Page 103 of Married to Number 22
Lucky, I have smart, capable people on my side.
Like Jean-Michel and Jace putting their heads together and somehow a few stories got “leaked” (and yes, I’m making mental air quotes at that word) about what our future plans for growth at Smythe are, causing the stock prices to go up.
So, the shareholders were happy.
Which means the board was happy coming in to the meeting today.
And because I am now the majority owner of Smythe on said board, the others have an interest in keeping me happy…and ignoring my brother and father’s blustering.
New projects with Genen-core and capital from Titan along with a positive news cycle?
It’s like the businessman’s trifecta of orgasm material.
“That’s awesome!” she exclaims. “You did it!”
“The legal fight is far from over,” I feel obligated to remind her.
And myself.
Because…stubborn Maybelles.
“Smitty says that JM”—a moniker I’ve learned that Jean-Michel isn’t entirely fond of, but he tolerates…probably because he figures there’s no point in doing anythingbuttolerating Smitty’s nonsense and maybe also because Bri has picked it up and the grumpy billionaire has a soft spot for her—“has really good lawyers.”
“He does,” I agree.
“So”—she shrugs—“that’s that. It’ll all work out.”
I still.
Because where the hell has this girl been? It’ll all work out? And that’s not just lip service—I can see she believes that. It’s in her eyes, her smile, her words.
And why do I feel the same?
The magic of Aiden and company.
Of love and connection and…
Two tenacious billionaires.
I nudge her foot with mine again. “That’s it,” I agree with a nod. “It’ll all work out.”
Teenage curiosity suitably satisfied, she picks up a book and tosses it into my lap. “Angie”—one of the other girls who lives permanently at the shelter—“recommended this. Do you want to read it together?”
“Is it fantasy?” I ask.
Her mouth kicks up. “Yes.”
“Does it have sexy fae heroes?”
“Yup.”
“And a kickass heroine?”
“Absolutely.”
I clutch the book to my chest. “Then I am soabsolutelyin.”
She holds up another copy, mouth turning up. “I knew you would be.”
