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I nodded, appreciating the concern. Unlike our father, Alex trusted my abilities and not in some condescending way that was rooted in the theory that women weren’t capable — they simply got a pass because men liked to have them around for eye candy. He was still stressed, but I moved on. There wasn't a damn thing he could say to change my mind about this.

"The property is perfect for my first solo venture. I want to develop luxury residences, high-end retail, and a boutique hotel. I can already see it."

"And you're sure this is worth the potential fall out with our father? He's been in a fucking mood since his last board meeting."

Since the younger members started hinting around to him stepping down and handing over the reins…

"He’s always in a damn mood. You run the hotel division. Valerie handles resorts. I oversee development. He has no relevance. We all have our business lanes with the family and he hates that but needs us. Regardless, what I do with my personal finances is my business and there’s not a damn thing he can do about how I spendmymoney."

"He's not going to see shit that way. Move smart, Scot. Not just with our father, but in Crescent Falls. You'll be on Devereaux's home turf which gives him the advantage and makes you the outsider."

"I’ll be fine. We need to head downstairs for the quarterly review. Are you coming?"

"In a minute. I need to call Elaine first."

I nodded, lifted my tablet and notes, and paused at the door. "Thank you, Alex. I love you and appreciate you looking out for me."

Me and my siblings weren't known for showing open affection but we genuinely loved each other. We were groomed to keep our emotions locked away, especially where public perception is concerned.

"That's what brothers do. Even when their big sisters are as stubborn as hell and pains in the ass."

"I'm not stubborn. I'm determined and willing to stand on business."

"That's what you keep telling yourself but you're really just fucking stubborn, Scot."

I grinned and left, heading to the elevators so he could make his call. My mind was already mapping out the next steps for the project. The property represented everything I currently needed: independence, creative control, and the chance to build something not stamped with the Whitney seal of approval, which meant being under my father's thumb. After the way he manipulated me and my marriage, I needed separation and possibly an out.

My assistant James met me in the hallway outside my office and fell into step beside me, jumping right in. "Your survey team will arrive in Crescent Falls tomorrow afternoon. Your suite at The Metropolitan is confirmed and the car service will be waiting at the airport." He handed over a folder, which I accepted.

"Thank you. Any other communication from the McKenzies about the accelerated closing timeline I requested?"

"They agreed to all your terms. One week to finalize details. Their attorney says that's as fast as they can handle the estate paperwork."

"Perfect, and the discretionary budget for this project?"

"Set up as requested. Fully separate from Whitney corporate accounts."

The elevator arrived and we both stepped in. "One more thing. Find out everything you can about Devereaux's current projects in the city. I want to know what else he's interested in besides this waterfront I just took from him."

"On it. Anything else?"

"Schedule dinner with a few local business leaders as soon as possible. I want to know who matters in Crescent Falls."

"Anyone specific you want me to include?"

"No, but make sure they're not exclusively allies of Devereaux. Feel them about about him but be discrete. I need their perspectives to be objective."

I mentally ran through my strategy. I was walking into unfamiliar territory developing outside the Whitney umbrella and making an enemy of Christian. But, I never played things safe. This property was as good as mine. No one was getting in my way. Not my father and damn sure not Devereaux.

"I haven't had to do this much homework since getting my master's degree. I'm over this already," I mumbled and Tezni lifted my laptop from my thighs and set it down on hers. I lifted my legs onto the sofa and crossed them in front of me before I sank back into the softness of the cushion behind me.

"Let me see what we're dealing with."

My one-month contract request was approved on provisional terms but immediately following the acceptance I received five pages of very detailed rules along with a link to mandatory online classes I had to complete before the contract would be finalized. I also had a video call with Giselle Denning, the owner, who, oddly enough, I liked a lot. She was all business when it came to the club but also very friendly and easy to talk to. We discussed more than just my time at the club. She asked personal questions about me, my life, my family and my relationships. All of which should have felt odd considering the nature of what our association would be but it wasn't.

I handed over all the personal shit about my life, my career with the family company, and I told her about my marriage. I never talked to anyone about my marriage. Tezni as pretty much the only person who knew all the details but I freely offered themto Giselle. She listened, occasionally asking questions, and not once did I feel judged. I could imagine people came to her club for a multitude of interesting reasons. So my husband being a fraud and me living a lie of a marriage for ten years was likely one of the more mild reasons she approved a membership.

"You're done."