family’s enormous waterfront redevelopment.
Carter Meridian had agreed, subject to final contractual conditions, to
lead an investment consortium contemplating approximately $4.2 billion
in capital.
That did not mean Simone personally had $4.2 billion sitting in an
account.
It meant her firm’s approval was essential to whether the consortium
funded.
Closing was scheduled for the next morning.
Victoria apparently knew Simone was rich.
She did not understand why Simone was there.
Earlier she had asked whether Simone was “part of the entertainment
committee.”
Simone had answered:
“No. I’m here for tomorrow’s closing.”
Victoria laughed.
“What closing?”
Now frosting dripped onto marble.
PART 3
Victoria swirled her champagne.
“Some doors are meant to stay closed.”
