Chapter 9 - THE WOMAN WHO REFUSED HIS MONEY
Roman offered to pay Sloan's debts.
She refused.
He offered to move her father into a private rehabilitation facility.
She hesitated.
Then insisted that any change be reviewed with Arthur's medical team and made in her father's best interests.
Roman agreed.
He offered to hire her as a consultant.
This time, she accepted.
But only after an independent attorney reviewed the contract.
Roman smiled.
"You're very difficult."
Sloan raised an eyebrow.
"You're very accustomed to getting your way."
He laughed.
"Fair."
Their relationship changed.
They spent long evenings reviewing documents.
Discussing architecture.
Arguing over design choices.
Sometimes they ate takeout in Roman's office.
Sometimes they walked along the harbor.
Roman learned that Sloan loved old buildings because they carried history.
Sloan learned that Roman hated hospitals because his mother had died in one when he was sixteen.
They began seeing each other as people.
Not a mafia boss and a waitress.
Not a powerful man and a woman in trouble.
Just Roman.
And Sloan.
One evening, Roman asked:
"Do you regret what I said at the club?"
Sloan smiled.
"That I'm your wife?"
He nodded.
She considered.
"At the time, I wanted to throw a glass at you."
Roman laughed.
"And now?"
May you like
She smiled.
"Now I think you owe me a proper introduction before making any more announcements."
