Page 13 of Worth the Risk
I study the photo, thinking about my own father’s legacy and the expectations that shaped my approach to business. Maxwell Pierce would have seen Ernesto Navarro as naive, idealistic, doomed to failure in a world that rewards pragmatism over passion.
But looking at this thriving community center, at the photos documenting two decades of celebrations and achievements, I wonder if my father might have been wrong about some things.
“Declan.” Maya settles behind her desk and gestures for me to take the opposite chair. “Let’s talk about why you’re really here.”
5
As Declan settlesinto the chair across from my desk, I try to reconcile the man in front of me with the corporate shark I met last week. In jeans and a polo shirt, he looks younger, more approachable.
Almost human.
But I’ve learned not to trust corporate costume changes. Men like Declan Pierce don’t accidentally wear casual clothes to community centers—every choice is calculated.
“I’m here because this morning’s protest was impressive,” he says, his gray eyes meeting mine directly. “A hundred people organized, coordinated media coverage, a message that resonated with reporters and viewers alike. That takes skill.”
“Those people showed up because Highland matters to them,” I say carefully, “not because I’m particularly skilled at manipulation.”
The word choice is deliberate—let him know I understand what he does for a living.
“Don’t sell yourself short.” He leans forward slightly. “I watched from my office window. You moved through that crowd like you were conducting an orchestra. Everyone knew their role, everyone stayed on message, everyone looked to you for direction.”
There’s something deeply unsettling about the idea of him watching me from thirty floors up, analyzing my every move like I’m a chess piece he needs to understand before capturing.
“Were you taking notes for your security team?”
“I was trying to understand who I’m dealing with.” His honesty surprises me. “Maya Navarro isn’t what I expected.”
“What did you expect?” I ask, though I’m pretty sure I know the answer.Some hysterical community activist who’d fold under corporate pressure.
“Someone easier to dismiss.” A small smile plays at the corner of his mouth, but it doesn’t reach his eyes. “Someone who’d accept a token gesture and disappear quietly.”
I arch an eyebrow. At least he’s being honest about underestimating me. “Many have made that mistake. It rarely ends well for them.”
“I’m learning that.” He shifts in his chair, and I catch a glimpse of something that might be genuine respect. “I certainly didn’t expect someone close to my age who can mobilize a hundred people before breakfast and then send sarcastic text messages while running a protest.”
Despite myself, I feel heat creep up my neck.Focus, Maya. Charm offensive is still an offensive.
“You started the texting,” I point out.
“I did. And I’m glad I did, because it told me we might be able to have a real conversation.”
“About what?” I lean back in my chair, crossing my arms. Body language that says I’m not buying whatever he’s selling.
“About finding a solution that works for everyone.”
Everyone.Corporate speak for “finding a way to get what we want while making you think you got something too.”
“Define ‘everyone,’” I say. “Because in my experience, when corporations say ‘everyone,’ they mean ‘shareholders first, everyone else if convenient.’”
“Highland gets time to explore alternatives. Pierce Enterprises gets community cooperation while we work through the process. The media gets a story about collaboration instead of confrontation.”
I almost laugh. “So Highland gets the illusion of a fighting chance while you use us as a public relations shield. Make it look like you’re being responsive while you finalize demolition plans behind our backs.”
“It’s not—” He stops, runs a hand through his hair. “Okay, yes, the optics matter. But it’s more than that.”
“How much more?” I study his expression, looking for tells. “Because what you’re describing sounds exactly like corporate damage control with extra steps.”
“I mean that Pierce Enterprises is a business, and businesses adapt to changing circumstances. If the collaboration reveals alternatives that work financially, we’ll genuinely consider them.”
