“Make it nonnegotiable,” Mr. Thompson advised her. “But understand you may lose the offer if you do.”
Brie nodded. Compromising the documentary was not an option for her. “So be it.”
“You’re sure?” Mr. Phillips insisted.
“Yes, as long as I retain control over the project, I’m onboard with everything.”
Mr. Thompson grinned. “Are you ready to sign the contract, then?”
“I am, but I would like a moment to speak with Thane first.”
While both men waited, Brie went to Sir’s office to inform him of the offer and her decision.
“I think it is prudent to retain control,” he told her.
“I’m glad you agree, Sir. I realize now I’d rather not have my documentary release than have the message muted by trying to make it more commercial with pretty bells and whistles—no matter who’s involved in the project.”
Sir pulled her to him and kissed her. “You impress me with the steadfast vision you have for your work.”
“I’m glad you understand, Sir.”
“Of course, I do. Leaving the message of your documentary in the hands of an unknown entity carries considerable risk. As you know, babygirl, I’m all about control.”
She smiled, letting out an excited sigh. “Wish me luck, Sir!”
He winked. “Luck has nothing to do with this, babygirl.”
Oozing with confidence, Brie headed back to the table with Mr. Thompson and Mr. Phillips. While both men sat down beside her, Brie chose to remain standing.
Taking the time to look each man at the table in the eye, she told them, “I’m excited at the prospect of working with your clients on this project. However, I must retain the right of final say.”
There was a collective gasp from the group.
“I cannot grant you that,” Mr. Cummings stated. “I highly recommend you reconsider.”
“If you can’t add that to the contract, Mr. Cummings, then I suggest you speak to the person who can. As much as I appreciate this offer, it’s nonnegotiable,” she replied firmly.
Glancing at the other men, Mr. Cummings frowned and barked, “We are done here.”
There was a flurry of activity as they picked up their contracts and thrusted them in their many briefcases while Brie watched in stunned silence.
Mr. Cummings stood up, handing her a piece of paper. “Please sign this.”
Brie looked at the paper in confusion.
“It’s a simple non-disclosure agreement,” he stated.
She handed it to Mr. Thompson to look it over before signing it. After reading it, he told her, “It states that the terms stated in the offer, as well as clients represented, are confidential and will not be shared with any third party.”
Brie nodded to him. “Fair enough.”
“Mr. Davis will need to sign one, as well,” Mr. Cummings informed her, handing her another.
Mr. Thompson took the form. “I’ll give this to Mr. Davis while you finish up here.”
Brie signed the agreement, a queasy feeling washing over her. Instead of signing an offer, it felt as if she was signing away her future in film.
Although it was upsetting, Brie was grateful Mr. Holloway would never know the terms of the offer or the people in Hollywood who were brave enough to go against him.
Once Mr. Thompson returned with Sir’s document, Mr. Cummings gave Brie a curt nod. “Good day, Mrs. Davis. I’m sorry for wasting your time.”
The multitude of men filed out of the room with shocked expressions, clearly surprised she had turned down the unprecedented offer.
Brie turned to Mr. Thompson after they left and chuckled sadly. “I thought they would at least give it some consideration before withdrawing the offer.”
Mr. Phillips stated, “Don’t lose hope quite yet, Mrs. Davis. It’s clear no one in attendance had the authority to make such a change.”
Sir walked out of his office. “I’m sorry to hear the negotiation did not go well.”
Brie looked at him forlornly, but instantly smiled when she heard the doorbell ring. Hurrying to answer it, Brie hoped it was Mr. Cummings wanting to renegotiate. Instead, she found Rytsar standing in the doorway with Hope in his arms looking at her expectantly. “Well, radost moya?”
She took Hope from him as she ushered Rytsar inside. Although she smiled, she was unable to hide her profound disappointment.
“What happened?” he asked in concern.
Trying to keep her answer light, she said in her best mobster voice, “Apparently, I made them an offer they could refuse.”
Rytsar smirked. “Although I enjoy your sense of humor, radost moya, I don’t understand.”
She asked Mr. Thompson, “Can I tell him what I requested since it wasn’t part of the original offer?”
“Certainly, Mrs. Davis.”
Turning to Rytsar, she explained, “When I asked for final say over the film, they withdrew the offer.”
Rytsar narrowed his eyes, pounding his fist against his palm. “Tell me who this person is so I can speak to them posthaste.”
She let out a sad chuckle. “I still don’t know. In fact, nobody who came to the meeting today claimed to know.”
Brie held Hope up and twirled her around, saying with a tinge of regret, “It would have been amazing, sweet pea. The talent they amassed was beyond anything I could have dreamed of.” She touched noses with Hope and added in a sing-song voice, “But that’s the way the cookie crumbles.”
The instant she set Hope down, Shadow appeared. Brie watched as her daughter toddled off to play with the big black cat, wonderfully unaware of the unfortunate turn of events that had just befallen her mother.
Brie mused, Maybe it’s for the best, with another baby on the way…
Mr. Thompson held out his hand to Brie. “If they do reach out to you again, please don’t hesitate to call.” Glancing at Phillips, he added, “We’re both at your disposal, if you should need us.”
“Thank you. Although it is not the outcome I wanted, I appreciated your counsel and do not regret my decision.” She shook both their hands gratefully.
However—the idea that Holloway had won felt like a stab to Brie’s heart.
His Promise
After the two men left, Brie found herself lightly fingering the white orchid in her hair.
“Are you okay, Brie?” Sir asked gently.
She turned to look at him and shook her head. “I feel the sudden need to speak to Tono, Sir. Do you mind if I call him?”
His eyes softened. “Not at all, babygirl.”
“Tell the bondage Master to return to the States so he can tie up the person responsible for this while I negotiate a new offer…” Rytsar suggested.
Brie smiled. Having the sadistic Russian on her side made her disappointment easier to bear.
She retired to the bedroom and stared at the intricately painted wax form of her pregnant belly framed on the wall. Tono had made it for her when she was pregnant with Hope. That wax play scene with Tono was a cherished memory of hers and was preserved forever by this exquisite piece of art.
She dialed Tono’s phone number, feeling an urgent need to connect with him.