I considered other options. Malcolm gave a short laugh. Of course you did. She explained that an actor would look hired, a banker would look strategic, a politician would look like an alliance, and anyone from her own world would strengthen Trevor's claim that every part of her life was designed for leverage. Malcolm stared at her, and I look what?
Desperate enough to be believable. The question struck harder than she expected. You look like someone with no financial interest in Nexora and no ambition to enter my world. You don't know what I want. I know you took me home last night when selling one photograph could have covered a large part of that mortgage problem.
Malcolm's jaw tightened. That doesn't make me available for purchase. Before Evelyn could respond, small footsteps crossed the hallway. Nora appeared in oversized yellow pajamas, dragging a stuffed rabbit by one ear. She rubbed her eyes, looked at Malcolm, then at Evelyn, and finally at the flannel.
That's dad's shirt. Malcolm's entire posture softened. Evelyn crouched enough to meet the child closer to eye level. My clothes got ruined last night. Your dad helped me.
Norah sniffed the air. Did he burn the coffee again? Evelyn glanced at the machine. That one was me. Norah considered this information seriously.
Do you know how to make pancakes? No. Norah looked at Malcolm. That's okay. Dad burns the first one anyway. Malcolm nearly smiled despite himself.
Norah asked if she could watch cartoons. He kissed the top of her head and sent her toward the living room. Evelyn watched the girl disappear down the hallway, and for the first time, Malcolm saw something in her expression that did not look calculated. It vanished when she returned her attention to the papers. "The bank can move quickly after the deadline," she said.
Malcolm's face hardened at once. Do not use my daughter to sell me this. Evelyn looked at him. I wasn't trying to. You were.
The kitchen seemed smaller. You want me afraid enough to sign. You can talk about my debt. You can talk about me. You do not turn Nora into leverage.
Evelyn absorbed the words. Then she nodded. You're right. Malcolm waited for the justification. None came.
I crossed a line. I won't do it again. That apology mattered because Malcolm did not expect it. He sat and opened the contract. Evelyn explained that the $320,000 would not come from Nexora.