Chapter 47

‘Let’s just say when I suggested your expertise for the project,’ Ari said, ‘Elodie’s eyebrows did a synchronised tango of disapproval. Took some convincing on my part about your hotel wizardry – and trust me, it was eloquent.’ Dashiell’s hand tightened around the phone. ‘And...?’ he prompted, his throat suddenly dry. Ari chuckled. ‘But hey, business is business, right? She saw reason eventually. Or maybe the siren song of a luxury hotel empire proved too alluring to resist.’ Dashiell pushed down the feeling of disappointment in his chest. ‘So, now that we’re both La Hacienda players, any chance of a three-way summit? You, me, Elodie…brainstorming, strategising, that sort of thing?’ ‘Hold your horses, amico mio. Elodie’s put her COO in charge. Most meetings will go through him now.’ ‘Oh,’ Dashiell managed. ‘I see.’ The wall of disappointment solidified, thicker than ever. A beat of silence hung heavy in the air. Then, Ari asked, ‘So, what’d you get her?’ Dashiell blinked, momentarily c