Page 47 of Curious Hearts (The Healing Hearts #2)
CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT
Across town in the gleaming glass tower that housed Hamilton Trust, Jessica sat in the anteroom outside the main conference room, reviewing her notes one last time. Walter had been closeted with the executive committee for nearly an hour before they’d summoned her.
All she could do was wait.
The conference room door opened, and Walter’s assistant gestured her in. “They’re ready for you, Ms. Taylor.”
Jessica smoothed her skirt and entered the room, her stride confident. The executive committee—nine men and two women, all senior partners—was arrayed around the massive table. Walter sat at the head.
“Jessica,” he nodded. “Please take a seat. We’ve been discussing the international expansion strategy.”
She settled into the chair at the foot of the table, directly opposite Walter, aware of every eye upon her.
“After careful review of market conditions and strategic priorities,” Walter announced to the board, his voice carrying the confident authority that had made him a legend in financial circles, “I’ve determined that our initial approach to international expansion requires refinement.”
Jessica maintained her composure, managing to feign slight surprise. One of two things were about to play out: either Walter was taking her new proposal and running with it as his own, as she had suggested, or he’d come up with a third strategy. One that didn’t include her. She held her breath.
“While the London office will proceed as planned,” Walter continued, “I recommend we restructure our domestic operations to strengthen our competitive position here before committing additional senior personnel overseas.”
Jessica let out a long slow breath as Walter proceeded to outline a strategy nearly identical to the one she’d submitted to him on Monday. He presented it with enough flourishes and adjustments to make it unmistakably his own, but she recognized every key point from her proposal.
Eleanor Winters, one of the female partners, leaned forward. “Walter, wasn’t the whole point of the London expansion to have Jessica establish our sustainable investment practice internationally? This seems like a significant departure from that strategy.”
Walter didn’t miss a beat. “It may appear so on the surface, Eleanor, but my approach actually accelerates our global position rather than delaying it. By consolidating our domestic strength first, we create a more robust platform for international growth.
“I know this represents a departure from our earlier discussions regarding your role,” Walter said, turning to Jessica with practiced regret in his tone. “And I understand this may be disappointing given your career aspirations.”
It took significant effort not to laugh at the irony. Instead, Jessica adopted an expression of professional acceptance. “I appreciate your candor, Walter. Of course, the firm’s strategic needs must take precedence over any individual’s ambitions.”
“Precisely,” Walter said, the faintest hint of appreciation in his eyes at her performance.
“That said, your expertise in sustainable investment remains invaluable to Hamilton Trust. I’m proposing to expand your division’s scope domestically, with corresponding adjustments to your title and compensation, and we’d like you to act as a consult as we lay the foundations for an international foundation. ”
“What about Meridian’s London expansion?” asked Eleanor Winters, her concern still obvious. “Won’t this leave us vulnerable to their international push?”
Walter turned to Jessica, eyebrow raised in silent invitation.
“If I may,” Jessica said, recognizing her cue.
“Meridian is spreading themselves thin with simultaneous expansions in London and Singapore. By consolidating our strengths domestically while establishing a focused London presence, we’re positioning ourselves to capture market share in both arenas.
While they’re diluting their expertise, we’ll be taking business from right under their noses. ”
Walter nodded approvingly. “Exactly. This approach allows us greater flexibility and responsiveness to market conditions.”
“I must say,” said Richard Townsend, the most senior committee member after Walter, “I was skeptical when Walter first proposed this pivot. But the strategy seems sound. Sometimes the most obvious path isn’t the most advantageous.”
“Walter has always excelled at seeing beyond conventional wisdom,” Jessica said, feeding his ego with calculated precision. “His strategic vision is what sets Hamilton Trust apart from firms that simply follow market trends.”
By the end of the meeting, Jessica had secured not just approval to remain in Denver but a promotion to partner—with equity stake and voting rights—along with Walter’s full endorsement of her expanded domestic division.
As the other partners filed out, Walter lingered, arranging papers until they were alone.
“Well played,” he said quietly. “That was a masterful performance.”
“I learned from the best,” Jessica replied, a small smile playing at her lips.
Walter studied her for a moment. “You know, when I first recruited you, I saw something of myself in you. The same drive, the same strategic thinking.” He tapped his fingers on the table.
“But you’ve become something different, something more than just another version of me.
” He checked over his shoulder to ensure no one was listening.
“You could outthink anyone in this room, Jessica, myself included, and you do it with heart. That’s rare in this industry. ”
“Thank you,” Jessica said, genuinely touched by the unexpected acknowledgment.
“Don’t thank me yet. Partnership comes with its own challenges.
The target on your back gets bigger, the expectations higher.
” Walter gathered his papers. “We’ll formalize everything next week.
In the meantime, we’re hosting drinks at the Pinnacle Club tomorrow night to announce the new partnership structure.
Seven o’clock.” He paused, giving her an appraising look.
“You should bring that doctor of yours. What’s her name? Ritchie?”
Jessica felt a momentary shock that Walter knew about Ali. “Dr. Ritchie, yes. How did you?—”
“I make it my business to know what matters to my partners,” Walter said with a hint of amusement. “Besides, Eleanor Winters is always looking for investments in innovative healthcare. Your Dr. Ritchie’s foundation might interest her.”
As Walter left, Jessica pulled out her phone, noticing a text from Ali.
Good luck today. Whatever happens, I’ve got your back. And possibly some cardboard boxes if we both end up unemployed.
The message made her smile. She typed back.
Just got out of the meeting. Walter presented my alternative plan as his own strategic vision, just as planned. And they’ve made me partner with equity stake! Will tell you everything later. How did the presentation go?
Jessica tucked her phone away, a sense of satisfaction settling over her.
Monday’s gambit had paid off perfectly. Some might have found it frustrating to see Walter claim credit for her ideas, but Jessica saw it differently.
It was a small price to pay for the future she truly wanted—one she would never have found if it hadn’t been for Vivian.