Dad finishes his speech, and everyone claps politely, chatter breaking out at the tables. I hear someone whisper not-too-quietly that they hope they’re on Colton’s team. “Can you imagine a week in London with him?”

I frown, the shot of jealousy hot in my veins.

Colton takes the stage next. “Thank you as well, Allan. As I’m sure you understand, I feel that a global presence is the best way to proceed with our HQ2, and though it might seem obvious, I assure you that I considered the globe over before deciding that London would be best for Fox. It’s a big request to have employees drop everything and travel abroad on such short notice, especially when everyone is so chock-a-block with their own work. Travel can be rather costly for the company, too.” The dig against my dad is subtle but there. “So I’ve taken a slightly different approach from Daniel.” Or not so subtle.

I sigh, thinking that I only thought I was making headway in their battle. Dad’s sitting beside me again, his speech done, and he places his hand on mine reassuringly. He’s not offended by Colton’s speech in the least.

“As to my team. First, I’d like to thank Helen Riggs. She is the whip cracker who keeps my office running, and as such, I’d like her to remain here in my stead to keep everything tip top. I wouldn’t trust the day-to-day to anyone else, but in her capable hands, I have no doubt it’ll be in good care.” People clap for Helen, and I start to feel a pit in my stomach.

“And as there is a significant time difference between London and HQ, I think that having the full-scale court won’t be necessary. I can work during the London day, and as I wrap up, I can tag-team off to the US group, allowing for round-the-clock progress. For the US group, I’d like to invite Gary England from legal. Can’t go wrong with a bloke named England for this particular project, can I?”

People clap as Gary waves. “And Debra Stevens from engineering.” Debra is no-nonsense, a former Marine who’s well-known for her efficiency. She receives a round of applause as well.

“And last but not least, I will need someone who can be at the ready to handle anything and put up with me.” He flashes his charming smile, and everyone laughs at the self-deprecation. “A jack of all trades, if you will, who can coordinate between me and the US group. Someone up for the challenge this daring endeavor requires . . .”

Oh, God. Oh, no. He can’t. I can’t.

“I’d like to invite Elle Stryker to visit the proposed site in London. Pack your bags, Miss Stryker. We leave on Monday.”

“What!” Dad hisses, and suddenly, everyone’s looking at me. I hold it together while their eyes are on me, but Dad looks like he’s turning purple next to me. He wants to say something, to demand that Colton not take me, but he can’t.

Colton’s hemmed him in, and Dad knows it. Tiffany, on the other hand, is applauding like mad, whistling like a baseball fan in the stands until my face is flushed with embarrassment.

Mr. Fox takes the microphone back, saying something else, but I can’t hear him. I just hear the whispers around the room about what type of help I’ll be. The sneered implication of why Colton selected me and only me is obvious, and what’s worse is that I can’t even deny it.

Colton goes back to his table, far enough away that I can’t see what he’s saying to the group of people who greet him with smiles as he sits down. But I don’t miss the smirk he throws my way. Even from across the room, I know this was his surprise, and the dare to not argue about this and to actually go with him is loud and clear.

“Absolutely not,” Dad growls. “No fucking way.”

“What a great opportunity,” Tiffany counters, on my side even against Dad.

I blink and my brain starts functioning again. “Dad, Colton named me to his team, which is what I’m working on with him. It only makes sense for me to go. You’re taking your assistant too.”

Logic pings off him like Nerf darts, though, leaving no trace of a mark of reason.

“You’ll politely decline and work with the US team here,” Dad says, his voice firm but low. “Elle, you’re not going anywhere with Colton Wolfe. And that’s final.”

So much for the progress we made earlier. Dad’s back to treating me like I’m a kid again. And though it might seem like I’m being ornery just to needle him, I’m truly not. This is a great opportunity.

For some daring fun in London with Colton!

I hush the devil that’s sending fizzy champagne bubbles to both my brain and my lady bits and force myself to focus.

HQ2. London. My chance to shine professionally.

Chapter 17

Colton

That went well, better than expected, judging by the congratulatory handshake Allan gave me as I left the stage. And the triumph tastes sweet. It’s preliminary, one step of many to come, but I’m going to celebrate the progress.

And I made sure I was looking directly at Daniel Stryker as I dropped the bomb that I was hand-selecting his daughter, and only his daughter, to accompany me to London.

He looked ready to lose his cool, even more than when he confronted me in the lift.

And he couldn’t do a damn thing about it. For him to protest now . . . well, that’s just bad form. It’d paint him in a bad light, as an overprotective father and a poor sport, while also torpedoing Elle’s career at the company, something he doesn’t want to do, either.

I fully expect him to have another play here, something to counter me, but I think he’ll play it close to the chest so he can keep it mum. Most likely leveraging Elle herself.

Leaving the garden party, my phone buzzes in my pocket. I pull it out and see Elle’s name.

Elle: You should’ve asked me first.

Me: This way seemed more fun, more daring, I suppose.

She doesn’t answer for a moment, and I climb behind the wheel of my Lotus. I wonder if maybe Daniel has already made his play and I’ve come out on the losing side. At least with Elle. The jury is still out on the proposals.

The drive home is quick, but upstairs, it’s quiet, too quiet, really. Like my office when she was downstairs, my penthouse seemed a lot fuller when she was here with me.

Elle: Dad’s furious. I’m furious.

Me: Which is more important to you? Your wishes or your father’s?

Elle: Both.

Me: I won’t apologize for giving you an opportunity to grow. Neither Gary nor Debra knew about being assigned to my team, yet neither of them is texting me pouty messages.

Elle: GIF of a shovel digging a deeper hole.

Me: Be at the office at ten in the morning if you’re going. We have a lot to do. If not, I’ll inform Ms. Carter of your return to her group.

It’s a line in the sand for us both.

If we proceed, I need her fully committed because this trip is going to be revealing, as well as decidedly important to my potential future at Fox. I need to know that she can be discreet and help me frame this option in the best light, without shying away from the reality of my life in London. And she needs to make the decision to put her own needs and desires, both personal and professional, over her father’s demands.

If she elects to take the easy path and bow out, I will have my answer about our fun as well as our potential work partnership. Elle will eventually have another opportunity. She’s too intelligent not to, but it won’t be at the expense of my own dream.