Momentarily Tony stood, facing her, close enough to touch, yet, a million miles apart. Making no attempt to lessen the expanse, he replied, “I’m sure you are busy. If I were him, I’d be on a jet right now. According to my calculations, that gives us about ninety minutes to discuss what I came to discuss.”
Claire considered enlightening Tony on the difference between the two of them, explaining Harry wouldn’t be arriving because she asked him not to. She could talk about trust and communication. Instead she walked toward the sitting area, refilled her glass, sat down compliantly, and asked, “What do you want to discuss?”
“You will discontinue your discussions with Meredith Banks and any further plans you’ve entertained regarding speaking with the media.” It was a very poorly worded plea, sounding more like a mandate.
She sat back against the chair and smiled, “Will I now?”
There was no hint of humor in his reply, “Don’t push me. I’m tired and suddenly not in the mood.”
Inwardly she smirked, knowing Harry’s call upset him. With each such instance her sense of empowerment grew. “Well, I’d like to discuss something else.”
“I would like to stay on topic.”
“Then it seems we’re at an impasse. Perhaps you should go. We can continue this, another day, or not.”
“You’re not changing the subject. The non-disclosure of our relationship is nonnegotiable.”
“I don’t recall signing anything, well, other than a blank napkin. We didn’t even have a prenuptial agreement. So I have no legal restraints on what I can and cannot disclose.”
Tony stepped closer, “Legal, no. What about ethical or moral?”
“Did those concerns come into play during your acquisition or our relationship?”
“I have tried to explain, not at first, but they did.”
“Tony, I’m tired, too. I don’t have the energy to figure out your puzzles. I don’t plan on disclosing anything about your true identity to the media, if that’s part of your concern. I have however, learned of many misconceptions regarding me during our relationship. I do plan on correcting those errors.”
“Why?”
She sat straighter and used the words he’d said to her, “Because I can.” His micro-expression revealed his displeasure, “The world wants to know, and I’m willing to disclose.”
“It won’t happen.” He sat his glass on the table and leaned forward. “I came here to emphasize this is a waste of your time. Currently my legal team is working diligently to stop any information regarding our marriage or relationship from public media. If anything appears on the internet or anywhere else, a civil suit will immediately follow, against you, Meredith, and the offending sites.”
Claire allowed the glass to linger on her lip and watched as Tony laid the gauntlet at her feet. Finally she spoke, “Well, at least this time you have the nerve to deliver the ultimatum in person, instead of sending Brent.”
The reference to Claire’s prison visit caused Tony to straighten his stance. “I was angry about the plea.”
“You’ve made your point, now it’s my turn.”
Tony smirked, “Yes, I recall, you did like your turn.”
She ignored his implication and went on with her request, “I want a promise -- from you.”
“What promise do you want from me?”
“I want a guarantee the people in my life, the associates, and friends I’ve acquired are not in harm’s way.”
“My Claire, you give me too much credit. I’m a businessman. I don’t have the ability to cause harm to anyone much less those associated with you.”
This time Claire straightened, “Simon, John... do these names mean anything to you? How about my parents, your parents? Are there more? I can’t seem to process right now.”
“I do not take responsibility for that entire list. And explain exactly what you’re requesting.”
“Actually, I don’t believe I’m requesting anything. I’m saying, beyond a shadow of a doubt, if anything happens to me, my friends or associates, my story and the truth behind our relationship will be public. I will continue to work on the articles and stop production before everything is public. However, if anything happens to me or my friends, everything will be public knowledge. You’re welcome to do damage control but only be after the initial public response has been made and broadcast globally. As you know, once a perception is set, it’s difficult to change.”
Tony’s grip on the stem of the wine glass intensified as he changed the subject, “I don’t want you with anyone else. You’re mine and have been for a very long time.”
Although his words sent a shiver down her spine, Claire managed to respond incredulously, “That isn’t your choice. You sent me away!”
“No. You left, you drove out of our garage.” His words were stifled by his clenched jaws.
Claire stood, “Tony, I’m done with this conversation. I’m tired; however, I have a few other demands.” She didn’t wait for him to acknowledge, but continued, “John is out of jail. I want his law license reinstated. You took it away, don’t deny it. Now, bring it back. I will consider that proof of you commitment to this agreement.”
“I never liked him.”
“I’m pretty sure the feeling is and always has been mutual. Nonetheless, he never deserved what you did to him. By the way, do you know who sent me the box?”
Claire considered enlightening Tony on the difference between the two of them, explaining Harry wouldn’t be arriving because she asked him not to. She could talk about trust and communication. Instead she walked toward the sitting area, refilled her glass, sat down compliantly, and asked, “What do you want to discuss?”
“You will discontinue your discussions with Meredith Banks and any further plans you’ve entertained regarding speaking with the media.” It was a very poorly worded plea, sounding more like a mandate.
She sat back against the chair and smiled, “Will I now?”
There was no hint of humor in his reply, “Don’t push me. I’m tired and suddenly not in the mood.”
Inwardly she smirked, knowing Harry’s call upset him. With each such instance her sense of empowerment grew. “Well, I’d like to discuss something else.”
“I would like to stay on topic.”
“Then it seems we’re at an impasse. Perhaps you should go. We can continue this, another day, or not.”
“You’re not changing the subject. The non-disclosure of our relationship is nonnegotiable.”
“I don’t recall signing anything, well, other than a blank napkin. We didn’t even have a prenuptial agreement. So I have no legal restraints on what I can and cannot disclose.”
Tony stepped closer, “Legal, no. What about ethical or moral?”
“Did those concerns come into play during your acquisition or our relationship?”
“I have tried to explain, not at first, but they did.”
“Tony, I’m tired, too. I don’t have the energy to figure out your puzzles. I don’t plan on disclosing anything about your true identity to the media, if that’s part of your concern. I have however, learned of many misconceptions regarding me during our relationship. I do plan on correcting those errors.”
“Why?”
She sat straighter and used the words he’d said to her, “Because I can.” His micro-expression revealed his displeasure, “The world wants to know, and I’m willing to disclose.”
“It won’t happen.” He sat his glass on the table and leaned forward. “I came here to emphasize this is a waste of your time. Currently my legal team is working diligently to stop any information regarding our marriage or relationship from public media. If anything appears on the internet or anywhere else, a civil suit will immediately follow, against you, Meredith, and the offending sites.”
Claire allowed the glass to linger on her lip and watched as Tony laid the gauntlet at her feet. Finally she spoke, “Well, at least this time you have the nerve to deliver the ultimatum in person, instead of sending Brent.”
The reference to Claire’s prison visit caused Tony to straighten his stance. “I was angry about the plea.”
“You’ve made your point, now it’s my turn.”
Tony smirked, “Yes, I recall, you did like your turn.”
She ignored his implication and went on with her request, “I want a promise -- from you.”
“What promise do you want from me?”
“I want a guarantee the people in my life, the associates, and friends I’ve acquired are not in harm’s way.”
“My Claire, you give me too much credit. I’m a businessman. I don’t have the ability to cause harm to anyone much less those associated with you.”
This time Claire straightened, “Simon, John... do these names mean anything to you? How about my parents, your parents? Are there more? I can’t seem to process right now.”
“I do not take responsibility for that entire list. And explain exactly what you’re requesting.”
“Actually, I don’t believe I’m requesting anything. I’m saying, beyond a shadow of a doubt, if anything happens to me, my friends or associates, my story and the truth behind our relationship will be public. I will continue to work on the articles and stop production before everything is public. However, if anything happens to me or my friends, everything will be public knowledge. You’re welcome to do damage control but only be after the initial public response has been made and broadcast globally. As you know, once a perception is set, it’s difficult to change.”
Tony’s grip on the stem of the wine glass intensified as he changed the subject, “I don’t want you with anyone else. You’re mine and have been for a very long time.”
Although his words sent a shiver down her spine, Claire managed to respond incredulously, “That isn’t your choice. You sent me away!”
“No. You left, you drove out of our garage.” His words were stifled by his clenched jaws.
Claire stood, “Tony, I’m done with this conversation. I’m tired; however, I have a few other demands.” She didn’t wait for him to acknowledge, but continued, “John is out of jail. I want his law license reinstated. You took it away, don’t deny it. Now, bring it back. I will consider that proof of you commitment to this agreement.”
“I never liked him.”
“I’m pretty sure the feeling is and always has been mutual. Nonetheless, he never deserved what you did to him. By the way, do you know who sent me the box?”
