Page 33 of A Royal Mistake
The prince studied him for a long moment. “And what would you say your strengths are?”
Verdammt. He wasn’t in the mood for an interview. But if the prince wanted to know his strengths, he’d oblige.
“I’ve always been good at reading people.” He picked up the proposal from the desk. “I’m good at figuring out what they need and giving it to them. It’s what’s made me such a successful fundraiser.” He passed the proposal to the other man, who had no choice but to accept. “It’s a skill that will serve Valeria well, should you find the prospect of a joint venture mutually beneficial.”
The prince set the proposal aside without so much as glancing at the cover page.
His pulse thundered. Had Prince William already decided?
“I’ve read your proposal. It looks promising and it would serve Valeria well to invest more heavily in international programs. My father’s policy of neutrality has kept us from being entrenched in international squabbles, but it’s also kept us from taking an aggressive stance on international aid. Valeria is a wealthy country and the crown can certainly afford to do more.”
Henry nodded in agreement, anticipation crackling across his skin like static electricity.
Finally, they were getting somewhere.
“The terms of the agreement look fair. However, there are several amendments I’d like to propose.” The prince smiled, flashing his teeth as he opened the top drawer of his desk and removed a file. He lay the file on the desk and pushed it toward Henry. “I had my assistant draft a list of the requested changes. Why don’t you take a week to review them and we can meet again to discuss?”
Bloody fucking hell. Another week? If the prince had sent the changes over before the meeting, he could’ve prepared, but now he was stuck. Completely and totally at a disadvantage. It was the most inefficient, asinine thing he’d ever experienced, which was saying something given he’d once accepted a donation from a trust held by a Tibetan Mastiff.
Henry picked up the file. It had weight to it. Christ. How many changes had the prince requested? He lifted the cover and quickly paged through, noting several of the requests related to inconsequential details and wording.
It made no bloody sense.
The man had just closed one of the biggest deals of the decade with Spartan. Surely he hadn’t been buried in the weeds negotiating that agreement, so why was the partnership with VDRI getting such scrutiny?
He closed the file and tucked it in his bag before turning his attention to Prince William. “I’ll review the changes and follow up with your assistant to schedule another meeting.”
“Splendid.” The prince stood and moved to the bar, his back to Henry as he poured himself a drink. “How’s your work with Pippa going?”
“We’re still in the early stages, but she’s got a good head on her shoulders and she’ll have her business plan polished and ready to go by the end of the summer.”
“I’m glad to hear it. Between Stanley International and the courtship, she’s been busy.” The prince turned, a tumbler of amber liquid in his hand. “At breakfast this morning, she announced she’s released two of her suitors. From what I understand, they’re packing as we speak.”
Henry froze. Did the prince know he’d helped her run them off?
“The princess’s courtship is none of my concern,” he said, meeting the prince’s steady gaze.
“Is that so?” The prince arched a brow and swirled the liquid in the tumbler, leaving zero doubt that he’d read the morning headlines.
“My work with Pippa is strictly professional.”Technically true. The sooner she put this courtship nonsense behind her, the sooner she could launch her foundation. He rose and collected his things. “Despite what the papers say.”
“Forgive me, but it didn’t look like business when she was straddling your bike.” The cheeky bastard smirked and took a sip from the tumbler. “But I can assure you I don’t get my news from the populars.”
“Glad to hear it.” Henry gave a curt nod. “Thank you again for your time today. I’ll be in touch soon regarding the requested changes.”
He took his leave before things could get any weirder, and no sooner had he pulled the office door shut than he spotted Pippa waiting in the hall. She smiled brightly and hopped to her feet when she saw him, her floral sundress swirling around her golden legs.
“Henry,” she said, smoothing her skirt. “Just the man I was looking for.”
Had she actually been waiting for him? Hope flared in his chest, but he snuffed it out immediately. He had no business seeking attention from The Princess Royal.
Keep it professional, Arschloch.
“Is everything alright?” They were supposed to meet in a couple of hours. What was so important it couldn’t wait until this evening? “Did you run into trouble with your business plan?”
“Oh, no. Nothing like that.” Pippa flashed him a megawatt smile as she pulled a parchment envelope from her pocket and thrust it into his hands. “I just wanted to personally invite you to a royal ball. Consider it your first official assignment in Operation Ditch the Toffs.”
QUEEN OF HEARTS?