Chapter 19

Elodie waited for a reply, ready to go as high as 50% over the original purchase price. Any loss she suffered here would be recouped from Conniving Cyrus later, anyway. ‘Fontaine, would that be the same Fontaine who founded Northstar?’ the man asked. Elodie, surprised by the sudden shift in topic, could only nod. ‘That’s my father. You’ve heard of him?’ A flicker of genuine surprise crossed his features. ‘Anyone aspiring to make it big in the business world has heard of him. Raymond Fontaine was a legend,’ he admitted, a hint of admiration in his voice. ‘I actually came to this city hoping to work with him.’ Elodie’s heart ached at the mention of her father, a wound still raw despite the passing years. ‘He passed away four years ago.’ The man’s eyes softened with understanding. ‘I’m sorry to hear that,’ he murmured, his voice tinged with sincerity. A silence descended. Then, he cleared his throat, a hint of his usual charm returning. ‘So, who’s calling the shots at Northstar now?’ Elod