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A server materializes at our table, somehow sensing exactly when we're ready to order. I request a double espresso, which earns me an approving nod from Grant. He orders some concoction that requires three adjectives and a geographical origin to describe.
"I've been following your career with interest," he says once we're alone again. "Your work at Blackwell Creative was quite impressive. The Luminex campaign in particular."
I try not to show my surprise. The Luminex campaign was technically headed by my former boss, though I did most of the actual work. Finding that Maxwell Grant is familiar with it is both flattering and mildly alarming.
"You've done your homework," I observe.
"I make it a point to be well-informed about exceptional talent." He leans back, studying me. "Especially when that talent is being underutilized."
Our coffees arrive, buying me a moment to process this. The server places a tiny, potent cup of espresso in front of me and what appears to be a science experiment in front of Grant.
"I'm hardly underutilized at Elysian," I say after taking a fortifying sip. "Roman has given me considerable creative freedom with Lumière."
"Roman, is it?" Grant's eyebrows lift slightly. "How quickly we adapt to first-name basis with our superiors."
The comment lands exactly as intended—a gentle reminder of power dynamics, a subtle question about my relationship with Roman. I keep my expression neutral despite the alarm bells now clanging in my head.
"Elysian has a collaborative culture," I say smoothly. "But I'm curious what brought me to your attention, Maxwell."
"Your presentation yesterday was enlightening. Your vision for Lumière is precisely the kind of thinking we foster at Grant Industries."
"And what kind of thinking is that?"
"Bold. Authentic. Uninhibited by conventional corporate restraints." He takes a sip of his coffee, watching me over the rim. "The kind of thinking that deserves proper recognition and support."
The implied criticism of Elysian—of Roman—hangs in the air between us.
"I've found plenty of support at Elysian," I counter. "The entire team has embraced my vision for Lumière."
"Of course they have." His smile turns condescending. "Roman always did have an eye for talent he could... shape to his specifications."
The parallel to Camden is so obvious it almost makes me laugh. Same playbook, different industry. Men trying to undermine other men by suggesting they're controlling, while simultaneously attempting to control you themselves.
"I'm not easily shaped." I let steel enter my voice.
"Precisely why I wanted to meet with you." Grant sets down his cup, leaning forward slightly. "I'd like to offer youa position at Grant Industries. Creative Director of our luxury division, with double your current salary and complete creative autonomy."
Despite expecting this, the bluntness of the offer catches me off guard. "That's... quite generous."
"It's merely appropriate compensation for your talent." He waves away my surprise like it's an annoying fly. "Plus full benefits, of course. Stock options. A signing bonus that would make even Roman blink."
I take another sip of espresso, using the moment to gather my thoughts.
The offer is objectively spectacular—the kind that could set up my financial future, give me the resources to help Mia through design school without stress, maybe even buy an actual apartment instead of renting.
"And why would you offer all this to someone you've just met?" I ask, cutting to the chase.
His laugh is practiced, designed to convey casual amusement rather than genuine mirth. "I believe in decisive action when exceptional opportunities present themselves. Just as I believe in recognizing talent that others might... take for granted."
"Roman doesn't take me for granted," I say, the defensive note in my voice betraying more than I intended.
Grant's eyes sharpen with interest. "I never suggested he did. Though your quick defense is... noteworthy."
Damn it. Score one for Grant.
"I'm simply clarifying my current professional situation," I say, trying to recover. "I'm very happy at Elysian."
"Happiness is a luxury in this industry," Grant replies. "Career advancement is a necessity. And I wonder if your advancement at Elysian might be... complicated by certain factors."