The Price of a Smile

Three days later, the peace of the estate was broken not by an enemy, but by an unexpected knock on the front security gates.

Maeve was sitting in the conservatory with a stack of architectural magazines, trying to imagine nurseries that didn't look like corporate boardrooms, when Donovan walked in with a heavy expression.

""Who is it?"" Maeve asked, setting the magazine down.

""Arthur Sterling,"" Donovan said, naming one of the city's most ruthless real estate developers—and, as Maeve belatedly realized, a silent business partner of Derek’s family. ""He's at the gate asking for a meeting.""

Maeve’s breath hitched. ""What does he want with you?""

""With me? Nothing directly,"" Donovan said, walking over to stand beside her chair. ""He represents the commercial lease holders in your district. Word has gotten around that I've aligned myself with you, and Sterling is trying to figure out what leverage he has.""

""He doesn't have any leverage,"" Maeve said, her spine stiffening.

""In business, people always think they have leverage until you strip it away,"" Donovan said with a cold, level smile. ""Let him in. Let’s see what cards he thinks he's holding.""

Five minutes later, Arthur Sterling stepped into the grand parlor, looking entirely too comfortable in an immaculate charcoal suit, carrying a leather briefcase.

He smiled when he saw Maeve sitting across the room, as if they were old acquaintances running into each other at a charity brunch.

""Donovan,"" Arthur said, nodding to his host before turning his attention to Maeve. ""And Ms. Parker. What a surprise finding you in such... elevated company.""