NON-NEGOTIABLE

by RENATA BARBER

  "Doing what?"

  "Supplying information, spying, stealing and notifying Tri-Star of the companies we plan to invest in or take over, of course. You're obviously not thinking straight and now I know why."

  Jared shot him a warning look. “Careful. You're entering dangerous territory. It's none of your business."

  "Look I'm not telling you who or who not to bang; as if you'd listen anyway. I'm just saying, be aware there might be other factors you're not considering; like the products we make. Since that's my division, I have every right to be concerned that our ideas don't go flying out the window to some other competitor."

  "If you're that concerned Sterling, you can join Elizabeth and me on Sunday."

  "For what?"

  "Remember the Brauwers? They're giving a dinner for their investors and we've been invited."

  "Now you decide to tell me."

  "So that's what this is about. It just happened a few days ago. By the way Elizabeth was very instrumental in generating their interest and orchestrating the invitation. Come observe for yourself someone who gets things done."

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  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  For the next few days those words Jared had uttered hung steadily behind a fixture of doubt in Sterling's mind. Sterling knew his brother to be a rational, practical man who would demand nothing but cold hard facts to back-up any accusations about Elizabeth. Jared was a man whose opinion could not be swayed by mere speculation, even if it came from his brother.

  For the time being, Sterling had decided it might be wiser instead to quietly observe his subject from afar; more explicitly, Elizabeth's on-line activity. Through the company's security division, Sterling had arranged surveillance and a daily printout of Elizabeth's login sessions on the network, a detailed report of various websites she regularly visited along with the times she frequented them. After a few days, that proved useless, since nothing out of the ordinary turned up Perhaps it was time to take up Jared's invitation.

  It was a late Sunday afternoon and the constant downpour throughout the day had paused, briefly, as if to allow those with raincoats and umbrellas just enough time to shake off the excess before the next heavy rain commenced. However, despite this reprieve the wild winds raged on, threatening to sweep away anything standing in its path. Sterling stood outside his high-rise wearing a scarf, gloves and fully lined trench coat but nonetheless freezing. His companion, however, didn't seem fazed by the weather.

  "It shouldn't be much longer” Sterling said, trying to sound reassuring.

  "I'm not the one complaining. I'm far more interested in the look on his face” Nina replied with a smirk. “That whore is worth any discomfort."

  "Well, don't get your hopes up. He's fully enamored. And so far, Ms. Elizabeth Lowell is, well, spotless."

  "It's only a matter of time, Sterling."

  The occasional splash from cars driving through puddles kept them alert until their eyes were drawn to the entrance: a long black limousine pivoted from the main thoroughfare and then slowly stretched into the driveway, towards where they stood. The vehicle came to stop the driver immediately got out, nodding when he recognized Sterling. He held the door open for them.

  Stepping aside, Sterling gestured to Nina. “Ladies, first."

  Nina slyly climbed inside the limo. The atmosphere grew tense when she pushed past Elizabeth without acknowledging her and sat beside her ex-husband She beamed at him innocently.

  Jared glared at her, livid.

  "I told Sterling I didn't think you'd mind me tagging along. Isn't this exciting, breaking new ground with the Brauwers?"

  Jared's gaze shifted to Sterling as he was getting settled in beside Elizabeth. It was just like his brother to cave into the demands of Nina's egotistical whims. From now on, he'd have to be very careful about sharing any information on upcoming events. Once again, Nina had managed to drive a stake between the two brothers.

  "Since when have you developed an interest in anything outside your weekly spa appointment, or your nails?"

  "Since I became the majority stockholder..."

  The argument grew heated and dangerous, it was not worth getting involved in, and yet so intense that ignoring it was simply not an option. Issues from Jared and Nina's marriage were popping up all over the place for all to see... and hear. Elizabeth quickly glanced at Sterling and soon realized he'd probably experienced this conflict between Nina and Jared many times before. He wasn't dazed a bit by the spectacle.

  Still, in the back of her mind, Elizabeth was ashamed to admit when she heard the grievances of both sides, both definitely had a valid point, or so it seemed. Jared had every right to object to Nina's insistence on questioning and monitoring his every business move, particularly since he was the founder of the company and had build it from the ground up to its current level of success. On the other hand, Nina now held the majority of the company shares, giving her the full right to dictate policy and oversee other company endeavors. Apparently, some sort of agreement and sacrifice had to be reached for the benefit of Bentley Industries, but in the end their compromise suited neither of them.

  After silently contemplating the situation for an hour, Elizabeth's worries subsided and turned to the purpose of the journey, the evening's event. From the tinted window, her eyes caught sight of the Brauwer's sprawling, Martha's Vineyard estate. A grounds keeper's residence, a guest house, stables and four lovely gardens bracketed the mansion like a four leaf clover, overlooking five miles of verdant landscape.

  Jared seemed to catch-on to Elizabeth's silence and immediately stopped talking. It was ridiculous and redundant to try and prove a point to someone who couldn't see rhyme or the reason beyond their own revenge, or the purpose of the meeting nor the advantageous position it ultimately afforded the company.

  "Fine. We can discuss this another time when it suits you,” Nina announced when Jared didn't respond to her last accusation. She remained silent for the rest of the trip and the some of the awkwardness of the situation dissipated.

  When they arrived, there was a crowd gathered at the entrance where attendants waited to take coats, purses and other personal belongings. As Elizabeth handed over her coat to an attendant she caught sight of Clara rushing over to where she and the others stood.

  "Don't you make a handsome couple,” Clara said, winking at Elizabeth.

  Jared chimed in. “I don't think you've met my brother, Sterling. He's head of our development division or Nina, our CEO. I hope you don't mind,” Jeremy quickly added when he noticed the tension mounting.

  "Absolutely not. It's a pleasure to meet you both,” Clara exclaimed like the gracious host she was and shook Nina's and Sterling's hand, and then gestured for them to enter the enormous living room, which was steadily filling with guests.

  "Drinks are at the bar and I believe they're serving my favorite appetizers right about now in the living room. Please help yourselves."

  Sterling took the hint and linked arms with Nina who was flabbergasted at the thought of being brushed aside and told where to go. Before she could even think about causing a scene, she was tugged towards the living room where Sterling held on to her and refused to let go.

  "Where's Mr. Brauwer?” Elizabeth inquired, diverting Clara's attention.

  "Probably in the library."

  Clara knew her husband's habits like the back of her hand. Whenever they entertained, Mr. Brauwer would quietly retreat to his extensive library where he felt completely at ease with his business colleagues, most of them men, without worrying about censoring the conversation for the sensibilities of women. There, they would also discuss the latest business forecast reports and future investments or how to get a leg up on the competition. Sometimes, this entailed information that, if leaked, could lead to disastrous consequences, financial and otherwise.

  Since the door was left slightly ajar, Jared and Elizabeth entered the room, cautiously aware that they were interrupting some kind of a meeting. You
could've heard a pin drop with the exception of one lone voluminous voice filling the room and drawing everyone's attention.

  Jared and Elizabeth heard it and then paused for a few seconds; suddenly all eyes in the spacious library shifted.

  "Welcome. Do come in. Don't be shy,” Mr. Brauwer announced as he rose from his recliner and walked over to greet them. “I'd like to introduce someone who really doesn't need an introduction at all, Jared Bentley of Bentley Industries, “the beast of Wall Street” and his assistant, Elizabeth. I'm delighted they'll be joining our investment pool for now on."

  One or two audible coughs broke the silence, but nothing more. For the most part, this clique, a close-knit group of capital investors the Brauwers had known throughout the years, maintained their composure and smiled politely at the couple.

  It was hard to tell what they were really thinking, Jared surmised as he glanced around the room them. But one thing was sure; they'd all heard of his nickname before and they knew the reputation that went along with it. From that moment on Jared's defenses were up. Smiles and assurances didn't guarantee anything.

  "We were just discussing the recent hike in oil prices and the need for more energy-efficient alternatives. In particular, those companies that are beginning to seriously address these initiatives where we can get in on the ground floor. I'm interested in your input on the matter, Jared. Please, come enlighten us.” The invitation to share his knowledge appealed to Jared. And it just might eventually offer him the edge he needed. He'd be foolish not to take advantage of this opportunity to network and get a ‘feel’ for his prospective investors.

  Confident, Jared left Elizabeth's side and strode to the center of the room. The other guests pulled up chairs or gathered around him as he began talking. Dressed in his traditional black jacket, white silk shirt and matching slacks; surrounded by an eager audience, Jared was definitely in his realm. The process of re-building his image had finally begun. Whatever negative impression these people had of him no doubt they would be more positive after tonight.

  At last, Elizabeth could relax. Elizabeth's shoulders dropped, setting off her long neck and the deep plunge at the back of the cocktail dress she'd chosen. Rather, Jared had chosen; he had picked out the dress for her to wear that evening. As she quietly crept towards the door, Elizabeth was happy that Jared seemed to be making a good first impression on the investors. For the moment, the situation was under control.

  Backtracking her way, Elizabeth slowly walked down a flight of stairs to the foyer where she'd originally entered the mansion. The strains of melodious jazz tunes told her the party was in full swing. On the way she caught several glimpses, stares that followed her curves with curiosity. Elizabeth ignored these glances and pushed her way through the darkly lit living room to where the buffet was set up. As she took her place in line, another woman was positioned there, too, her back facing Elizabeth, leaning against a pedestal. There was something familiar about the silhouette.

  "The attention is to be expected, my dear. It goes with the dress,” a voice flatly noted.

  The woman swiveled to face her. It was Nina, glaring at her with the look of envy that threatened to expose her apparent hatred. To camouflage the intensity of her feelings she smiled and did her best to look pleasant while making small talk.

  "So, how's it working out, so far in public relations?"

  "I think I've found my niche."

  "You're very sure of yourself for someone new to the company. But, sleeping with the enemy can transform a lot of things, even the boss himself, huh?"

  Elizabeth was stunned by the statement, but very capable of holding her own.

  "He's not an enemy. Surprising, isn't it?"

  "Soon, he will be. You can personally count on it. I'll see to it that he is; that you're fired from Bentley Industries. Your reputation will be unsalvageable in this town when I'm finished, if you don't back off!"

  So, that's what this was about: She wanted him back. Nina had taken revenge on her ex-husband, hit him where it hurt the most, the company he'd built from scratch, and regretted doing so, later on. Jared was right. She was used to getting her way, even when she'd made a terrible mistake or concocted a fabrication to suit her anger.

  "If I can inspire that kind of animosity and I don't even know you that well, I must be doing something right. No wonder he divorced you."

  "Why you bi..."

  Nina's pupils narrowed, her eyes turned to daggers. Before she could strike, Elizabeth felt another presence behind her. Someone quickly linked arms with her and was tugging her in another direction, far away from Nina's rage.

  "What a knock out! I almost didn't recognize you,” Madeline said, as she whisked her friend away into a far corner.

  Of course Tri-Star Investments had continued to be one of the Brauwer's most staunch investment partners on many an acquisition. Naturally, they'd send a representative from their top management: Madeline. She'd always put in a good appearance for them, smoothing over any disputes the two parties might have.

  "Thank you for rescuing me from that woman"

  "I only heard the tale end of the conversation. Who is she?"

  "Bentley Industries’ CEO, Nina Vanderhoff and Jared's ex-wife."

  "Say no more. Her reputation for lack of leadership precedes her. She's obviously looking to get ‘involved in something', something to occupy her time."

  "Well, she was just reinforcing her territory."

  "You mean him?"

  Elizabeth nodded.

  Madeline lightly chuckled then added, “A marriage of convenience that failed on a grand scale. It must be so uncomfortable dealing with her."

  "Actually, we have minimum contact. Today, however, was an exception. She surprised us all when she showed up with Jared's brother, Sterling."

  "Is he here?"

  "Yes."

  Elizabeth noticed a hint of concern cross Madeline's features. But why would that be? Perhaps she was imagining things. Still, she wondered if there was a connection between them.

  "Do you know him?"

  "I know of him; everyone on Wall Street knows Jared Bentley's brother, Sterling. He's the one who usually makes the product development deals."

  Edgy, Madeline's gaze slowly drifted back to the living room where they'd just left and settled on someone standing in the crowd, watching her just as intently. Elizabeth cocked her head slightly sideways to catch of glimpse of whoever held Madeline so spellbound. But due to the dim lighting, everything became fuzzy and unclear. There were too many people standing nearby or passing by in front to make out the figure.

  "You and I should have lunch early next week. So, we can catch up,” Madeline said returning her focus to Elizabeth, suddenly holding up her ticket. When the attendant overseeing the coats and personal belongings saw it she swiped it from Madeline's hand.

  "Only if I can get some of the latest gossip at Tri-Star. I know how they all miss me terribly."

  "And, I want to hear all about your new boyfriend."

  "He's my boss."

  "And you're blushing."

  Madeline gave Elizabeth a hug and a quick peck on the cheek, while the attendant returned with Madeline's coat.

  Madeline started towards the door, but then paused, and then suddenly turned around.

  "You look happy."

  Elizabeth trailed behind and smiled warmly as she watched her friend depart and then climb inside a taxi waiting for her. As it pulled out of the driveway, Madeline waved inside the cab. The vehicle turned onto the country road and disappeared into the night.

  The cold night air made her shiver. Elizabeth headed back inside the mansion. As she walked through the foyer, she was greeted by Sterling.

  "Do you know where my brother is?"

  "He's meeting with a pool of investors and Mr. Brauwer, right now."

  Sterling stared at her thoughtfully, fishing for some kind of an explanation why he wasn't invited. “Oh, I see. I wasn't aware there was a meeting."

&n
bsp; Elizabeth had the strangest sensation she was walking a fine line between two siblings. Whatever business arrangement Sterling and Jared had should remain out of her sphere. She was there to help support his image and make the connection, not to be a go-between for two executives with issues.

  She spoke tentatively. “I didn't feel it was my place to make that decision. I'm just the P.R assistant."

  "Yes, I noticed you were seeing someone off. Do you know that woman?"

  "Madeline? Yes, we used to work together at Tri-Star. We also attended the same university."

  "So you've known her for a while."

  "Ages."

  Grinning now, Sterling neatly filed that information away as Jared approached them.

  "So what's the verdict?” Sterling suddenly asked,

  "We're in."

  "Excellent.” Elizabeth replied.

  Beaming tenderly, Jared stepped in closer to her and wrapped his arm around her waist possessively. “You see, I told you she's a winner; she gets things done. It's all settled."

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  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  For Jared, a multitude of possibilities were presenting themselves, his entire world re-opening, again, giving him a glimmer of hope and the determination to follow through with his plans and a reason to look ahead.

  Ecstatic about the results of the Brauwer's meeting, he could barely contain his enthusiasm or joy, especially for the woman who made everything possible, again. Gone was the dreary complacency, the agony of being forced to accept an unacceptable situation: without a means to change it or a way out. A tentative agreement had been reached with the investors on the products made by Bentley Industries, including their latest technology devices. It was the beginning and the end of a long tortuous five-year dilemma that, overnight, had miraculous turned into one massive opportunity; a chance to regain what had been lost and write a disillusioning wrong. The gift he'd been given was worth more than money itself. Pride and confidence returned in full force along with the ability to chart the course for Bentley Industries’ future direction. Soon, he'd be at his rightful place at the helm. Sterling was full of questions when he learned of the results of the meeting, the specifics of just how his department was likely to figure into this new arrangement. But, this time, Jared avoided giving any details about the deal to his brother. He purposely ignored those questions with the idea that the less information Sterling had to offer; the less likely he'd succumb to Nina's demands. Naturally, he was put off by the idea of not having all the cards at his disposal or vague answers to try to decipher. If he wanted the truth he knew he'd have to investigate further on his own. Once his brother had made up his mind to remain silent, Sterling knew there was nothing he could do to get him to divulge the information. He'd have to find another way.