Total pages in book: 85
Estimated words: 79328 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 397(@200wpm)___ 317(@250wpm)___ 264(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79328 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 397(@200wpm)___ 317(@250wpm)___ 264(@300wpm)
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Simon
The week following our return from Neptune’s Kingdom had been a whirlwind of activity, but I couldn’t remember the last time work had felt this energizing.
Contract discussions with Alexander had dominated most of my days. We’d spent hours on video calls and exchanged countless emails, hammering out the details of our partnership. The negotiations had been remarkably smooth, a testament to how aligned we were in our vision for the future of Neptune’s Kingdom. Alexander wanted controlled expansion that preserved the family-friendly atmosphere he’d cultivated over two decades. I wanted a long-term investment in a company with solid foundations and genuine growth potential. Our goals dovetailed perfectly.
By Thursday, we’d reached an agreement on all major terms. Alexander’s attorney was now reviewing everything, dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s before the official signing scheduled for Monday. Barring any last-minute surprises, Powers Investment Group would soon have a new flagship partnership.
What made the process even better was having Raina by my side through all of it. She’d sat in on every call, taken meticulous notes, and offered insights I hadn’t considered.
I’d always had Liam to bounce ideas off of, and my brother remained invaluable. But Raina brought a different perspective. She understood the human element in ways that sometimes escaped me. She could read between the lines of Alexander’s hesitations, anticipate his objections before he voiced them, and help me navigate the emotional undercurrents of the deal.
Having her as my assistant—and in my life in general—felt like discovering a missing piece of myself I hadn’t known I needed.
Liam, for his part, was thrilled about the Neptune’s Kingdom acquisition. He’d reviewed the preliminary numbers and declared it one of our most promising ventures in years. But his excitement about the business deal had taken a backseat to his curiosity about other developments.
“So,” he’d said yesterday, leaning against my office doorframe with a knowing smirk, “you and Raina. That’s not fake anymore, is it?”
I’d considered deflecting, but Liam knew me too well. “No. It’s not.”
His expression shifted from amused to serious. “She’s your employee, Simon.”
“I’m aware.”
“And you’re sure this is a good idea? Mixing business with…” he’d gestured vaguely, “whatever this is?”
I’d met his eyes steadily. “I know what I’m doing, Liam. Raina is different. This is different. I’m not going to do anything to jeopardize her position here or make her uncomfortable. If anything, I’m more motivated than ever to make sure she’s treated fairly. By me, by the company, by everyone.”
Liam had studied me for a long moment, then nodded slowly. “Okay. I trust you. Just… be careful. With her and with yourself.”
It was as close to a blessing as I was going to get, and I’d take it.
All in all, it had been a productive but exhausting week, which made today a welcome relief. No negotiations, no contracts, no strategy sessions. Just good food, good company, and a hockey playoff game. Something relaxing, fun, and casual with family and friends…and Raina.
My dining room table was buried under enough food to feed a small army. Sliders, buffalo wings, chips with an array of dips, jalapeño poppers, and other appetizer type food covered every inch of the polished wood surface. There wasn’t a vegetable in sight unless you counted the guacamole, but I didn’t mind. The people coming over to watch the hockey game weren’t going to care either.
The Lynx had their first playoff game in New Jersey tonight, and I’d invited a group over to watch on my eighty-five-inch TV. My brother Noah had arrived early with his wife Fallon and his twin girls, Dakota and Dylan. The girls made a beeline for the dining room the moment they walked through the door, immediately loading paper plates with wings and chips.
Fallon, in her third trimester of pregnancy, followed more slowly, one hand pressed to the small of her back. As she maneuvered around the table, her hip caught the edge of a chair, sending it teetering. Noah’s reflexes saved it from crashing to the hardwood floor.
“Sorry.” Fallon cringed, steadying herself. “I’m so clumsy these days.”
Her hand drifted to her swollen stomach, and I chuckled. “You’re about ready to pop, Fallon. I think you’re entitled to a little clumsiness.”
She frowned at me, and Noah immediately stepped closer, sliding an arm around her waist and pressing a kiss to her cheek.
“Don’t listen to him, baby,” he murmured, his voice warm and reassuring. “You’re just as beautiful as ever.”
The look he shot me over her head suggested I’d somehow implied she wasn’t. “Of course she is,” I agreed quickly, even though I’d never thought of Fallon that way. She’d always been like another sister to me. “I just meant… a big stomach doesn’t make someone less attractive.”
To my horror, Fallon’s frown deepened and her eyes went glassy with unshed tears.
“Simon!” Noah hissed.
“Boy, you really know how to step in it, don’t you?” Liam’s amused voice came from behind me.