Chapter 12 - THE GUEST WHO KNEW VICTORHoward Bell requested coffee with Natalie.
She hesitated.
Victor said:
“Your choice.”
She went.
Howard looked uncomfortable.
“I owe you an apology.”
“For what?”
“I was at your party.”
“I saw.”
“I should have said something.”
Natalie surprised.
“You barely know me.”
“That doesn’t matter.”
He admitted he watched Marjorie order Natalie around and said nothing because he did business with Hale family.
Then Victor entered.
He was frightened.
Not because Victor threatened.
Because Howard realized he had chosen convenience.
Natalie appreciated honesty.
Then Howard told something else.
“Victor has protected Hale Group more than your husband probably understands.”
Natalie’s expression tightened.
“What do you mean?”
Howard explained 18 months earlier a rumor questioned Brandon’s project.
Several lenders almost walked.
Victor made three calls.
Not coercion.
He simply said:
“I’ve reviewed Brandon’s numbers. I believe he deserves time to execute.”
That confidence bought time.
Brandon delivered.
Victor never took credit.
Howard smiled.
“Your brother is unusual.”
“That’s one word.”
“He’s frightening.”
“Why?”
Howard laughed.
“Because most powerful men want you to know they’re powerful.”
“Victor doesn’t care.”
“He’ll sit silent in room and everyone else starts explaining themselves.”
Natalie knew exactly.
Then Howard became serious.
“I don’t think he wants Hale Group destroyed.”
“He doesn’t.”
“He told North Atlantic not to treat his withdrawal as negative recommendation.”
Natalie looked up.
“What?”
Howard nodded.
“He specifically said: ‘Judge them on their own.’”
That mattered enormously.
Victor was not sabotaging Brandon.
He simply removed his thumb from scale.
If Hales survived, it would be on merit.
Natalie called Victor afterward.
“You told them judge Hale independently?”
“Yes.”
“You could have said they’re bad.”
“Yes.”
“Why didn’t you?”
“Because that would be dishonest.”
She smiled.
“Thank you.”
“For what?”
“Being exactly as annoying as I remember.”
Victor laughed.
Then Natalie asked:
“Would you help Brandon again?”
Long silence.
“If you ask me to?”
“No.”
Victor smiled through phone.
“Then no.”
May you like
Still her choice.
Always.
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