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"Charmed," James said, extending his hand with a warm smile. "And may I say, I can see why Daphne speaks so highly of you."
"She does?" Lili's eyebrows rose as she shook his hand.
"Actually, she's been talking my ear off about you for weeks. I was beginning to think you were fictional."
I watched Lili's reaction carefully, noting how she glanced between Daphne and me with something that bore a strong resemblance to suspicion.
"You're both being ridiculous," Daphne interjected, but there was something almost frantic in her enthusiasm. "It's just a simple tour of London. Edward shows Lili around, they have a lovely time, everyone's happy."
"Define 'everyone,'" James said with a knowing look.
"Speaking of which," James continued, settling into one of the terrace chairs like he had all the time in the world, "I understand there's been some debate about London tourism. I'm firmly on Team Show-Her-Around, if my vote counts."
"It doesn't," I said flatly.
"Harsh. But consider this—I could always step in," James offered with theatrical generosity. "I happen to know some excellent galleries. Several charming restaurants. A few private clubs that someone new to London might find enlightening."
The thought of James spending an entire day charming Lili made something possessive and ugly rear its head. "That won't be necessary."
"No? Then I suppose you'll handle it yourself. Excellent choice."
Trapped. The bastard had trapped me, and he knew it.
"I..." I looked at Lili, who was watching this entire exchange with growing amusement. "I suppose I could arrange something."
"Wonderful!" Daphne clapped her hands together. "You could show her the Tate Modern, and Borough Market, and—"
"I said I'd arrange something, not plan a bloody grand tour."
"The Tate would be lovely," Lili interjected, her Texas accent softening the words. "I haven't seen much beyond the neighborhood around the studio."
Her studio. Where she filmed shows for a shopping channel my firm was going to destroy. The reminder hit like cold water.
"Of course," I managed. "I'll pick you up tomorrow morning. Say, ten? And James, you come with us. That’s the only condition."
"…Perfect." Daphne paused and her smile was cautious.
"I am actually —" Before James protested, my phone rang.
Again. This time, the name on the screen made my blood pressure spike. Sir Malcolm Pemberton. Partner. Mentor. And the man currently orchestrating the acquisition that would destroy everything Lili had built in London.
"I need to take this." I stepped away from the group, answering with my most professional tone. "Malcolm."
"Edward. Excellent. I'm calling about the Gardens & Home situation. The board's decided to accelerate everything. Final presentation is Wednesday, acquisition complete next Friday." Malcolm's satisfaction was audible. "The Americans are eager to cut their losses on the London venture."
I watched Lili gesture enthusiastically as she described something to Daphne, completely unaware that her professional execution date had just been signed.
"Edward? I noticed Miss Anderton's name on the employee roster. Thought you should know about any potential awkwardness. Family friend and all."
"How did you—"
"Due diligence, Edward. I do my research. Don't worry—these things handle themselves. One week post-acquisition, the UK operation will be history."
A week. Lili would have a week before everything she'd worked for disappeared after the acquisition.
"I understand."
"Good. I'll need those final reports by Tuesday morning. And Edward? Don't let personal feelings cloud your judgment. Business is business."