Chapter 4 - THE BILLIONAIRE WHO ASKED PERMISSION
Roman Vale called Claire on a Wednesday afternoon.
She was reviewing vendor contracts when Hannah knocked.
“Roman Vale is on line two.”
Claire looked up.
“Personally?”
Hannah smiled.
“Unless someone has developed a very convincing imitation.”
Claire picked up.
“Roman.”
“Claire.”
His voice was deep and calm.
“How's your cheek?”
“Yellow.”
A pause.
“Yellow?”
“The bruise. It has progressed from purple to a truly impressive shade of yellow.”
Roman laughed softly.
“I'm glad you're recovering.”
“Thank you.”
He hesitated.
“I have a business proposition.”
Claire leaned back.
“I'm listening.”
“Vale Meridian is redeveloping a historic hotel on Michigan Avenue. We need an event strategy firm for the reopening.”
Claire frowned.
“Roman, I appreciate the offer, but—”
“I haven't finished.”
She smiled.
“Go ahead.”
“I want your company to bid.”
Claire went still.
“Bid?”
“Yes.”
“Not receive a contract?”
“No.”
She stared at the phone.
Roman continued.
“Your firm has the strongest portfolio we've reviewed. But I won't insult you by pretending your work doesn't require proper procurement.”
Claire smiled slowly.
“And if we lose?”
“Then you lose.”
She laughed.
“That's surprisingly refreshing.”
Roman's voice softened.
“Claire, I don't want you to feel you owe me anything because of what happened.”
Her smile faded.
For a moment, she couldn't speak.
Then she whispered, “Thank you.”
He paused.
“Would you like the bid documents?”
“Yes.”
“Good.”
A beat passed.
Then he added, “And would you consider dinner?”
Claire froze.
“Business dinner?”
Roman hesitated.
“No.”
Her heart skipped.
“Roman—”
“You can say no.”
She looked toward the window.
For years, Ethan had treated her decisions as obstacles.
Roman treated them as answers.
Claire smiled.
“Let me survive the bid first.”
May you like
Roman laughed.
“Fair.”
