CLAIRE

Julian walked to the window, looking out at the city. "He wants to buy my shares in Cross Industries," he explained. "The company my father built."

I processed that. "Why?" I asked.

"He says he wants full control," Julian replied. "That having me as a partial owner creates complications."

"And?" I prompted.

Julian turned to face me. "And he's offering twenty million," he said.

I waited, knowing there had to be more. "That seems low," I said carefully.

Julian's expression turned grim. "Because it is low," he confirmed. "Very low."

"How low are we talking?" I asked.

Julian walked over and sat beside me. "David had the company evaluated,"...