Chapter 64

Frederick wore a look of amused provocation, like he was waiting to see how far I'd go to beg him. I just smiled and didn't say a word. I noticed a drink set in front of me, picked it up, took a sip, then cleared my throat and said, "Business, at the end of the day, is always about mutual benefit. If I had to beg you, that'd mean I had nothing valuable to offer. And if I have nothing to offer, then even begging wouldn't get me anywhere with you." "Well said." Frederick clapped slowly, eyes fixed on me. "So, all that was just a roundabout way of saying you're not gonna beg me. That's it?" "You can take it that way." I smiled back. "Here's my proposal. If it doesn't interest you, I'll find another route." I'd already thought it through—if Frederick didn't want in, I'd have to go pitch it in the open market, maybe hit up some angel investors. I might just be Mrs. Ford in name only, but that title still held some weight. Using it to kickstart my own business was the smartest option I