Chapter 347

Chapter 347
Alexander

"Such as?" Samir asked.
"Operational autonomy for existing properties. Final say on hiring and firing key personnel. Brand identity protection. Regular performance reviews where you evaluate Carter Enterprises' support, not just us evaluating you."
Omar's eyebrows rose. "Mutual accountability?"
"Why not? If this partnership isn't working for Al-Rashid Holdings, what's the point?"
Rashid and Samir exchanged glances, clearly not expecting that level of flexibility.
For the next three hours, we worked through specific terms and concerns. Rashid proved shrewd on financial details, while Samir focused on preserving their hospitality culture. Omar mostly listened, asking occasional pointed questions that cut straight to the heart of issues.
By late afternoon, we'd made substantial progress.
"I need to discuss this with Khalid," Omar said finally. "He deserves to understand these protections."
"Of course."
"We'll reconvene tomorrow morning. Nine AM."
I nodded, gathering my materials. The conference room emptied slowly as Omar's team collected their own documents, speaking quietly in Arabic amongst themselves.
"Tomorrow morning then," I confirmed, shaking Omar's hand once more.
"Nine AM sharp," he replied. "Thank you for your patience with Khalid. He will come around."
"I understand his concerns. They're valid."
Nadia and I rode the elevator down in contemplative silence. The marble lobby echoed with our footsteps as we made our way to the waiting car.
The Mercedes sat idling at the curb, the driver already waiting behind the wheel. He nodded as we approached, moving to open the rear door.
"Thank you," I said, sliding into the backseat. Nadia followed, settling into the opposite seat with her tablet already out.
The driver pulled smoothly into Dubai's evening traffic. The city lights blazed around us, skyscrapers competing for attention against the darkening sky.
The car glided through the financial district, past restaurants where deal-makers shared expensive meals and cocktails. The driver navigated the traffic with practiced ease, taking shortcuts that avoided the worst congestion.
"Here we are, Mr. Carter," the driver said, pulling up to the Burj Al Arab's entrance.
I climbed out, nodding my thanks. The hotel rose above me, all white curves and gold accents against the night sky.
Inside, I bypassed the concierge and headed straight for the elevators. My reflection stared back from polished brass doors. I looked tired. Felt it too.
The suite greeted me with cool air and silence. I stripped off my jacket and tossed it over a chair. My tie followed, landing somewhere near the sofa.
I poured myself a scotch from the wet bar, taking it to the floor-to-ceiling windows. Dubai sparkled below, all those lights representing ambition, money, endless possibility.
My phone sat heavy in my pocket. I pulled it out, scrolling through messages I'd been ignoring. Jessica with updates. A few board members want status reports. Nothing urgent.
I finished the scotch and set the glass aside. My body felt heavy with exhaustion from negotiations. Sleep called, but my mind refused to quiet.
Instead, I changed into workout clothes and headed down to the gym.
The space was empty at this hour. I started with weights, working through sets mechanically. The burn in my muscles helped clear my head and gave me something physical to focus on.
Forty minutes later, I was drenched in sweat and significantly more centered. I grabbed a towel and wiped down the equipment before heading back upstairs.
The shower was scalding. I stood under the spray until my muscles relaxed, my thoughts finally settling.
When I emerged, it was past ten PM. I ordered room service, eating mechanically while reviewing notes on my laptop.
My phone buzzed. I reached for it, expecting another work email.
Video call from Olivia.
I answered immediately, her face filling the screen. She was in our bedroom, hair pulled back, already dressed for work.
"Hey," she said, her smile easing something in my chest. "Wasn't sure if you'd still be awake."
"Barely. What time is it there?"
"Eight AM. About to head into the office." She adjusted her phone, propping it against something. "How did negotiations go?"
"Complicated. Khalid is protective of their legacy, which I respect, but it makes things slower." I set my laptop aside and gave her my full attention. "Omar's testing me. Wants to make sure I'm serious about preserving what they built."
"Are you?"
"Absolutely. Their company is impressive. Gutting it would be idiotic."
She nodded, fiddling with her earring. "Yesterday I went to my parents' house."
"How are they?" I asked, genuinely interested despite my exhaustion.
"Good. Actually, really good." Her face brightened. "Dad's doing amazing. The surgery feels like it happened years ago instead of just a few months ago. He's got more energy now than he's had in the past decade."
Relief washed through me. I'd worried about her father during the initial recovery period, watching Olivia stress over every phone call home. "That's excellent news. I'm glad he's recovered so well."
"Me too. He was asking about you, actually." She tilted her head, studying my face on the screen. "Wanted to know when you'd be back from your business trip."
"What did you tell him?"
"That you're conquering the world and will be home soon." She paused, biting her lip. "Mom invited us for dinner when you get back."
"We can definitely do that," I said, meaning it. Her parents had been good to me since our wedding, treating me like family despite how quickly everything had happened. "I'd like to see them again. What about your mom? How's she doing?"
"She's good. Asked me about work, the house, you. The usual mom questions."
"Just the usual questions?"
"Well." She drew out the word, her lips curving into a smile. "She may have asked about good news."
I frowned, not following. "What kind of good news? Did she hear about Cornerstone?"
"No, not work news." Her smile widened at my confusion. "Good news, Alex. Family good news."
It took me another moment before understanding crashed over me. "Oh. Good news."
"There it is," she said with a laugh. "The light bulb finally turns on."
"Your mom is asking if you're pregnant."
"Subtle, isn't she?" Olivia shook her head. "She didn't come right out and say it, but the hints were pretty obvious. Lots of comments about how beautiful babies are, how nice it would be to have grandchildren while she's still young enough to enjoy them."
I rubbed my jaw, processing this. "What did you tell her?"
"That we're focused on work right now. Which is true. But she was persistent. You know how moms get."
"I can imagine." I thought about my own mother, who'd probably start the same line of questioning the next time I saw her. "Though I'm surprised she's asking already."