He needed to discuss his decision with her, to get her input. Eleanor Thorne was a force to be reckoned with, the matriarch of the Thorne family and a shrewd businesswoman in her own right. He respected her advice, even if he didn't always agree with it.
After a few rings, Eleanor answered, her voice cool and commanding. "Julian? Is everything alright? You rarely call this early in the day."
"Mother, I wanted to discuss something with you," Julian said, his voice carefully neutral. "I've decided to call off the Henderson deal."
There was a brief pause, and Julian could practically feel Eleanor's disapproval radiating through the phone line. "You've what?" she said, her voice hardening. "You're giving up? After all the time and effort you've invested in that acquisition?"
"I've come to
