Rain blurred Paris beyond my fiftieth-floor office. On the security monitor, Julian stood alone in the plaza below. Employees crossed around him with umbrellas while security kept him away from the doors. His coat clung to him, and the one-dollar acquisition contract was folded in his hand.
Lucian watched the screen beside me. “He has no appointment. I can have security remove him.”
“No. I'll see him.”
Lucian's jaw tightened. “As you wish.”
I took the black umbrella beside the door. The Astor acquisition still needed to be closed.
The glass doors opened, and I crossed the wet granite toward him. Rain struck the umbrella in a steady rattle. He lifted his head at the sound of my heels and took one step forward before security blocked him.
Water ran down his face. He held out the signed
