Chapter 13 - The Seychelles BriefBack at Bellweather Journeys, Clare opened the corporate brief Maya had dropped on her desk earlier that morning.
She scanned the client details: Apex Global Holdings.
Her fingers paused over the primary contact name.
Consulting Director: Ethan Cole.
Clare stared at the name for three full seconds. A lesser person might have felt a rush of petty satisfaction, a sudden urge to reject the contract out of spite, or a desire to send a stinging rejection note.
Clare felt nothing of the kind.
She felt a mild, academic curiosity—like a master chess player looking at a terribly flawed opening move made by an amateur opponent three years ago.
She picked up her desk phone and dialed Maya’s extension.
"Maya, regarding the Apex Global brief," Clare said smoothly.
"Oh! I'm so sorry, Clare," Maya rushed to apologize. "I didn't check the corporate sponsor name before putting it on your desk! Should I cancel the inquiry immediately? I can tell them we're fully booked for the quarter."
"No," Clare replied calmly. "Do not cancel it."
"You... you want to take their business?" Maya asked, sounding stunned.
May you like
"Business is business, Maya," Clare said, a faint, razor-sharp smile touching her lips. "If Apex Global wants a private island takeover in the Seychelles, Bellweather Journeys will provide it. But apply our tier-one luxury pricing structure. Non-refundable deposit, payable in full upfront, with a zero-cancellation clause."
"Understood," Maya laughed quietly over the line. "Setting up the invoice right now."
