Let's get into the financial projections based on both IPO and private funding scenarios," Collin said, flipping to a page in his packet. "We ran models using both strategies, and the numbers are clear. If you go public, which we strongly suggest, you raise enough capital to complete the expansion and ensure long-term flexibility."

Christian leaned back in his chair, thoughtful. "What's the expected valuation if we move forward with an IPO?"

Phil cleared his throat, adjusting his glasses. "Based on your current assets and projected revenue growth post-merger, we'd estimate the IPO could launch at a valuation between twelve and fifteen billion."

Reese saw the flicker of interest in Christian's eyes. He hadn't agreed to anything yet, but he was paying attention.

Collin tapped the table. "That valuation puts you in a position to acquire more than just these three properties. It allows room for expansion beyond what's currently on the table. Private funding would give you the capital, but not the same level of freedom."

Christian's expression remained neutral. "And if I take private funding but refuse to give up major stakes?"

Phil shook his head. "You'll need at least two rounds of investment to secure six hundred and twenty million privately, and the only way to negotiate those deals without giving up control is to offer higher interest returns on the investment. That increases your cost over time and puts more pressure on the company to perform at a higher rate to keep up with those obligations."

Christian turned his gaze to Reese again. "And what's your recommendation on the real estate side? If I move forward with the acquisitions but choose private funding, do the purchase terms change?"

She kept her tone level. "That depends on how quickly you're planning to close. An IPO gives you access to faster liquidity, meaning we can move aggressively in negotiations. If you take private funding, we may need to stagger purchases to prevent overleveraging."

He nodded slightly, as if turning the information over in his mind. "If I move forward, how quickly can we close all three properties? Sixty days, right?"

Reese didn't hesitate. "Correct."

Collin sat forward. "And the IPO filing process, assuming we start immediately, would take ninety."

Christian exhaled, drumming his fingers against the table. "So, either way, I'll need to structure short-term bridge financing to start acquisitions before the capital raise is complete."

Phil nodded. "We can structure a short-term loan with a one-year balloon payment. It'll allow you to move on the acquisitions while minimizing long-term debt."

Christian considered that for a long moment before finally nodding. "Move forward with both options. I want to see final term sheets for private financing, and I want the IPO registration process initiated."

"Alright, we'll get it done. Did you have anything else you needed to discuss?" Collin asked.

"No," Christian said firmly, "I actually thought this meeting would be a complete waste of time considering we didn't start on time," he said flashing a look at Reese, "But you've given me a lot to think. I'll make the final decision once I've reviewed everything."

The meeting wrapped shortly after, and Reese stood, gathering her things. She could feel Christian's gaze lingering on her, but she didn't acknowledge it. She was about to step toward the door when Collin rested a hand on the small of her back.

"You okay?" he asked, his voice low, meant only for her.

She looked up, forcing a small smile. "Of course. Why?"

Collin shrugged, glancing between her and Christian for the briefest moment before shaking his head. "You were just quiet toward the end."

She exhaled, relaxing just a fraction. "Just processing everything."

His expression softened, and he squeezed her waist lightly. "Do you want to grab lunch? My next meeting isn't until two."

Before she could answer, Christian's voice cut in from across the room. "Ms. Sutherlin."

She turned.

"I'll need an updated market assessment on those properties before the end of the week."

Her pulse kicked, but she kept her voice neutral. "I'll send it over immediately."

He nodded, holding her gaze just long enough to say something without saying anything at all.

She turned back to Collin. "Lunch sounds great."

He smiled, dropping his hand from her waist before collecting his things.

Collin and Reese stepped into the elevator, the polished steel doors sliding shut as they began their descent to the parking garage.

Collin exhaled, rolling his shoulders back. "That went well," he said, looking over at her. "Better than I expected, actually."

Reese gave a small nod. "Yeah."

He studied her for a moment before turning his gaze back to the doors. "Didn't think he'd be that open to an IPO. I think there's a strong chance he'll take the company public. What do you think?"

She kept her posture neutral, nodding again. "Maybe."

Collin side-eyed her. "Maybe?"

She shifted slightly, pressing the button for the parking level again as if she hadn't heard him.

They stepped out into the cool underground garage, and Collin unlocked his car with a quick tap of his key fob. Reese slid into the passenger seat, fastening her seatbelt as he started the engine.

As they pulled onto the main road, Collin glanced at her. "Alright, what's wrong?"

Reese frowned. "What?"

"You're off," he said simply. "You zoned out in the meeting, and now you're barely saying anything. I'm starting to think you don't actually want me working with Mr. Grey."

Her breath hitched slightly.

She turned toward him too quickly, forcing a small laugh. "That's not it at all."

Collin smirked, keeping his eyes on the road. "Okay, so what happened in the break room?"

Reese's stomach twisted.

Her fingers curled in her lap. "What do you mean?"

"You and Mr. Grey," he said lightly. "You seemed off after talking to him. Was he getting on to you about being late? Because that's my job." He grinned, clearly teasing.

She froze for half a second before recovering with a small chuckle.

But Collin wasn't done. "Or was it about what happened at the Christmas party?" He glanced at her again, more curiosity than accusation in his tone. "Because honestly, you haven't really been yourself since you found out I was working with him."

Reese's chest tightened.

Collin hesitated before asking the next question. "Do you not want me to work with him? Is that it?"

She inhaled sharply, forcing her voice to be steady. "No, Collin. It's not that at all."

He waited.

She swallowed hard, shifting slightly in her seat. She had to tell him.

She had come so close last night.

Now was her chance.

She took a deep breath. "Collin, there's something I—"

Before she could finish, Collin pulled into the valet entrance of the restaurant.

Reese swallowed back her words as the valet opened her door, forcing her to step out before she was ready. Collin handed off his keys and came around to her, placing his hand at the small of her back as they walked inside.

The restaurant was bright and airy, with natural light flooding the space. It was one of those places you'd take someone for a business lunch so you could write it off as an expense—high-end but not overly stuffy, filled with a mix of power suits and socialites sipping champagne at noon.

The hostess led them to their table, a quiet corner near the windows.

As soon as they sat, Collin leaned forward slightly, resting his forearms on the table. "Alright, so what were you going to tell me?"

Reese stiffened. "I—"

Before she could form the words, a shadow loomed over their table.

Reese felt the air shift before she even looked up.

"Oh, Mr. Grey-had we known you were coming to this restaurant too, we could have all just come together," Collin said looking up surprised.

Christian's gaze flicked briefly to Reese before settling on Collin.

"That's not necessary," he said smoothly. His attention didn't waver. "I was thoroughly impressed with you this morning."

Reese's fingers curled around the edge of the table.

Christian continued, "I'd like you to consider becoming my private investment banker exclusively for Grey Enterprises."

The weight of those words slammed into Reese before Collin even processed them.

Collin's eyebrows shot up. "Really?" He looked caught off guard, but his excitement was evident.

"If you can manage that," Christian said, his voice measured.

Collin didn't hesitate. "Absolutely. I'd need to go over the logistics to make sure it doesn't violate out non-compete clause at Goldman, but I'd love to discuss this further."

Christian nodded, flashing a quick glance at Reese. "Of course. I wouldn't expect anything less."

Then, just as smoothly as he arrived, Christian gave them both a curt nod and turned, walking away without another word.

Reese let out a breath she didn't realize she had been holding.

Collin turned back to her, grinning. "This is huge."

She couldn't move. Couldn't even pretend to smile.