Page 29 of Redemption of a Prince

“Are you ready?” he asked.

“I think so.” She ran through everything in her head again. “Yes.” She hadn’t eaten much, knowing nerves would get the best of her. This was her first major negotiation on behalf of the Trilunium estate.

And she was in charge of it, not Ezekiel.

The auto waited for them at the bottom of the steps outside the main entrance.

A member of the security team held the door for Nikki. She really needed to learn their names so she could thank them properly.

As they made their way down the drive, she looked up at the trees on either side of the asphalt. Gorgeous.

The gate swung open to let them onto the country road leading to the nearby small town where the meeting would be held.

When they arrived at the law offices in town, several executives waited for them. None of the lawyers from that firm were involved, but apparently, they had the nicest conference room around.

Introductions were made. Talks began.

That’s when Nikki noticed it.

The men weren’t talking to her.

They talked around her. They kind of talked in her general direction.

They mansplained.

But mostly, they directed their conversation to Ezekiel.

They’d ask him a question.

She would answer.

They’d ask him the follow-up.

Again, she would answer.

But it seldom seemed like she was expected to be anything more than arm candy for the prince.

Ezekiel didn’t seem to notice. He let her answer most of the questions, even handle most of their side of the discussion, but how he did so bothered her.

She doubted it was his intention, but it seemed like he chose to let her answer the questions rather than make certain she was seen as an equal partner.

Or really, the lead.

He was there with her.

Not the other way around.

By the end of the day, she was exhausted and sick to her stomach about the whole thing.

The real question was if he’d noticed. If so, why hadn’t he done anything about it?

If not, what did that say about him?

Either way, what was she going to do?

8

Something bothered Nikki the whole way back, but Zeke had no idea what it could be.

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