to greet them, but it was the woman behind him who caught Ari’s attention immediately. His gaze focused on her face and then moved over her body slowly. Her skin reminded him of a smooth café au lait. There was just a hint of makeup on her face, dark brown eyeliner that enhanced her almond-shaped eyes.
Ira Goodman shook hands with both of them. “I asked Natasha LeBlanc to join us. She is a business consultant who has worked with Robert since she was in college. I think you will find her expertise in this industry invaluable.”
Natasha smiled and then extended her hand. “It’s very nice to meet you both.”
Ari was rendered speechless for a moment by her beauty. He swallowed hard, struggling to recover his voice. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, as well,” he said finally. Something intense flared through his entrancement.
Their eyes met and held.
Ari cleared his throat softly and then stepped out of the way. He needed to put some distance between them; he was looking for an escape from the seductive scent of her perfume.
They sat around a large custom-designed conference table. Ari made sure to sit two seats away from Natasha.
“I thought you might be hungry, so I ordered lunch,” Ira announced. “It should be here shortly.”
Ari glanced over at his father, who kept his face void of emotion.
Ira cleared his throat nervously.
Malcolm took a long sip of water before saying, “Mr. Goodman, I have to admit that I’m surprised by all that’s happened. I had no idea that Robert DePaul was my father.”
Ira nodded. “I can certainly understand how overwhelming this must be.”
“Why didn’t he leave his estate to his family?”
Ari could feel Natasha’s eyes studying him. He met her gaze, forcing her to look away.
“Robert had a private meeting with his family a few days before he died. He gave them a memorandum outlining his final wishes. I have been Robert’s attorney for almost thirty years,” Ira stated. “I knew him well enough to know that he had made up his mind, and this was the purpose for the meeting. He wanted his relatives to respect his decision in appointing you to replace him at the empire’s helm. Robert didn’t want knives drawn for his ten-billion-dollar empire.”
“Surely he left something for his family,” Malcolm said.
Ira nodded. “He did. He handed each of his nephews a two-million-dollar purse, and he set aside trusts for their children. All of the distributions are outlined in a copy of the memorandum before you. In addition to the rest of his estate, he also left a letter for you, which I believe will give you the answers you’re seeking. Robert was a very thorough man when it came to matters like these. He never left anything to chance.”
Malcolm took the letter but didn’t open it.
Ari knew that his father would wait until he was alone to read the note.
“Mr. Alexander, I can only imagine how overwhelmed you must feel right now,” Natasha said. “Since Robert’s death, the hospitality industry is wondering what’s going to happen with the hotels. The employees are concerned, as well. There are a lot of unanswered questions.”
Malcolm nodded in understanding.
She took a deep breath and released it. “I’m sure you’d like to take some time to adjust to all of your newfound wealth, however…”
“Do you have someone interested in the hotels?” Ari interjected, having a sense of where Natasha was taking the conversation.
She boldly met his gaze. “Although Mr. Alexander hasn’t asked my opinion, I do feel that it would be in his best interest to sell the hotels.”
“Why?” Ari asked. “Is it because you don’t think he can manage the chain? You may not know this, but my family has worked in the hospitality industry for over forty years.”
“I am well aware of the two hotels owned by your father. The DePaul Hotel & Spa Resorts are a chain of luxury resorts, and it takes—”
“Miss LeBlanc,” Ari said, cutting her off, “we are quite capable of taking over the properties. Like you, I’m sure Robert DePaul did his research before deciding to leave his estate to my father. I’m sure we all can agree that he was a very smart businessman.” Natasha LeBlanc was extremely beautiful, but he couldn’t excuse the condescending tone in her voice.
They were interrupted by a knock.
Franklin stood in the doorway with a cart laden with food. He carried plates to the table, two at a time. Moving about the room in a nonintrusive manner, he placed a plate in front of each of them. The stuffed chicken breasts smelled delicious. Ari prayed that his stomach wouldn’t protest too loudly.
Franklin left the room without making a sound.
“Mr. Alexander, it was not my intention to offend you,” Natasha said.
“Your suggestion that my father sell the properties left to him by his father wasn’t meant to be offensive?” Ari asked, leaning forward in his seat. “Are you kidding me?”
“Son, let it go,” Malcolm said quietly.
Ari shook his head. “Dad, I’m sorry, but I can’t. Miss LeBlanc took one look at us and decided that we weren’t good enough for the DePaul image.” He gave her a hard stare. “Admit it. You think we’re just a bunch of country bumpkins who don’t have a clue when it comes to running a chain of luxury hotels.”
Natasha’s lips parted in surprise. “I know all about your family business, Mr. Alexander.”
“Mr. Alexander is my father. Just call me Ari.”
“All right,” she responded calmly. “Ari, I know that you have some experience in the hospitality industry, but managing a chain of luxury spa resorts isn’t the same as what you’re used to doing.” Nervously, she moistened her dry lips. “It’s a bit more involved.”
“Yes, there are some notable differences,” Ari said. “But I assure you, I have worked with a hotel chain since I was sixteen, and I was very good at my job. Hotel chains ensure a level of consistency—the hotel operates on a larger scale, but if not managed properly, can feel a bit sterile and corporate. Our experience with a smaller hotel allows for a more personal touch. Robert DePaul successfully merged the two, by catering to each guest as if they were the only guest in the hotel.”
Natasha nodded in agreement. “I see that you’ve done your homework.”
Ari met her gaze straight on. “I studied Robert DePaul’s business model in college. I am well acquainted with the organizational structure of the DePaul Group.”
He studied her face for a moment to see if her expression would change, but it remained the same.
Ira gestured toward the woman who had escorted them to the suite. “My assistant will get you a full accounting of Robert’s assets.”
“Thank you,”
