CHAPTER 23The Berlin Offer
Luna didn't ask him about it immediately. She waited until they were in his office the next day, reviewing the amended Yèshòu contract.
"What offer did you make Seraphine in Berlin?"
Leo's fingers stilled on his keyboard. He didn't look up. "Where did you hear that?"
"From her. Last night."
He was silent for a long moment. Then he stood and walked to the window, looking out at the city. "Two years ago. Her family was in trouble. Debts. Bad investments. She came to me with a proposal. A merger. Marriage. In exchange, I would clear their debts and absorb their assets."
Luna's stomach tightened. "And?"
"I declined." He turned to face her. "It was bad business. The Montegrecos were a sinking ship. Attaching ourselves to them would have been emotional, not logical."
"But she thought you were considering it."
"I let her think that. For three months. During which time I acquired forty percent of their holdings at a ninety percent discount." His expression was unapologetic. "It was a strategic delay. She was the distraction while Sylas executed the buyout."
The cold calculation of it took Luna's breath away. "You ruined her."
"I saved my family millions." He returned to his desk. "This is the world you married into, Luna. We don't have enemies. We have opportunities. And sentiment is a luxury we can't afford."
"Is that what I am? A strategic acquisition?"
He met her eyes. "You were. Now you're my partner. There's a difference."
"Is there?"
"Yes." He stood again, this time coming to her desk. "An acquisition is controlled. A partner…" He reached out, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "A partner has the power to surprise you."
The touch was brief, electric. Luna's breath caught.
Before either could speak, the door opened. Tao Wǎngshā stood there, flanked by Luna's father, Li Xiānyǔ, and Jett's father, Li Mòyǔ.
Four patriarchs. In Leo's office. Now.