Scandalizing the CEO

“Indeed,” Edmond agreed.

Steven didn’t need the confirmation from Edmond. He had already figured it out himself. Malcolm had always been easy for Steven to understand because he saw a lot of his father’s public traits in himself. He was able to focus on a task at hand and set aside the emotionality that often derailed others. He knew how to make sacrifices in order to achieve the results he desired.

“I’m not sure that I want a part of this,” Steven noted. “This competition isn’t fair. The other men don’t have the experience I have in business. They can’t compete with me.”

“I think you’ll find they have their own strengths,” Edmond said.

He didn’t like Edmond’s inference that there were strengths to the other men that he couldn’t perceive. Steven prided himself on being able to read anyone.

He would meet with them later—get to know them so he’d make sure he won. Winning wasn’t something that Steven was willing to let slide.

“I’ll be checking in with you over the next few months to make sure you stay on track,” Edmond said.

Steven shook his head. He hated having someone looking over his shoulder and he didn’t need it. “I’ll send you an e-mail once a week with our numbers and updating you on my action agenda for increasing our revenue.”

“I’m also available, as ever, to offer my advice should you need it. I’ve been at Malcolm’s side since the first day he started his company.”

“I guess that makes you the longest relationship of his life,” Steven said.

“Too true. Business is at the heart of it…and I think we are both comfortable with that.”

Steven nodded. The emotionality thing again. The key to success was to stay distanced from others. Men started making stupid decisions when they thought they had something to lose.

“Save your advice for the other men,” Steven said. “I prefer to work alone.”

The older man narrowed his eyes, but Steven gave him no chance to argue. He didn’t answer to his father’s second in command.

“Have a good day, Edmond.”

Steven walked out of the boardroom and out of the office building. The Everest Mega Store, in his hands, would become the premiere shopping destination for pop culture.

When people talked about the Devonshire bastards, they wouldn’t remember just the star rugby player or the son of a royal. No, they would remember Steven and the fact that he was the best.

One

“I’ve got an idea,” Steven said to Dinah as soon as his executive vice president at Raleighvale China answered the phone.

“The last time you said that I found myself answering some rather uncomfortable questions from the police in Rome.”

He laughed. “This time you won’t have to deal with the police.”

“Somehow my fears still aren’t eased. What’s this idea of yours?”

“What do you know about pop culture?”

“Why?”

“How does a position as my executive VP sound?”

“I thought that was my position,” she said.

“For Everest Group Mega Store. I’m calling you from my new office.”

“Your father’s company? You said you’d never do that. Why now?”

Steven didn’t talk about his personal life. Ever.

“My reasons are my own. Suffice it to say that there is a huge bonus in it for you if you help me make this company the top performer at Everest Group.”

“Very well. When do you need me?” Dinah asked.

“In twenty-four hours or so. I need time to acclimate and find an office for you. Bring your admin for now, but once you’re settled, we’ll find someone else to work in the other office.”

“Twenty-four hours is pretty quick,” she said.

“I’ll be in touch,” he said.

“Steven?”

“Yes?”

“Are you sure about this? I know you—”

“I always am,” he said, hanging up the phone. No one really knew him and certainly not Dinah. She only knew the part of him he allowed her to see.

Steven had taken the china company over from his grandfather. Founded in 1780 to compete with Wedgwood, Raleighvale had succeeded in creating a truly English style of tableware. They were now the royal china makers, something that Dinah Miller spent a lot of time touting to prospective clients. She recently secured for them a bid to make Raleighvale the official dinnerware for the new president of France. He knew she’d be equally successful in her new role.

His iPhone beeped, notifying him of an incoming text message. It was from Geoff, requesting that he meet him and Henry for a drink at the Athenaeum Club. He replied in the affirmative.