I watched Eleanor’s eyes change.
They became almost cold.
“Personal impulse?”
“That isn’t what I meant.”
“You just called preventing someone from d/y/ing a personal impulse.”
Gavin swallowed.
“I’m speaking in operational terms.”
“Then let’s speak operationally.”
One of the attorneys immediately opened a folder.
Gavin looked confused.
Eleanor gestured toward him.
“You have been negotiating with Halston Capital for six months.”
I looked at Gavin.
He froze.
Negotiating?
Nobody in the office knew anything about that.
Eleanor continued.
“My company has been conducting due diligence on Mercer & Field for a potential acquisition.”
A murmur passed through the office.
Gavin glanced around, embarrassed that the secret was out.
Eleanor continued.
“The preliminary valuation was eighteen million dollars.”
My mouth went dry.
Eighteen million.
Gavin stepped closer.
“Mrs. Halston, that process is confidential.”
“It was.”
Was.
One word.
That was all it took.
Gavin heard it too.
