CHAPTER 31: A BETTER DEAL

~LAYLA~

’How’s Axel going to take this?’ I wondered.

I suddenly felt guilty. Axel had come all this way for this deal, and I’d managed to ruin it completely. Maybe I should just leave and save us both from further embarrassment.

I was heading toward the exit when I accidentally bumped into an elegantly dressed older woman.

"Oh, I’m so sorry," I said, steadying her champagne glass.

"No harm done, dear," she said graciously, then paused to look at me more closely. "That dress is absolutely stunning. Burgundy is definitely your color."

"Thank you so much. That’s very kind of you to say."

"I’m Margaret Wellington," she said, extending a perfectly manicured hand.

My eyes widened slightly. Margaret Wellington was a legend in the business world, CEO of Wellington Enterprises, one of the most successful development companies on the West Coast.

"Layla O’Brien," I said, shaking her hand. "It’s an honor to meet you."

"O’Brien... are you related to the real estate O’Briens?"

"By marriage. My husband Axel runs the company."

"Ah yes, I’ve heard wonderful things about his work. And what do you do, dear?"

As we talked, I found myself genuinely charmed by her warmth and intelligence. When she mentioned that her company was looking to expand into commercial development partnerships, a bright idea struck me.

"Actually, that’s exactly what my husband was proposing to Alex Cross earlier today," I said carefully. "A partnership for Portland expansion."

"Really? Tell me more."

I launched into the same pitch Axel had given in the meeting, adding my own insights about market potential and strategic advantages. Margaret listened intently, asking thoughtful questions and nodding appreciatively.

"This sounds like exactly what we’ve been looking for," she said as I finished. "I’d love to discuss this further with your husband."

Just then, Alex appeared beside us, his fake smile even more strained than usual.

"Margaret! How wonderful to see you," he said, completely ignoring me. "I was hoping we could have a private conversation about some investment opportunities."

"Actually, Alex, I was just having a fascinating discussion with Layla here about her husband’s expansion proposal," Margaret said coolly.

"Oh, that," Alex waved dismissively. "Layla’s just a small business owner. Nothing too serious. Why don’t we step away and discuss real investments?"

Margaret’s expression hardened. "There’s absolutely nothing wrong with having a startup, Alex. It’s bright ideas like the one Layla is presenting that turn small businesses into empires. Something you might want to remember."

Alex’s face flushed, clearly stung by the rebuke from someone he’d obviously been hoping to impress.

"I think I’ll pass on those investment opportunities you mentioned," Margaret continued. "Mrs. O’Brien, shall we continue our conversation?"

Alex stalked away, looking kind of embarrassed to those close by.

Axel returned a few minutes later, looking apologetic. "Sorry, that took so long. Important call from the office."

"Axel," I said, barely able to contain my excitement, "I’d like you to meet Margaret Wellington from Wellington Enterprises."

His eyes widened slightly in recognition. "Ms. Wellington, it’s an honour."

"The honor is mine, Mr. O’Brien. Your wife has been telling me about your Portland expansion proposal, and I’m very interested. Perhaps we could arrange a formal meeting next week?"

"Absolutely," Axel said, his professional composure sliding back into place. "I’ll have my assistant contact your office to set something up."

"Perfect. I look forward to it." Margaret smiled warmly at both of us. "Enjoy the rest of your evening."

As she walked away, Axel turned to me with an expression of amazement. "How did you manage that?"

"Lucky conversation," I said, trying to downplay it. "And Alex being his usual charming self helped seal the deal."

We made our polite rounds for another hour before heading back to the hotel.

In the car, I was still reeling from the thrill of putting Alex in his place and securing such an important connection.

"You know," Axel said as we pulled into the hotel parking garage, "Margaret Wellington doesn’t give her time to just anyone. That was a huge deal you just secured."

"I was the reason you had complications with Alex in the first place," I protested. "If I hadn’t called him out during the meeting..."

"Alex was simply an ass," Axel interrupted. "You did nothing wrong."

Back in our suite, Axel loosened his tie and really looked at me for the first time all evening.

"Thank you," he said simply. "For everything today. The meeting, the gala, standing up for the business... and for me."

My heart fluttered at the sincerity in his voice. "You don’t need to thank me."

"I do, though." He paused, studying my face. "Is there anything you’d like to do in the city tomorrow before we head back? It would be my way of saying thanks."

I thought for a moment, then smiled. "Actually, I saw some hiking trails online that looked beautiful. Maybe we could do one of those scenic routes? Spend some time away from business and just enjoy the outdoors?"

"It’s a done deal," he said, and I caught a genuine smile crossing his features. "We’ll spend our last day together exploring before heading home."

"I’d like that," I said softly.

"I’m going to grab a shower," he said, heading toward the bathroom. "Long day."

After he disappeared, I couldn’t control the grin spreading across my face. I flopped down on the bed, still in my beautiful dress, feeling more accomplished than I had in months.

I pulled out my phone to text Erica, letting her know we’d be departing soon and asking if she’d be available to see me one more time before I left.

My phone rang almost immediately, but it was my father’s number. I let it go to voicemail. Then Cass called, and I ignored that too. I wasn’t ready to deal with family drama when I was feeling so good about how the evening had gone.

When an unknown number appeared on my screen, I almost ignored it as well. But something made me hesitate, and I reluctantly swiped to answer.

"Hello?"

"Is this Layla O’Brien?"

"Yes, who is this?"

"This is St. Benedict General Hospital. I’m calling about your mother, Mrs Heart. She’s been admitted to our emergency department."

"Admitted? What happened?"

"She had a heart attack."