Chapter 4 - THE OFFER SHE REFUSED
Laurel didn't accept immediately.
She'd spent five years with a man who had turned every kindness into leverage.
She wasn't eager to repeat the experience with someone whose wealth and influence dwarfed Preston's.
“I don't date guests,” she said.
Elias nodded.
“Fair.”
“And I don't accept favors from people who think they can buy my attention.”
His mouth curved.
“Also fair.”
Laurel studied him.
“You're taking this surprisingly well.”
“I asked a question. You answered it.”
She blinked.
“That simple?”
“That simple.”
He reached into his jacket.
For one alarming moment, Laurel thought he was about to offer her a check.
Instead, he handed her a business card.
“If you change your mind.”
She looked at it.
Elias North.
Northline Holdings.
A private number beneath his name.
Laurel took the card.
“Good night, Mr. North.”
“Good night, Laurel.”
He walked away.
And she stood there longer than she intended.
The next morning, Caleb Sutter summoned her again.
This time, he was smiling.
Laurel didn't trust it.
“Excellent work last night,” he said.
“Thank you.”
“The board is pleased.”
“Good.”
“Especially Mr. North.”
Laurel stiffened.
Sutter leaned back.
“Northline is considering acquiring a minority interest in the Halcyon hospitality group.”
Laurel stared.
She hadn't known.
Sutter continued.
“And Mr. North specifically asked about you.”
Her stomach tightened.
“What did he ask?”
“How long you've worked here. Your responsibilities. Your record.”
Laurel crossed her arms.
“Why?”
Sutter smiled.
“He's interested in leadership.”
Laurel said nothing.
Then Sutter slid a document across the desk.
“A promotion.”
She looked down.
VICE PRESIDENT, PRIVATE EVENTS — NORTHLINE HOSPITALITY DIVISION.
Her heart stopped.
The salary was nearly three times what she currently earned.
The benefits were extraordinary.
The position would put her in charge of events across six hotels.
It was everything she'd worked toward.
And it had arrived less than twenty-four hours after Elias North asked her to dinner.
Laurel slowly pushed the paper back.
“No.”
Sutter blinked.
“What?”
“I won't accept.”
“Have you even read it?”
“Enough.”
“Laurel, this is a remarkable opportunity.”
“Then it should survive a proper interview process.”
Sutter stared.
She stood.
“If Northline wants me professionally, they can evaluate me professionally.”
Then she walked out.
Her hands were shaking.
But she felt strangely proud.
For years, Preston had accused her of lacking ambition.
May you like
Now the biggest opportunity of her career sat on a desk behind her.
And she had refused to accept it on terms she didn't understand.
