The Inheritance, page 17
Phyla sipped her bourbon and nodded. “For the most part, very good. In the future, you’ll need to know the terms of the person’s contract before firing them. I happened to know what’s in his contract, so you’re covered there.”
“Wait. How would you know what’s in one of my employee’s contracts?”
The side of Phyla’s lip quirked, producing the most adorable dimple Ash had ever seen. “I have my ways.”
“Industrial espionage?” Ash returned the slight grin.
“Nothing so dramatic as that. One of the cornerstones of surviving in the business world is always doing your due diligence. You need to be ten steps ahead of everyone else and be prepared for every contingency.”
“So you knew he was going to offer you Tyden before he stepped through the door?”
“I had enough facts at my disposal to believe that might be the case, yes.”
“And you somehow learned the specifics of his contract in case I ended up firing him? In other words, you had my six.”
“I did. Yes.”
“Well, thank you. Um….” Ever since she’d first made the decision to accept her inheritance, there’d been one idea tickling the back of her mind, but she’d been afraid bringing it up would make her look even more of a fool in everyone’s eyes.
Phyla waited in silence while Ash figured out how to say what was on her mind.
Ash shrugged, feeling very unsure of herself at the moment. “I’ve been thinking.”
“Possibly problematic.”
There was that slight quirk of her lip that Ash found so adorable. She looked at the table, not wanting Phyla to see in her eyes just how important this was to her. “How much would it cost to change the name from HL Enterprises to Redux?”
Phyla’s brows came down as she thought about the question. “After changing signage around the world, paperwork, logo design, updating the logo everywhere, including needing to buy new uniforms, shirts, etc., etc., etc., most likely a million, probably more.”
Ash was afraid of that. She blushed at her naivete and self-consciously crossed her arms, figuring she’d made a fool of herself again.
Phyla watched her a moment before clarifying. “That being said, I think it would be a brilliant first step. But I’m curious. I thought you intended to dismantle everything Harcourt built.”
Had Ash heard right? Spending over a million dollars to change a name was a brilliant first step? “Well…” she couldn’t help but smile as she caught and held Phyla’s gaze, “Like you said, it’s a first step. Along those lines,” she lowered her arms into her lap, “If you want Tyden Property Group, it’s yours.”
Phyla surprised them both by laughing out loud. She caught herself and schooled her features into her usual blank expression. “We need to increase your holdings by one and a half billion dollars in the next year. You’re not going to do that by giving shares away.”
“Well, after the year’s up, you can have ‘em.”
“We’ll see.” Phyla glanced at her phone. “We need to go pick up your suit once Neville gets back from the errand you sent him on.” Uncharacteristic humor sparked in her eyes at Ash’s impertinence in ordering around her chief of security.
Ash watched Phyla gather some things into a valise. Dominating a powerful woman for a quick fling was one thing, but she was already starting to feel rumblings she hadn’t felt for years. Maybe Doc might have been right after all. Maybe there was more to Phyla McGuire than she allowed most people to see.
Fourteen
Shou Zhou had outdone herself, Phyla thought as she watched Ash standing at the cocktail bar later that evening. The suit fit her curves to perfection, emphasizing all the right attributes without giving her an overt aura of sexuality. She corrected herself when she realized the cut wouldn’t scream sexuality to a man, but to a woman inclined a certain way, Shao had been right again. The women would be falling all over her. And she had to admit, the dark blue tie with diagonal red stripes running through it fit the suit to perfection.
And Ash’s friend had turned out to be quite a savvy businesswoman. God only knew where she’d found the time, but she, or more probably, Luo Guanting, had altered the dress Phyla had admired to fit her exact shape. And that had been done without a fitting. Shao had offered Phyla the dress as a thank-you for her patronage, and when Phyla had opened her mouth to object, Ash had gently placed her hand on the small of her back to silence her.
The memory of the warmth of that hand on her lower back still made Phyla’s heart race just a little, and the gracious way Ash had accepted the dress for her had been impressive, if unnecessary. Ash had later explained it was a matter of saving face for Shao, who was a proud woman.
Besides, Ash had asked her to wear it tonight. Phyla had gotten so many compliments from the ladies attending the cocktail party prior to the shareholders’ meeting that she thought perhaps Ash had known what a boon it would be to Shao’s little shop to have Phyla McGuire wearing one of her creations. Over the course of the evening, Phyla had recommended Shou Zhou’s shop to everyone who asked where she’d gotten such an avant-garde creation.
Phyla chuckled at the thought that by the time the next shareholder’s meeting rolled around, all the ladies would be wearing the latest Shou Zhou’s.
Martin Carl sidled up next to Phyla and joined her in watching Ash thank the bartender for her soda. “Word is she fired Lance Dagner for no other reason than he didn’t recognize her in your office.”
The trademark barracuda smile appeared, but Phyla remained silent. They watched as Athena Galinéa, the exotically beautiful heiress of the Greek Galinéa Textiles Dynasty, engaged Ash in conversation. Athena was renowned for her lesbian conquests, and when she put her hand on Ash’s back and leaned in to say something that had them both laughing out loud, Phyla’s attention sharpened.
The fact that Athena left her hand planted firmly on the small of Ash’s back with her thumb making soft, intimate circles sent a surge of unexpected jealousy up Phyla’s spine. How dare Athena act so possessively around her protégé? Hearing the absurdity of her own thoughts, Phyla actually took a step back to metaphorically distance herself from them.
“I was wondering,” Martin had turned his attention back to her, “Do you think any of the rest of us have anything to worry about? If she’s that much of a loose cannon, I mean.”
Phyla pulled her attention away from that thumb that hadn’t stopped with the caresses. “Martin, I think if you deal fairly with her, without treachery or malice, she’ll be a thousand times better an ally than Harcourt ever was.”
“But it’s obvious she’s a neophyte. People will walk all over her.”
It was time for that barracuda smile again, and Phyla allowed her predatory fire to flash in her eyes. “And you might spread the word that if they do, they’ll have me to answer to. I intend to teach her everything I know about business and finance, and I’ll be watching HL Enterprises very, very closely. So yes, to answer your question, people have a great deal to worry about if they think HL is now fair game.”
She knew she’d gotten her point across when he quickly looked down and nodded after seeing the ruthless, unforgiving look in her eyes. “You know you can trust me, Phyla. I’ll spread the word.”
“I trust no one, Martin, and you’d do well to remember that. Excuse me.” Phyla had had enough of Athena moving in close to whisper who knew what into Ash’s ear. She casually walked over and inserted herself into their conversation. “There are a few other people I’d like you to meet, Ash, before we begin our meeting. Will you excuse us, Athena?”
Athena removed her hand and smiled graciously at Phyla. “Of course, Phyla and I’ve offered to show Ash around town sometime as well, you know, to introduce her to some of the movers and shakers. Love the dress, by the way. Who’s the designer?”
“Thank you, Athena. Shou Zhou.”
“I’ll have to look her up.” She pointed to Ash’s phone. “Call me darling. You have my number.”
Ash watched the sway of her hips as she walked away and then turned her attention back to Phyla, who was wearing a definite scowl. When a glint of humor shone in Ash’s eyes, Phyla immediately schooled her features. She hadn’t meant for Ash to see emotions she, herself, wasn’t even sure of, and she turned and smiled at a husband-and-wife duo making their way toward them.
Ash sighed and graciously shook their hands, not looking forward to more of the same over the coming year.
Fifteen
As Phyla knew he would, Lance Dagner hadn’t wasted any time getting his petty retribution. It hadn’t been that long since Ash fired him, and Daphne had been fielding inquiries from news agencies worldwide. Lance had leaked Ash’s inheritance to the press, and Phyla had had to assign someone over at HL to handle inquiries there as well.
On other fronts, Shao Zhou had been busy working overtime, given the fact that Phyla had extended the triple payout for all new creations, outfitting Ash with several suits so she wouldn’t have to wear the same one to all the various functions she and Phyla had to attend. They’d been invited to a premiere at one of the major studios tonight, something she’d never do unless she could somehow work it to her advantage.
In this case, she’d discovered the elusive Elondra Thackery, a wealthy landowner, was in town. Phyla was well aware the older woman was thinking about selling a tract of land in Oregon she’d had her eye on for years, and she’d asked the movie’s director to also extend an invitation to Elondra, who was notoriously reticent to meet with anyone associated with real estate development.
But if Phyla McGuire just happened to be seated next to her at this evening’s events, she was more than capable of turning the conversation to her advantage. The director had readily agreed since Phyla had financed a major portion of the movie and would likely continue supporting his future endeavors.
Neville already had the car waiting, and Phyla wondered what was taking Ash so long to get changed. She’d gone in an hour ago for Marcus to style her hair, and he’d finished and left a half-hour earlier. Phyla was reconsidering her knee-jerk decision to take Ash with her. It was only a movie premier, after all, but Ash had to be exposed to all aspects of the business world, which meant creating advantages and then capitalizing on them. Like it or not, Harcourt had manipulated her into mentoring Ash, and Phyla McGuire never did anything halfway.
When the door finally opened, Phyla stood and started around her desk toward the elevator.
Ash stepped out of the dressing room, and Phyla’s steps didn’t simply falter, her traitorous feet actually stopped moving.
The slacks were solid black, as was the tie. The coat was dark grey wool with black windowpane checks and a subtle hint of red blush running throughout. Her button-down dress shirt was black with pinpoint white polka dots, and when Ash stopped and moved the coat aside to put her hand in her pocket, Phyla could see black suspenders, along with a silver watch chain dangling from a belt loop down to where the watch resided in her pocket.
Phyla’s gaze moved up to the hair. Marcus had outdone himself, accentuating the shaved sides by stiffly combing the rest of the hair straight up in an overlong butch cut. When she realized she’d been staring too long for a casual perusal, her gaze dropped to Ash’s eyes, which held a definite glint of knowing humor. That wouldn’t do.
Phyla immediately turned and started for the door. She had no intention of confirming to the irritating woman how incredibly alluring she found her in that suit. “The car’s waiting.”
When Ash followed Phyla into the reception area, Daphne did a doubletake but refrained from making any of her usual disparaging comments.
They rode the elevator in silence. When they emerged, Neville met them in the lobby and escorted them to the limo. As they pulled out into traffic, Phyla remembered she’d meant to prepare Ash for what was coming. That damn suit had wiped all thought from her mind, making Phyla wonder why she was letting Ash’s looks get to her. She’d sworn off women, hadn’t she? She had, and she’d better get herself under control before Ash got any bright ideas. Wanting to take her mind off the woman seated so close to her, Phyla pulled out a compact and checked her lipstick.
“That’s a beautiful color on you.” Ash’s voice was soft and low enough that Neville wouldn’t overhear.
It was disconcerting how that quiet compliment warmed her in ways the frozen protections she’d so carefully assembled, icy block by emotionless icy block, should never be warmed. She tamped down those feelings and got down to business. “The media has learned of your inheritance and my unusual involvement in HL Enterprises. My people are already at the premiere. The buzz among the paparazzi is that if we arrive together, they’re to get photographs of the two of us. Together. They’ll also want a statement from you.”
The blood drained from Ash’s face, and her hands balled into fists, which she unconsciously tucked beneath her armpits.
That movement alone, coupled with the dog putting a paw on Ash’s shoes, helped Phyla realize this was more than simply fear of being photographed. “Ash?”
Ash shook her head. “No. No statement.”
Phyla hesitated before unbending enough to rest an admittedly stiff and unpracticed hand on Ash’s leg. “I’ll handle the statement.” Ash wore her emotions on her sleeve, and the way her gaze was flitting from one part of the limo to the other told her there was more upsetting her than simply having to make a statement.
Under normal circumstances, Phyla expected people to do their jobs and never gave a second thought to their needs. If they couldn’t handle the everyday tumult that surrounded their boss, she made sure they were packed and gone within the hour. This, however, was vastly different. She didn’t have the option to fire Ash, and this would be a major media event that would reflect on both of them. Phyla had no choice. She needed to be prepared for every eventuality, so, putting aside her usual inclination to ignore other people’s concerns, she asked, “Is there something else?”
Ash pulled in a breath and shook her head. “No.” She thought better of her answer when Doc’s words came back to her. It’s more important that Phyla understands that you’re worried about the flashes, Ash, than it is to keep your fears to yourself. “Yes.” She opened her eyes and realized she hadn’t even felt Phyla’s hand on her leg. “You know I see a counselor, right?”
That softened Phyla’s irritation at having to deal with this right now. “I didn’t know, but I suspected. My brother had PTSD, and I’ve recognized some of the same things in you that I used to see in him.”
That caught Ash’s attention. “Used to?”
“He’s much better now. He lived with me for a while, but now he has a family. They live in Michigan.”
Ash studied her intently. “He got better?”
The naked hope in Ash’s eyes melted some of the ice encasing Phyla’s heart, and there was a softness in her answer that she didn’t recognize as her own. “Yes.”
Knowing Phyla maybe understood a little about what she was going through and wasn’t repulsed by it bolstered Ash’s confidence. “Well, you know I used to be a dog handler. I had a bomb dog, and I’m…” She groped for the right word, and when she continued, a worried smile accompanied her words, “I’m a little anxious, I guess, that the camera flashes might…” She blushed, hoping her words didn’t freak Phyla out, “…might trigger something.”
To her relief, Phyla’s brows rose, more in understanding than surprise or upset, “That makes a lot of sense. Hell, I hate getting out of the car when it’s surrounded by people screaming my name and blinding me with their blasted cameras, too. I imagine it will be worse for you.” Her brows came down in concern, “But your counselor thought you should go through it anyway?”
“Yeah. The cats are kinda out of the bag already, so I’d better get used to it, huh? I’ve been practicing, saying to myself that a camera flashing is only a camera flashing. Nothing more. I should be okay. I’m…sorry if it makes things awkward for you.”
“Not at all.” Phyla’s lip quirked up, and the dimple appeared. “I like a challenge.” She glanced at Neville in the front seat. “Neville, I assume you have security in place?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“I’d like you to pull them all into a phalanx, running from the limo to the door. They’re to block the paparazzi from having direct access to us.”
“I’ll need to pull over a minute to make the arrangements.”
“Do so.” Phyla was studiously ignoring how much she enjoyed having her hand on Ash’s leg. It was all she could do not to caress the silky-smooth fabric and the muscular thigh below. She retrieved her hand and, once Neville had everything in place, gave him further orders. “Just before we’re to go through the door, I’ll turn and give them a statement. You’ll accompany Ash inside and wait for me to join you.”
“Yes, ma’am. I understand.”
There was only a small flurry of movement from the bored photographers when Neville rolled up to the red carpet. No one was too excited at the car’s appearance because limos had been depositing people at the door for over half an hour now, and there was a definite hierarchy of newsworthiness when it came to the attendees.
It wasn’t until Neville got out and buttoned his suitcoat that people realized this was Phyla McGuire’s limo. There were general shouts of consternation when two lines of black-suited security guards flowed out from inside the theater, creating a clear walking space for Ash and Phyla to pass through.
Once everyone was in place, Neville opened the car door, and the shouts increased tenfold. Phyla looked at Ash and raised a single brow as she waited for her to signal she still wanted to go through with this.
Ash stared out of the door, testing her reaction to the flashes. If something was going to happen, she’d rather it happen before she stepped out of the car. The flashes were blinding, and adding to her anxiety were the photographer’s floodlights that had been activated when Neville opened the door. At night, in Iraq, light meant danger, and she and Doc hadn’t prepared for the floodlights.
