Chapter 25

Chapter 25

“And Sophie Massot?”

Hugh looked at the journalist with distaste. They were seated in a conference room at the Crillon, and she was the sixth interview he’d given today. A necessary evil: Mayberry’s bid had been announced, and his financial PR firm insisted on using him, personally, to appeal to the shareholders.

“You’re a star,” Missy Kaufman, the wiry American girl, had told him. “The business pages are so boring. Editors will kill for a chance to spice it up with someone like you. An English gent, a widower, a war hero—”

Hugh held up his hand. “Nothing about my wife. Or my past.”

“But it’s so romantic, Hugh—”

He eyed her coldly. “I said nothing.” His tone was final. “That is to be a condition of giving the interviews. If my business background will help get press, you can use that.”

Missy sighed. “Can I at least use the Oscars?”

“Certainly,” he said, thankful the danger had passed.

But the day had been wearing, nonetheless. Journalist after journalist asking the same questions. This girl, thank God, was the last. Amanda Fife from the FT. She was plump, but hard-looking, and persistent.

“This is all about the stock price, as far as we’re concerned,” said Hugh.

“Yes, but wouldn’t you agree that families can’t just treat companies they have a stake in like their private playgrounds?”

“Of course.”

“Her husband may have founded the firm, but Sophie Massot has no business background.” Amanda’s lip curled. “She’s been a stay-at-home wife and party hostess.”

“You’d need to ask her about that.”

“Since she took over, the stock price has lost a third of its value. And continues to sink.”

“That’s why we hope shareholders will vote to accept Mayberry’s bid.”

“Do you think that just because she controls a large stake she should be able to do what she likes with the company?”

“Of course not.”

“And she’s fired thousands of staff around the world. Closed one entire division without even looking for a buyer. What do you think of that?”

He thought it was a very good idea, inspired in fact.

“I think shareholders will have the chance to voice their anger in three months, by voting for Mayberry.”

“Of course, you know all about that sort of thing. When you started at Mayberry you had no qualms about firing hundreds of people yourself.”

“Of course I had qualms, but it had to be done.” Hugh couldn’t take another minute. “And I’m afraid that’s all I have time for, Miss Fife.”

He stood and offered her his hand.

“It’s Ms. Fife,” she said, waspishly.

“Ms. Fife,” he agreed.

She smiled at him. “Don’t worry. We have to be tough in interviews. But it’ll be a positive piece.”

“I’m glad to hear it.”