I spent my first official day at Mayfield Realties following Jett in and out of meetings, redirecting countless phone calls, and spurning at least twice that many, while familiarizing myself with Jett’s important accounts. Everyone’s eyes had been on the boss’s new personal assistant, so naturally he kept his hands off me. By the end of the day, I had barely had time to look at the newest developments in the Lucazzone case. I wanted to tackle the case because the sooner I was finished, the more I could prove that I deserved this position, and that Jett had made the right decision by hiring me.
Although I loved spending time with him, I was thankful when Jett announced he’d be caught in an early business dinner, and would have to leave now to make it on time across town in the late afternoon traffic.
After kissing me goodbye, he promised to text as soon as dinner was finished. I grabbed another cup of coffee, spent a few minutes chatting with Emma, and then returned to my office and the file waiting on my desk. I took a sip of my coffee, ready to get engrossed in my first multi-million dollar project, when a red stamp caught my attention. I almost spit out my coffee as I read the two words in capital letters: UNDER OFFER.
The old man had finally decided to sell. My gaze fell on the price.
Forty million.
Holy shit.
Twenty million more than planned.
Luxury estates weren’t my specialty field, but even I could see the estate wasn’t worth it. The company would make a loss so big it could swallow up Alaska. Why would Jett take such a risk? I took a deep breath to steady the nervous flutter in my stomach.
It might not be my job to advise him on how to conduct business, but I sure wouldn’t shut up and let him make such a brainless move. The contracts weren’t signed yet, so we could still get out of it. Ignoring the incoming call, I picked up my cell and speed-dialed Jett’s number. He picked up on the first ring.
“Hey, pretty. What’s up?”
Taking a deep breath, I mentally prepared my words. He was a successful business mogul who’d take crap from no one. After pondering for two seconds, I decided being direct and to the point was the best way to go. “I just had a look at the Lucazzone file and while I see the estate’s potential, I feel it’s my duty to tell you that the price is too high.”
Silence, then, “Brooke, the decision has been made. Leave it at that.” His tone was sharp, leaving no room for discussion.
“But—” I brushed my hair off my face. This was the real Jett Mayfield. The one that did as he pleased. But hadn’t he said he hired me for my attitude? And did he not tell me he believed in me and in my talents? Wasn’t that the reason why he entrusted me with the case in the first place? “It’s too much, Jett. You’ll be in the red. Trust me on this one.”
He let out an annoyed sigh. “We need to get this deal, no matter what.”
“But…you’re risking losing millions and I don’t understand why. The place is not worth that much money.”
“You don’t need to. I’m giving the all clear and it’s happening. That’s my final word. Anything else I can do for you, Brooke?” He was brushing me off like an annoying fly. My temper flared, and I threw my hands up in exasperation. Jett Mayfield was stubborn, I got that, but unless he had a pretty good motive for moving forward with the acquisition, his obstinacy was unfounded, and I was hell bent on making him aware of it.
“I was a realtor before you hired me. And a pretty good one, you said so yourself.” I paused, waiting for his reaction—any reaction—but it didn’t come. So I continued. “The airport is only an hour away, meaning there’s bound to be some noise. The view is stunning but it’s just one lake. You’d have to divide the waterfront land into ten, which doesn’t leave much space for spreading out your beach towel, let alone go water skiing and sailing, and what else rich people do. It’s a mistake. It’s far too—”
He cut me off. “Brooke.” He wasn’t listening. How the hell could I make him pay attention? I began to type furiously on my computer, opening accounts to quote examples of asking prices so I could finally drive my point home. I wasn’t willing to give up. Not in this matter. I wasn’t going to lose the company forty million and risk sending them into a large black hole.
“I’m paying out of my pocket,” Jett said so low, I wasn’t sure I heard him right.