Throughout the meal, James observed the dynamic between Victoria and Winters—the subtle jabs disguised as pleasantries, the strategic concessions, the careful probing for weaknesses. It was like watching two master fencers, each thrust and parry precisely calculated.
But he also noticed something else—the way Winters occasionally directed questions specifically to him, valuing his input in a way Victoria rarely did publicly. The way Winters made sure James was included in the conversation rather than treated as an accessory. It was flattering, and James could understand why Victoria had been drawn to him years ago.
By dessert, they had hammered out the basic framework for a joint proposal to the Anderson Group. Victoria excused herself to take a phone call, leaving James momentarily alone with Winters.
"She hasn't changed, has she?" Winters said, watching Victoria walk away. "Still the most captivating person in any room."
James said nothing, unwilling to agree or disagree.
Winters turned his penetrating gaze back to James. "She's also still incapable of acknowledging other people's contributions adequately. I noticed she took credit for at least three of your suggestions tonight."
"We're on the same team."
"Are you? Because from where I sit, it looks more like she's the star player and you're the equipment manager." Winters leaned forward. "You're smart, James. Strategic. And clearly capable of much more than fetching coffee and managing Victoria's calendar."
"My job involves significantly more than that."
"I'm sure it does. But does she appreciate what you bring to the table?" Winters pulled out a business card—different from the one he'd given earlier—and slid it across to James. "I'm looking for a VP of Strategic Planning. Someone who can see the big picture and anticipate market shifts before they happen. Based on what I've seen tonight, you'd be perfect."
James looked at the card but didn't pick it up. "Why would you offer a VP position to someone you've just met?"
"Because I recognize talent when I see it. And because I've done my homework on you. Cornell MBA, top of your class. Two years at McKinsey where you were on the fast track to partner before you suddenly left to work for Victoria." Winters smiled. "The question isn't why I'd offer you the position. It's why you're not already in a similar role elsewhere."
Before James could respond, Victoria returned, her eyes immediately going to the business card on the table. "Poaching my staff at dinner, Chad? That's tacky even for you."
Winters shrugged unapologetically. "All's fair in love and business, Victoria. You of all people should know that."
Victoria reclaimed her seat, her posture rigid. "And you should know that James is integral to Sharp Innovations' operations. He's not available."
"That's for James to decide, isn't it?" Winters replied mildly.
They both turned to look at him, and James felt the weight of their attention like a physical pressure. Victoria's expression was controlled but there was something in her eyes—concern? Uncertainty? Whatever it was, it was gone in an instant, replaced by her usual cool confidence.
"James knows his value to the company," she said smoothly. "And his future opportunities with us."
The implication was clear—stay loyal and be rewarded. James wondered if she meant it or if it was just a counter to Winters's offer.
Winters seemed to read his thoughts. "Just consider it, James. No pressure. Victoria's right—you should go where you're truly valued."
The emphasis on "truly" wasn't subtle.
Victoria signaled for the check, effectively ending the conversation. "It's getting late, and we all have early meetings tomorrow."
As they waited for the waiter to return, an uncomfortable silence fell over the table. James found himself studying Victoria's profile, the perfect line of her jaw, the slight tension in her shoulders that most people wouldn't notice. Despite everything—her demanding nature, her casual cruelty, her self-absorption—he couldn't imagine not seeing her every day.
Outside the restaurant, Winters's driver was already waiting. He shook Victoria's hand formally, then turned to James with a warmer smile. "Think about what I said. The offer is serious, and it's open whenever you're ready."
After Winters left, Victoria and James stood awkwardly on the sidewalk. Her car wasn't due for another five minutes.
"You don't have to stay," she said, checking her reflection in her compact mirror. "I know it's late."
"I don't mind."
Victoria snapped the compact closed and turned to face him. "Are you going to take his offer?"
The directness of the question caught James off guard. "I haven't decided."
"It would be a significant promotion. More money, more responsibility."
"Yes."
Victoria looked away, her expression hidden in the shadows. "Why did you leave McKinsey to work for me?"
The question she'd never asked in almost three years. "You really want to know?"
"I wouldn't ask if I didn't."
James considered how to answer. The truth was complicated, tied up in his admiration for her business acumen, his fascination with her as a person, and yes, the attraction he'd felt even then.
"I saw you speak at a conference," he said finally. "You were presenting Sharp Innovations' strategy for the digital marketplace. Everyone else was talking about incremental changes, but you were three steps ahead, completely reimagining the landscape."
Victoria was watching him intently now. "One speech made you give up a promising consulting career?"
"That speech showed me you were the kind of visionary I wanted to learn from." James met her gaze directly. "Even if it meant taking a step back in title."
Something shifted in her expression—surprise, perhaps, or the rare ghost of genuine pleasure. Before she could respond, her car pulled up to the curb.
"This conversation isn't finished," she said, her voice softer than usual. "But it will have to wait. Early meeting tomorrow."
James nodded. "Good night, Victoria."
She hesitated, then said, "The navy suit was a good choice. Winters didn't tower over you quite as much as he could have."
With that characteristic blend of compliment and subtle dig, she slipped into the car, leaving James standing on the sidewalk wondering, as always, where he stood with Victoria Sharp.