Chapter 8 - THE LONDON PROPOSITION
Two weeks passed like a dream.
For the first time in six months, Michael’s penthouse didn't feel like a mausoleum. Sarah and Lily had spent the weekend there, filling the high-ceilinged rooms with the scent of baked cinnamon rolls, the sound of laughter, and the bright, chaotic energy of a real home.
Michael stood on his private balcony overlooking Central Park, holding a cup of black coffee, feeling something in his chest start to beat again—a steady, warm rhythm he thought had died with Caroline.
His phone chimed on the glass table inside.
He picked it up. An international call from Arthur Pendelton, the senior managing partner of Thornton Enterprises’ European division based in London.
“Michael,” Arthur said without preamble. “We have a catastrophic situation with the London acquisition. The British regulatory board is threatening to block our banking merger unless you fly over personally to sign off on the compliance restructuring. It requires a six-month residency in Mayfair.”
Michael frowned. “Can’t you handle it with local counsel, Arthur?”
“No. They want the founder’s signature, and they want it by Monday morning. If we miss this window, the multi-billion-dollar deal collapses.”
Michael looked through the sliding glass doors into the kitchen, where Sarah was laughing with Lily as they made pancakes.
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“Six months?” Michael murmured, a cold knot forming in his stomach. “London?”
“Yes, Boss. Book your flight. The private jet is on standby at Teterboro.”
