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,” Malcolm responded.
Ari stole a peek at Natasha.
She was dressed to perfection in a cream-colored, sleeveless silk shirt and a teal-colored pencil skirt. The matching jacket hung on the back of her chair. Natasha was slender, but with an athletic build. She wore her shoulder-length hair in soft curls around her heart-shaped face.
Ari couldn’t deny that Natasha was very beautiful, but he didn’t like what she was trying to do to his father. Unconsciously, he played with the gold wedding band on his finger.
Ari Alexander resembled his father. They had the same muscular build, and both stood about five or six inches taller than Natasha’s five-foot-six-inch frame; Ari’s skin was the color of pure honey, while his father was more of a tawny color. They had both inherited those deep, penetrating gray eyes from Robert DePaul. Natasha’s gaze halted at the gleaming gold band on his left ring finger.
He’s married, Natasha thought with disappointment. She found herself wondering what type of woman he had married. Was she a stay-at-home wife, or did she work in some sort of professional capacity?
Why do I care?
Natasha shook all thoughts of Ari out of her mind and focused on her purpose. She was here to consult on the hotel properties, but also to help Harold DePaul keep what should rightfully belong to him. She just never expected to see such a handsome and virile man standing before her.
Her thoughts centered on Malcolm Alexander. He was not at all as she’d imagined. He didn’t seem impressed by all of the luxury surrounding him, and it didn’t seem to matter that he was the heir to billions. In fact, Malcolm didn’t appear to be thrilled at all about the fact that he was now a very wealthy man.
I’d be the happiest woman alive if I were in his shoes, Natasha thought to herself. She wasn’t all about money, but there were times when one desperately needed it for survival.
Her eyes traveled to Ari. Unlike his father, Natasha could tell he really wanted what would one day be his inheritance. He was champing at the bit to get his hands on the hotel properties.
Ari looked at her, his jaw clenched and his eyes slightly narrowed.
Natasha gave him a tiny smile and then quickly looked away, embarrassed that he’d caught her watching him.
She clamped her jaw tight and stared straight ahead. Why did he have to be so good-looking?
Natasha could feel him watching her, and she wondered what he was thinking. She heard Ira mention her name and turned her attention to him. “I’m sorry, could you repeat your question?”
The assistant quickly strolled