Michael's POV
Allyson's text message seared through my thoughts like a brand. I held my phone beneath the conference table, my knuckles white as I gripped the device while Tesco droned on across from me.
The Derek CEO sat surrounded by his army of suits - lawyers, accountants, executives - all desperately trying to salvage their dying company. They wanted to renegotiate terms that had already been finalized, squeezing every last dollar from a deal they were fortunate to have.
But I couldn't focus on their pathetic attempts at leverage. Not when she had decided to play her dangerous little games.
My jaw clenched. She had no clue what kind of fire she was stoking.
"Mr. Jade?" Tesco's voice pierced through my distraction.
I raised my eyes, meeting his expectant gaze. He wore that practiced smile all desperate businessmen perfected when they needed something.
