“Are you a lawyer?” Hattie asks, and Zane shakes his head.
“A bargaining chip.” He flashes that million-dollar smile again, but Hattie just frowns this time, looking him over.
“Mr. Zane is one of the most prolific real-estate developers on the east coast. He’s looking to expand west and is in need of legal representation,” Rex explains. “His association with Miss Jenkins will assure any support Jason is receiving will disappear, and once he doesn’t have the firm at his back, he’s sure to give up his insistence to drag you to court.”
“Phoebe never said anything.” I frown.
“She, uh, isn’t aware of our connection yet.” Zane’s unwavering confidence turns into an agitated expression. “My late aunt devised a bit of a cunning plan to reunite Phoebe and Andrew Atkins. She dragged Gabe and me into her rouge, rather unwillingly, I might add.” Zane sighs and runs his palm over his face. “Gabe told Phoebe how he used to work for Rex and could ask for a few favors on your behalf, but she’s smart. She knows it would take heavy ammo to get the partners to pull Jason off you.”
“So that’s why this meeting was so last minute.” Hattie says with a disdainful shake of her head, and Zane offers an apologetic grimace.
I mull the information over in my mind. I know about Phoebe and Andrew’s history. Trista’s told me about it a few times, how they met senior year in high school and then after college Andrew enlisted and left Phoebe, and how she never really got over it.
“Is the devious plan working?” I wonder, and Zane smiles a bit awkwardly.
“Seems to be. Gabe caught them kissing in the office.” I smile at his reply, turning back to Rex.
“So, what’s next?” I ask, and Rex takes a deep breath.
“I’ll be going to the other name partners to drop Zane’s name andgentlymake the connection between him and Phoebe. And whichever one of them is still behind Jason will drop their support.” Rex smiles sadly at me. “I’m not a big fan of Jason, but the ease in which the hyenas turn their backs on their own when they smell money? It’s unsettling.”
“Why not put your foot down, tell them you don’t want the firm to back up a stealing, cheating liar?” Hattie asks, crossing her arms in challenge.
“Jason has friends in high places. It might start an internal war, and that means Lauren won’t see her money for a long time,” Rex explains, and Hattie deflates.
He’s right. As much as I wish Hattie’s sense of justice was what made the world turn round, right now, I need to concentrate on how to launch my business as quickly as possible and, more importantly, cut all remaining ties with Jason.
“And, please, don’t tell Phoebe about this until after Aunt Claire’s plan is revealed to her and Andrew,” Zane pleads, and I glare at him.
“She’s been nothing but good to me. I don’t like the idea of hiding things from her.”
“Just for a short while, please,” he asks again. “This is in no way a condition for the arrangement, just a heartfelt request.”
I look at him, the sincerity shining through his eyes, and sigh. “One time,” I state. “I’ll waltz around the truth one time. But if she asks me twice, I’m telling her.”
“Sounds fair.” Zane nods in gratitude.
“Thank you for coming in today, Lauren, Hattie.” Rex stands from his chair and comes to hug me, shaking Hattie’s hand right after as he gazes at me with a warm smile. “I can’t tell you how thrilled Pattie and I were to see your designs in the spotlight. Your talent has always been nothing short of awe-inspiring, and we’ll be expecting to see your name more and more.”
“Give Pat a hug for me,” I request with fondness. “Mr. Zane, thank you for your help. I appreciate it.”
“Still just Zane,” he answers with a smile, then turns to Hattie. “I’ll be following S.A.S.S. closely. I see great things in your future and hope our paths cross again soon.”
Hattie’s cheeks warm, and she smiles at Zane, then turns and indicates the exit.
“That was interesting,” she observes once we’re out of the building.
“Yeah,” I agree, climbing after her into the cab she hailed. I’m hit with a wave of nausea the second it starts moving, the pit of my stomach feeling empty, and I’m starting to feel a bit lightheaded. “I haven’t eaten today yet. Want to call the girls, have them order in lunch?”
“Sounds good. Thai?” Hattie offers, and I nod. “I still can’t believe Joanna wouldn’t give you the day off.”
“Whatever. Once I get my money back, I’m resigning anyway.”
“Maybe…” Hattie starts, then shakes her head.
I take her hand, squeezing it. “My offer is forever standing, okay?”
“Okay.” She smiles at me, then stares out the window in thought.