seat. “Do I have a vested interest in any of them?”
I shake my head.
“But I am invested in the startup community..”
“You are. Very.”
“And I’m concerned about the potential impact of the other party if they succeed under false pretenses.”
I nod.
Parker grins. “And I’ve already got a deal drafted.”
I laugh. “You do.”
“I’d offer it.” He doesn’t hesitate. “I haven’t been this excited about a possible green tech deal in a while.”
Parker flips to another slide on his laptop, turning it around so I can see. “If we target a launch at the Green Innovation Summit in Paris in May, these are my early projections for the end of year. Based on what they’ve shared about their manufacturing facility, they’ll be well-equipped to meet initial demand. Plus, their product should be relatively inexpensive to produce, which means margins will be high.”
The trend line went up and to the right at a steep angle, showing strong potential.
“How generous were your estimates?”
“They weren’t. These are conservative.”
“Looks promising,” I murmur, studying the next slide Parker shares, which shows a five-year trend.
“And I probably underestimated the public sector. There are a few initiatives likely to be on the next ballot that could send state demand through the roof. Several proposed bills with decent early support will require more sustainability commitments from local governments, including for construction. Using Solum’s materials for new government buildings like schools or low income housing would meet and exceed those requirements.”
I regard him. He’s leaning forward in his seat, eyes bright. “You’re excited about this one.”
Parker chuckles. “I am. I think they’re the real deal.”
“What’s the news from Greenstar?”
He relaxes in his chair. “They haven’t been forthcoming about the details, but they’re making big claims. There are rumors they’re meeting with a high-up official at the state’s Department of General Services.”
A lightbulb goes on in my brain. “The budget for new schools….” My voice trails off. The state had recently announced a nearly $1B investment toward school construction projects throughout California. I’d read an article written by my friend Cass about it earlier in the week.
“My thoughts exactly.” Parker’s mouth turns down. “Lex, if they’re right and Greenstar is using faulty data to pitch green building materials to the State…”
A chain reaction of potential catastrophic events flashes through my mind. “I know. I’m worried about it, too. Forget the impacts to the startup community, faulty school buildings would put too many lives at risk.”
Silence falls between us. After a moment, I sigh. “Well, that’s decided, then.”
Parker can’t quite fight his smile.
“I need to be hands on to start, but I’d like you to take over once we get past the Summit. You up for it?”
“Absolutely,” he enthuses. “And whatever support you need between now and then, I’m your guy.”
I chuckle. “I’ll take you up on that.”
I’m late. Only by five minutes, but still. You have no reason to feel guilty, Lex.
“Please excuse my tardiness, gentlemen.” I step up to join the three men at their table.
Shane and Lincoln stand on my arrival, both dressed in smart suits–Shane with black on black, and Lincoln in navy blue over a white button down, open at the collar. I have to resist the urge to look them up and down, my eyes drawn to the bulge of Linc’s bicep and the narrow taper of Shane’s waist. Declan remains seated, though he still cuts an imposing figure in a simple black suit and white shirt. His tailor deserves a raise. That coat looks painted on.
Declan barely glances my way before his eyes fall to the glass of water in his hand. I remain standing, watching him while Shane and Lincoln watch me. After a minute, I break the tense silence.
“You came to me. Am I to assume you’re no longer interested in my investment?”
Declan’s fierce green eyes finally fly to mine. I feel the fire in them like a physical burn, and it stirs parts of me I shouldn’t be noticing at a business dinner. There’s no denying his…intensity does something to me.
“What do you mean?” he barks.
“Like most people, Mr. Wilde, I expect a modicum of respect from those I choose to work with. If you can’t scrape together enough to acknowledge my presence, there’s no reason for me to waste my time with you or your venture.”
“Ms. Livingston, I assure–”
I hold up a hand, stopping Lincoln mid-sentence, my gaze still pinned to Declan. “While I appreciate your desire to smooth things over, Lincoln, I’m going to stop you there. I’ve dealt with far more difficult challenges than Declan Wilde, and I don’t need anyone to speak for me. Stand down.”
In my periphery, I see Lincoln settle back in his chair. A vein on Declan’s forehead throbs and he swallows roughly before rising to his feet. He gives me a stiff nod.
“Perhaps I would’ve been more welcoming if you’d given us the respect of being on time.” He mutters the last, as though saying it quietly could soften the insult.
“Declan–”
“Lincoln, if I may,” I interrupt, shooting him a pointed look before turning back to his older brother. “Let me be clear, Mr. Wilde. I will not apologize for things beyond my control. If the support I can provide Solum Technologies is not worth five minutes of your time, then I’ll take my leave. I came here tonight intending to have a very different conversation, but I will not tolerate your disrespect.”
Declan’s emerald eyes flash. In my peripheral vision, I see both Shane and Lincoln standing stock-still, their gazes flicking between us. As frustrated as I am with their partner, I’m inordinately pleased they both heeded my warning and are letting things between us play out without interference. Declan opens his mouth and Shane leans ever so slightly toward him, drawing his gaze.
“Mr. Wilde,” I demand, refocusing his attention.
Tension eases from Declan’s broad shoulders as he sighs, as though the weight of the world is on him. He slowly meets my gaze.
“Forgive me,” he says tersely. “It’s been a stressful week. We’d appreciate it if you’d join us, as planned.”
I want to laugh in his face. In my experience, a woman’s definition of ‘stressful’ can make a man’s look like a goddamn spa day. But I don’t feel like prolonging what is rapidly becoming the worst moment of my week, so I fight the urge.
“Fine.”
The three men settle into their seats, then turn their eyes to me. It’s a heady thing, being caught in their intense gazes. I clench my thighs and breathe deeply, pushing my arousal away. Focus, Lex.
“Here’s how tonight is going to go,” I announce. “I came with an offer. It is conditional, non-negotiable, and valid for twenty-four hours. The purpose of this conversation is to give you enough information to make a decision. We’ll go over the details and you can ask any questions you have.”
Lincoln’s eyes light up and he leans forward, glancing excitedly toward Shane, then Declan.
“However,” I continue, letting ice creep into my voice and gaze as I stare Declan down. “If I feel disrespected by you again, at any point, I will walk. Immediately and without hesitation. Do I make myself clear?”
The vein on Declan’s forehead reappears. “Crystal,” he answers smoothly, though the redness flushing his neck belies his frustration.
“Good. I understand you were very recently betrayed and might find trust difficult.” Declan’s brows rise a fraction, and he shifts uncomfortably. “But I am not Anne-Marie and I do not deserve your vitriol. The fact we’re both women does not give you license to be a dick. Got it?”
Declan clears his throat. “Got it,” he rasps, dropping his gaze as he sips his water.
I take a steadying breath and lower myself to my seat. Lincoln goes to speak, eyes bright and eager, but Shane interrupts him.
“Let’s order, then discuss business.”
As it did in our meeting at Athena, Shane’s deep voice captures my attention and I turn toward him. There’s something striking about his focused gaze, something steady and calm in the way he carries himself that draws me in.
My answering smile is tight. “Let’s.”
Our server stops by a few moments later to collect our orders. As she walks away, I look up to find three intense pairs of eyes on me once more. Tingles prick along my skin, my breath catching at the weight of their attention. Ignoring the way the fine hairs on my nape rise in reaction, I draw the folder containing the offer from my bag. Lincoln reaches out a hand, but Shane gives him a warning look. Lincoln blinks and drops his hand, watching silently as Shane offers his instead. Interesting.
“This is a formal offer from Athena.” I hand Shane the folder, who accepts it with a slight bow of his head before setting it on the table, his eyes never leaving mine. “We’re offering twelve million dollars for a twenty-five percent stake in Solum Technologies.”
I sense both Lincoln and Declan shift, as though gearing up to speak, but Shane holds up a hand. “Go on, Lex. Please.”
His simple command of the table, which the Wilde brothers defer to without protest, is as sexy as it is unexpected. I appreciate a confident man. I fight the urge to smile, surprised by my reaction. Taking a sip of water, I give myself a moment.
“We all know there’s more at stake here than just your product and professional future,” I go on. “Given my personal investment in your success, I’ll be handling your account myself. At least until launch.”
“We’d be honored.” Shane’s voice is arresting. Both quiet and deep, it somehow fills the space. “Do you have a launch date in mind?”
“I do, and it’s another condition. You’ll launch at the Green Innovation Summit in Paris.”
“That’s only three months away,” Lincoln cuts in.
I glance over as Shane casts him a stern glare. “It is indeed.”
“We’ll be ready,” Shane affirms. “What else?”
The gentle dominance in his tone sends electricity skittering along my skin. I struggle to keep my expression passive as I answer.
“My availability is limited, but weekly in-person progress meetings will be necessary. We’ll have to be creative with scheduling, including early mornings, late nights, weekends.”
“Not a problem.”
I tilt my head, trying to read his neutral expression. Declan was who I’d expected to lead negotiations, despite Lincoln driving our last conversation. In our first meeting years ago, Shane was silent, the quiet, though obviously brilliant, lead engineer. Now, I have the overwhelming feeling there’s far more lurking beneath his surface.
“I might be handling your account to start, but this deal is with Athena. My team will have carte blanche access to your data, and I need a facilities tour within forty-eight hours of accepting the offer.”
Shane’s look turns thoughtful as he considers my words, and I look to Declan.
“And I need you to do the same with the business records. Don’t think I missed that you’ve been less than forthcoming so far. You need to walk me through it, then provide me access to your files so our team can get up to speed.”
Declan’s eyes narrow briefly before darting to Shane. His jaw clenches in response to whatever look he receives before responding tightly. “Alright.”
What the fuck is his deal?I return my focus to Shane, patience wearing dangerously thin.
“One thing working strongly in Anne-Marie’s favor is her visibility. The press adores her. We need to be thoughtful in how we take Solum to market, but the business will need a consistent, reliable public face.”
“Do you have someone in mind?” Shane’s eyes glint knowingly.
“Declan.”
Lincoln coughs in surprise, but I don’t look his way. True surprise flickers across Declan’s face for the first time, his surly mask slipping and giving way to incredulity.
“Me,” he says.
“Yes,” I confirm.
“You must be joking,” Declan protests.
“Do I sound like I’m joking?” I tilt my head, daring him to argue.
His grumpy expression returns immediately, lips pursing in annoyance. As our server returns with our drinks, I bite back a smirk and turn to Shane. His eyes shine with amusement.
“Is there more?” Shane drawls as our server departs.
“One last thing.” I pause and meet each of their eyes, ending with Shane. “I’m going out on a limb and trusting you all are as brilliant as the data and my team’s forecast suggests. I expect you to be successful, because there’s one type of business Athena refuses to back. Do you know what type that is, Mr. Kelly?”
“Failures.”
“Precisely. So if we’re going to do this, I expect each of you to put whatever baggage you’re carrying aside.” At my targeted glare, Declan swallows roughly and drinks deeply. I try to ignore the way his Adam’s apple bobs behind his dark stubble. “We’re going to dive in and work together to make your dream a reality. We have a short runway and plenty of opportunity for missteps, but failure is not an option.”
“Agreed.” Shane’s gaze doesn’t waver.
“Good.” I settle back in my chair, holding a hand up to invite Shane to take the floor. “What questions do you have?”
His response is immediate. “You mentioned you’d handle our account until launch. What comes after?”
“You’ll be transitioned to the head of our sustainability portfolio, Parker Brooks.”
“And we’ll no longer meet with you personally.”
I shrug noncommittally. “I’m sure Parker will invite me to milestone meetings as a courtesy, but he’ll be responsible for working directly with you and the team you’ll build. He’ll keep me apprised of your progress.”
My eyes dart to Lincoln and I can’t help a small smile. He looks so pleased with where the conversation is going, his expression open and a wide smile on his lips. He catches me looking and winks. My chest warms as I tuck my hair behind my ear.
“Thank you, Lex.” Lincoln raises his glass, amber eyes twinkling.
I raise mine and tap it lightly to his. “You’re welcome, Mr. Wilde.”
“Linc. Please, call me Linc.”
“Linc,” I murmur through my smile before taking another sip.
“Ms. Livingston–”
“Lex,” I interrupt Shane. “Just Lex.”
I can see Linc’s smile out of the corner of my eye. Shane’s lips twitch as he inclines his head.
“First names, it is. Do you have connections with the Green Innovation Summit organizers?”
“I do. We’ve hosted launches there in the past. Parker and his team will ensure we get everything ready for a big splash at the Summit.”
“I look forward to it.” Shane nods thoughtfully. “You mentioned Anne-Marie earlier. We have no contact with her anymore.”
“Smart. Keep it that way.”
Shane’s gaze holds mine. “We trusted her, Lex. Her betrayal was a surprise, but we’re not motivated by revenge.”
Declan makes a rough noise, but I ignore him. I have no time for your bullshit, Wilde.
“I’d hope not,” I say. “There’s true potential in what you’ve built. Potential that will have far more positive impact than the temporary satisfaction of bringing down someone who hurt you.”
“I agree.” He glances at Declan as he replies.
Our server returns, arms laden with a heavy tray. Our conversation pauses as she distributes plates to a chorus of “thank you” from each of us, even Declan. At least he’s not a total asshole, I guess.
“Enjoy!” The upbeat brunette turns away with a smile as I look back at Shane. He’s leaning forward with his elbows on the table, blue eyes calculating.
“What other questions do you have?” I press.
He considers me. “Why?”
I pause, my fork halfway to my mouth. “Excuse me?”
“Why give us an offer?” He sits back in his chair, the curve of his lips more smirk than smile. “What’s in it for you?”
I reach for my wine. “It’s good business. We have goals around growing our sustainability portfolio.” Taking a sip, I can see he’s not satisfied by the partial truth. “Mostly, though, I abhor dishonesty, especially when it puts others at risk. There’s enough evidence to suggest Greenstar may do exactly that if they launch, and it’s not something I’m willing to overlook.” And there’s something about the three of you that just won’t let me say no.
Shane watches me for a long moment, almost as though he can read my inner thoughts. I gaze back calmly, comfortable in the silence. Linc glances between us as he eats his steak while Declan is still. There’s a comfort and ease between the three despite their differences, a familiarity in how they interact that speaks to years of close proximity. Being part of their dynamic, even briefly, is…intoxicating. I don’t hate being the center of their attention.
“One more question.”
I tilt my head, returning to my waiting bite. A slow smile curves Shane’s lips, and I feel my core clench.
“Does five tomorrow evening work for that facility tour?”