I challenge, "Something like what I did to you last night?"

Her face turns beet red. She admits, "Yeah, something like that."

I pat her on the ass and move her toward the door. "Good. Challenge accepted."

"What are you going to do while I'm there?"

"I have to take care of a few things for the merger. Let me get that out of the way. You get your pedicure and manicure and then we can spend the rest of the day together. Okay?"

She smiles. "All right."

I walk her to the spa, kiss her, then tell her I'll pick her up when it's over. I hurry back to the room and turn on my laptop. I make copies of all of her plans, and then I call Victoria.

She answers, "Sebastian, I thought you were on your honeymoon."

"I am, but I have something I need you to do," I reply.

"Getting right down to business. Normal Mr. Cartwright that I know well," she teases.

"Sorry. Victoria, how are you doing?" I ask.

She chirps, "Well, I'm great, Sebastian. Thank you for asking. Now, what can I do for you today?"

I drop the bomb. "I need you to make sure that the new lease in the Main Street district doesn't go through."

Silence fills the line.

"Are you still there?" I ask.

She clears her throat. "Why would we not close that deal? It's high rent and a huge profit."

"I'm fully aware," I assert.

"Would you like to tell me why we're not doing it?" she asks.

"No, not really. I'll let you know soon though."

She groans. "Are you serious right now? You're not going to tell me why?"

I debate, then give in. "This is between us, but I'm giving it to Georgia for her bakery."

More silence fills the line.

"Hello?" I say.

"That's... That's incredible, Sebastian."

"Make sure it doesn't close, Victoria," I direct.

She answers, "I'm on it."

I get off the phone with her and call my builder, Liam.

He booms, "Sebastian, what do I owe the pleasure?" Hammers and saws hum in the background.

"I have something I need you to do, and it needs to get done today," I assert.

He groans. "Why do I have a feeling you're about to make my day a pain in the ass?"

I chuckle. "Because I am."

He sighs. "What do you need done?"

"The building down in the Main Street district—I need you to pull permits for it. I want them issued today."

He whistles. "That will cost you at least six figures. We're going to have to grease Eduardo."

"Yeah, I know," I say, hating that I have to give Eduardo money. I can't stand the pig, and he can't stand me, so it'll cost me a pretty penny. However, whatever it takes, I'm going to get it done.