Tit For Tat Chapter 08
Three days later, I met Noah in a conference room at Hart Real Estate.
He wore a dark gray suit, his features calmer and sharper than they’d been three years ago.
The easy polish of inherited privilege had been replaced by the lean efficiency of someone who’d spent years wrestling with failing projects.
When he walked in, he didn’t glance at my hand or mention the canceled engagement.
He simply slid the financing proposal across the table.
“Bennett Global can fill the mezzanine gap, but we have three conditions.”
I opened the file.
“Go on.”
“First, Harbor Dock will be structured as an independent project company, with Hart Real Estate retaining operational control.”
“Second, Cole Capital will exit the shared data environment and will not regain access until the forensic report is complete, at a minimum.”
“Third, all external communications must be approved independently by the project company. Neither side will use private relationships as a channel for business.”
I looked up at him.
“Is Mr. Bennett concerned about investment security, or is he using this as an opportunity to comment on my ex-fiancé?”
Noah’s expression didn’t change.
“Both.”
“Turning a fiancée’s private photos into merchandise and sending them to the lending bank is no longer just a matter of poor relationship judgment.”
The room was quiet for a second.
I managed a small smile.
“At least you didn’t write that sentence into the contract.”
He didn’t cross the line again.