Page 18 of Savage Suit

His narrowing eyes pushed me closer to an ultimatum. True to his word, Graham had sent me some information on Amage. It gave me a better understanding of their motives. The company was in financial trouble and thought using Sauncier’s loss leader idea with the fragrance would draw new customers to their boutiques.

“Most of the profits would’ve gone to Réjane’s favorite charities in our deal with KMG,” Claude pointed out.

“We admired your mother’s philanthropic nature,” Guy said.

“Among other things,” Claude purred, casting another mocking look at me.

Varying degrees of confusion masked the faces of Lemon and the other five Amage brothers. I alone understood the fucking asshole’s meaning.

Leo cleared his throat. “Sauncier is set to drop the fragrance on January 9th. Ship dates are in place.”

I backtracked. It was too late to hire a composition house for my idea if I wanted to commemorate the 20 years since her death. But, on the other hand, if I waited and restarted the process to honor the 25thor 30thanniversary, they would accuse me of stealing Dorset’s concept. “Then move forward with your plans,” I stated coolly. “We’ll do mine in addition to Sauncier’s.”

Claude shook his head. “Non. Impossible. We do not have funding for this undertaking.”

“Money won’t be a problem. The cost doesn’t matter to me. KMG will finance it all, including the media campaign.”

Claude went rigid. “Ahh, yes,” he said with sarcasm, “Keegan money can buy the world if you choose,oui?”

He was French, as my mother had been. It should’ve been de rigueur not to mention my wealth. He wanted to play that game, did he?

“I could buy and sell your holdings a thousand times over if I choose,” I said savagely. “As I recall, KMG once helped turn your declining sales around. So what will I find if I do my due diligence?”

The men shifted uncomfortably.

“What I’m proposing can do wonders for your bottom line. Besides the composition fee, you’d get a share of the profits.”

“We have none of your ideas,” Sacha protested.

“I beg to differ,” I murmured pointedly. “What Dorset presented weremyconcepts—”

“That Shawn credited to Dorset,” Guy interrupted.

“On behalf of Keegan Media Group,” Lemon said with a frown.

Pointing fingers was useless since we couldn’t undo the past. “I might decide to step in to rescue a business in trouble. A takeover by Keegan Enterprises would save your fucking company. There wouldn’t be a question of partnering, so tread with care.”

Claude flushed. “We have what you want,” he returned, recovering too quickly from my promise. “Our name and prestige. Producing your fragrance through the House of Amage will set it apart. Of course, you may decide to ‘step in’—” he sneered, using air quotations, “but you would not have the Amage brothers. We are the reputation.”

“But I am the danger.”

Loyalty was debatable when presented with an offer backed by a large amount of money, so I was almost certain at least two of the brothers would accept my offer. Boyd Andrews tired of Claude’s volatile personality. Channing Powers had always had a price tag. My handicap was not knowing the position of the other shareholders if I wanted to take a simpler acquisition route.

Leo cleared his throat. “Noah, we appreciate your idea,” he interjected uneasily. “Réjane was a wonderful woman, and her passing was most tragic. However, I would consider your proposition only if we award you the principal contract. This would be an ancillary agreement.”

“No.”

Leo’s eyes widened. “Excusez-moi?”

“We have another forty-five days before you award the advertising contract,” I pointed out. “Even if you choose KMG, there’s no way we’ll be able to create a fragrance—”

“It is all but impossible now,” Sacha said.

“You have the original composition,” I reminded him. “Dorset changed it to fit Sauncier’s lower budget. This will be a separate deal settled today. If that happens, I will agree to compete against Sauncier for the advertising deal on your new perfume.”

“Youmust agree to fairness, Noah,” Sacha said. “No hostile moves to acquire our company.”

I mimicked a smile. “Fairness?” I scoffed. “How are your underhanded dealings with Sauncier fair? The fragrance fiasco aside, we were all but guaranteed the new contract six months ago during our discussion about the success of the current campaign. Keegan Media Group won the last five pillar campaigns.” Hell, in twenty-two years of dealing with Amage, KMG won fifteen pillar contracts.