e morning sun streaming in through the floor-to-ceiling windows. The Manhattan skyline stretche

as his expression. His dark eyes, framed by the faintest hint of a crow's feet

stakable. "This patent is not just another acquisition. It's the future of our energy division. And unle

brightest minds and most ambitious climbers in the

y, and a middle-aged man with

ll replied, hi

r status w

're still tracking her location. She left her Denver office

htened. "You mean to tell me that in two weeks, with all

uth to respond, bu

. The sunlight caught the silver streaks in his otherwise dark hair, making h

fter approach," someone began, but Justin

like ice. "This isn't a negotiation. It's a

he polished wood. His freshly printed research packet lay untouched in front of him. He k

th half-baked suggestions, Pete's phone vibrated

promising: Saint Martin. B

excitement. Timing was everything with Justin, and blurting out

's sharp voice

quickly, slipping his p

to contribute, or are you ju

I do," he said, keeping his voice steady. "We've confirmed Katr

ntense gaze locked onto Pete li

sting the words. A slow, calculated smile spr

f he expected. The weight of Justin's expect

is desk. "Bill, draft a proposal that Sawyer can't refuse. And make sure it's on m

ch churned with a mix of pride and dread. He'd delivered what Justi

mind?" Justin asked, gla

ed. "I'm com

an eyebrow. "W

elic of a biking accident three weeks ago. The crutches leaned a

ge," Pete

nt, then shrugged. "Suit your

lied, more to himse

in through his leg, but he ignored it. His mind was already racing ahead to Saint Martin, t

, but Pete knew better. This trip was