Chapter 3
Working with Luke was out of the question for Emmeline.
She had been trying to get Anh to invest in Inferno for months. Business was doing well, and she wanted to expand, but she needed investment money to take such a big step. Even if it was the only way, working with Luke was out of the question.
“Absolutely not,” Emmeline said, voice leaving no room for negotiation. “Tempest is leagues behind Inferno. While consolidating would be to his company’s advantage, it makes no sense for mine. I have no desire to move backwards.”
Luke barked out a laugh at that. “We’re not so far behind.”
Emmeline bristled. In reality, she did know that what Luke said was true, but she couldn’t tell Anh the real reason she refused to merge with Luke was because she couldn’t stand him.
Ordinarily, Emmeline could be relied upon for her professionalism, but Luke Hayward had an uncanny knack of making her behave in ways she otherwise wouldn’t.
Around him, she felt entirely out of control—unhinged. And she preferred being hinged, thank you very much.
From her position on the couch, Anh looked from Emmeline to Luke, then back at Emmeline, her eyes assessing. For a moment, Emmeline considered ceding, but she refrained. She knew she couldn’t trust Luke Hayward, of all people.
Releasing a sigh, Anh let out a thoughtful noise. “I am only going to invest in one company,” Anh said. “Are you sure?”
Neither Emmeline nor Luke wasted a moment; they both immediately began talking over one another, leaning forward on their lounge chairs as they pitched their businesses.
“Tempest is a stronger candidate—”
“Inferno is the company to go with—”
“Our numbers—”
“Our distribution—”
“The reliability of the dragons—”
“The chimeras’ work ethic—”
Frowning, Anh held up a hand, quieting both of them. “Don’t give me a headache,” she ordered, and both business-owners were immediately chagrined. Emmeline felt the urge to hang her head like a scolded child; she hated to disappoint.
“I did, of course, consider the possibility that you would be averse to consolidating,” Anh said, looking at both of them carefully. As Anh assessed them, Emmeline straightened her already straight back, keeping her hands folded neatly on her lap.
She had never shied away from scrutiny; she knew she wasn’t lacking. She made sure of it. Even so—there was something about the way Anh looked at her and Luke that made Emmeline nervous.
Her nerves only doubled when Anh’s lips curled into a pleased smile. “I am sure you’ve both heard of the Tales Emmeline understood how she felt. Younger brothers could be quite vexing.
“Little brothers,” Luke said fondly. As Anh smiled, Emmeline tried not to frown; she was going to say that.
“To the point: coffee is your forte,” Anh continued. “Why don’t you both get me proposals for how to include a coffee shop in the bookshop? Whichever proposal I prefer will secure the investment in their company. Plus, I’ll add a stake in the bookshop as a bonus.”
A buzz went through Emmeline. Along with the investment, a stake in the bookshop would be lucrative.
“Yes,” Emmeline agreed immediately, her mind already whirring with ideas. The bookshop was a thriving slice of Starshine Valley and a flourishing community space; a coffee shop would do splendidly there.
“That does sound fun,” Luke said. Emmeline didn’t need to turn to know there would be a glint in his eyes.
“Splendid!” Anh said. “We’ll need a deadline, of course. It’s early December now, so how about the middle of January? Six weeks should be enough time.”
“More than enough time,” Emmeline replied. She turned to Luke. “Unless you would need more? I am happy to accommodate.”
Her attempt to rile him only amused him further, which she detested sorely. “Oh, I know just how accommodating you can be,” he said to her. The words made sparks skitter across her skin as Luke turned to Anh. “Six weeks is perfect.” He flashed his teeth.
“Wonderful. That’s settled then.” Anh stood, holding onto her ornate cane. “I think it’s time for me to have some cake.”
Emmeline and Luke stood as well. “I’ll take you,” Emmeline said, stepping forward. Luke mirrored her, the both of them reaching out for Anh, who ignored them.
“I can manage on my own,” Anh replied.
“Really I—” Emmeline began.
“Don’t try and fuss over me, dear,” Anh said, making Emmeline feel silly.
After Anh took her leave, Emmeline turned to Luke. He stood with his hands in his trouser pockets, making the open collar of his black shirt stretch open. Her gaze flicked over the two chains on his bare chest.
Emmeline made an irritated noise, giving him her best withering glare, which was quite withering indeed. Luke twitched, though he only doubled down on the arrogant posture.
“You might as well bow out now,” she told him, putting her hands on her hips. “You do know everyone calls Tales I couldn’t care less.”
As she turned on her heels and stalked away, Emmeline was more determined than ever to secure the investment.
Seeing her company succeed was one thing—but beating Luke would be its own prize.
There was no way she could lose to Luke Hayward.