Theoretically, though again I'd like our team to take a hard look into the details. Hate to see your charitable contribution to still be eligible for said taxes after you so generously gave it away...
[ She redirects her attention back to the e-vitation to scan for a date to set said hard look by. ]
...This benefit is this upcoming weekend Mr. Emerson. Have you already agreed to attend, or would your attendance be based on the findings of our team? We can certainly facilitate the deadline, but I want to be clear before we greenlight this for any necessary overtime.
he literally pays her to be right so it’s a lose/lose
I haven’t responded. And I want to make the donation in time to get a good table and find out who else is in attendance. You’re in charge of the team, Cadence. You’ve reviewed and know this file more than even myself. What’s your opinion?
[ Clyteus gives her a look at sips from the paper cup. Read: Stop fucking around the bush and for once be direct with me, would you? ]
[ Cadence's jaw clicks in and out of place as she contemplates the ways in which this could backfire on her. ]
...I have confidence in our team to rectify any further legal headaches that could arise from this. If you want to proceed today, go ahead, as long as you understand this is a tentative allowance on our part pending further legwork. We're ultimately not liable for your own financial choices Mr. Emerson, we're simply advisers.
Thank you. I have to ask one other request of you, personally, given the short notice. Firstly, because I would appreciate your real-time input concerning others who will be drawn to this function.
[ Clay pauses and looks from her eyes to her jaw to her collar. He considers how best to phrase it without pissing her away. Then decided at this point it didn’t fucking matter anymore and he’s not being vague about it because tact isn’t expected anymore, evidently. ]
Secondly, you should deign me worthy of speaking with outside of this conference room when requested. That is, if you expect me to trust more than with my change purse. And no, I will not find another partner in your company if I lose your expertise because of your flaking.
[ At first it's difficult to tell who's really the reptile in the room; Cadence's eyes narrow to dangerously thin slits as she slides the phone back across the table. A night of overtime to drink champagne doesn't sound horrifying, but the threat attached? That won't be tolerated. ]
Oh, should I now. And if I refuse?
[ Her arms cross on the table, nails tapped intermittently against the polished wood. ]
[ Clay sits up a bit straighter, but doesn’t lean in to her challenging stance. His eyes flick to her drumming fingers and back to her face. He opts to remain looking untroubled, with his elbows on the arm of the office chair. It’s a conscious effort, but he can’t look like he cares at this point— and he almost can’t afford to. ]
Unless you give me a compelling reason why you can’t attend, I’ll find a different advising team.
[ So we're doubling down on this. Fine. Her tapping stops abruptly while she gives him a fixed, icy look. ]
I'm not sure I could consent to demands for an after-hours function, even with my current overtime rate, with a client who's been proven to harass me in my personal time. Your status as a "privileged client" might keep you from being dropped outright and served a sexual harassment suit, but the firm can and will go into damage control....which will include me switching off the account in favor of another of my colleagues, Frank.
[ She pulls out her own phone, pulling up his texts the night before as an example paper trail. ]
Divorced, three kids out in Queens, a little bit of a sub addiction. I'm sure he'll look nice in whatever heels you pick out, though I'd certainly hate for it to come to that. Why don't we outright rephrase the question, in fact: what are you going to give me to make this actually worth my time? I'd advise that rid yourself of whatever little power trip you think you're on before you answer.
this is gonna be like japan. it’ll take two hits (at least)
[ Clyteus smirks. He touched a nerve; he got point blank threatened, not buffed off. Finally. A finger taps the table as he talks, speaking very deliberately. ]
This isn’t a power trip, sweetheart; my life and my money are about competing for what I want. I don’t play games that I don’t intend to win. You have connections? I do too. I know a friend who pays handsomely for fresh seafood, and I even get a bonus if I deliver it to his door. I have no desire to contact him again- I will more than contentedly walk away from this arrangement if you won’t concede where it’s demanded.
[ He puts his palms on the table, rises from the chair, and stares her down with unflinching determination, but not malice. Anger would indicate emotional investment, and he’s fed up with being screwed over more than his scaly feelings are hurt at this moment. ]
But if you threaten me, know that I won’t back down. I want what you agreed to; and what I’m owed at this point in our... complicated arrangement.
[ She sizes him up as he rises, nothing but cool disdain. She can make apologies to her boss later, put the sexual harassment allegations on the backburner depending on the extent of his complaint. ]
I agreed to nothing beyond doing my job, of which you are heavily straining the boundaries of reasonable conduct, and I certainly don't owe you shit beyond that.
[ She rises as well, shifting the papers into a neat stack to take back out of the room. ]
A word to the wise: be prepared to lose what you gamble. I will not be attending your little benefit, but best of luck muddying the waters on your assets. I'm sure your hand is already looking forward to yet another repeat performance that night.
[ Clyteus smacks the table as she gathers the paper, his voice growling but staying low enough to try and avoid Tim or other bystanders’ listening. ]
It’s not about the admittedly pretty good fucking, Laine. What I’m adamant about is being able to trust you. You’ve lied to me too many times to be able to leave you responsible you with investing and distributing my income unless you can prove yourself to be reliable in any sense of the word.
[ He lets out a breath, not particularly liking what he was prepared to do. But he needed a date and- Well. She was the best option. ]
You’re intelligent, cunning, dogmatic, and ruthless. But I need to know that won’t be aimed at me unless I deserve it. What have I done to harass you besides ask for one after work meeting- that you failed to attend after agreeing? ...Or are you saying that you didn’t consent to the contact that you first started in this fucking room?
[ Cadence's eyes flick down to Clay's hand as he slams it down over the folders, quirking an eyebrow. She...well, softens isn't exactly the right word for her less-tensed expression (she doesn't do soft) but what platitudes Clay has offered has seemingly deescalated some of that brinkmanship.
...Some. ]
...To date, I have done nothing to indicate that I will fail to secure your interests in your case. If I really didn't give a shit and wanted to watch you fall flat on your face, I would have proceeded to let you dig yourself into a deeper legal nightmare with your stupid "where's the pea" divestment strategy and kicked that can down the road until it was no longer my case. I simply offer results; any desire for trust is your own baggage to deal with.
[ Clay considers that for a moment. The aforementioned hand retreats from the table, returning to rest on the lock of his standing briefcase. ]
You’re right. It’s been a very smooth several weeks... Financially.
[ His creased brow relaxes as do his shoulders with the noticeable lapse in tension. There’s a nod and a throat clear. ]
This is why I’m, respectfully, asking that you come with me. Your instincts and experience keep you sharp; I can use the extra set of eyes and ears if business opportunities arise— in addition to your being an exceptionally attractive date.
[ She really doesn't want to give him any semblance of a victory here, but he's backed off his other bullshit and-- ]
It's going to be my overtime rate, just so we're clear. And whatever I have to buy for the event will also count towards your expenses. Is that worth it to you?
Of course. Not a problem. I really appreciate you helping me with this.
[ Clay’s relief is more palpable but his glinting eyes are wrinkled with the thrill of the small victory. He extends his hand across the table, palm out for a handshake. The offer comes with a confirmatory question-inflected statement. ]
I’ll be with the car outside, then. 6pm, Saturday?
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we're going to assume this is all legit and they can do this??? but she also can't let him win
[ She redirects her attention back to the e-vitation to scan for a date to set said hard look by. ]
...This benefit is this upcoming weekend Mr. Emerson. Have you already agreed to attend, or would your attendance be based on the findings of our team? We can certainly facilitate the deadline, but I want to be clear before we greenlight this for any necessary overtime.
he literally pays her to be right so it’s a lose/lose
[ Clyteus gives her a look at sips from the paper cup. Read: Stop fucking around the bush and for once be direct with me, would you? ]
how indeed cadence
...I have confidence in our team to rectify any further legal headaches that could arise from this. If you want to proceed today, go ahead, as long as you understand this is a tentative allowance on our part pending further legwork. We're ultimately not liable for your own financial choices Mr. Emerson, we're simply advisers.
no subject
[ Clay pauses and looks from her eyes to her jaw to her collar. He considers how best to phrase it without pissing her away. Then decided at this point it didn’t fucking matter anymore and he’s not being vague about it because tact isn’t expected anymore, evidently. ]
Secondly, you should deign me worthy of speaking with outside of this conference room when requested. That is, if you expect me to trust more than with my change purse. And no, I will not find another partner in your company if I lose your expertise because of your flaking.
no subject
Oh, should I now. And if I refuse?
[ Her arms cross on the table, nails tapped intermittently against the polished wood. ]
no subject
Unless you give me a compelling reason why you can’t attend, I’ll find a different advising team.
oh no we're going nuclear.
I'm not sure I could consent to demands for an after-hours function, even with my current overtime rate, with a client who's been proven to harass me in my personal time. Your status as a "privileged client" might keep you from being dropped outright and served a sexual harassment suit, but the firm can and will go into damage control....which will include me switching off the account in favor of another of my colleagues, Frank.
[ She pulls out her own phone, pulling up his texts the night before as an example paper trail. ]
Divorced, three kids out in Queens, a little bit of a sub addiction. I'm sure he'll look nice in whatever heels you pick out, though I'd certainly hate for it to come to that. Why don't we outright rephrase the question, in fact: what are you going to give me to make this actually worth my time? I'd advise that rid yourself of whatever little power trip you think you're on before you answer.
this is gonna be like japan. it’ll take two hits (at least)
This isn’t a power trip, sweetheart; my life and my money are about competing for what I want. I don’t play games that I don’t intend to win. You have connections? I do too. I know a friend who pays handsomely for fresh seafood, and I even get a bonus if I deliver it to his door. I have no desire to contact him again- I will more than contentedly walk away from this arrangement if you won’t concede where it’s demanded.
[ He puts his palms on the table, rises from the chair, and stares her down with unflinching determination, but not malice. Anger would indicate emotional investment, and he’s fed up with being screwed over more than his scaly feelings are hurt at this moment. ]
But if you threaten me, know that I won’t back down. I want what you agreed to; and what I’m owed at this point in our... complicated arrangement.
no subject
I agreed to nothing beyond doing my job, of which you are heavily straining the boundaries of reasonable conduct, and I certainly don't owe you shit beyond that.
[ She rises as well, shifting the papers into a neat stack to take back out of the room. ]
A word to the wise: be prepared to lose what you gamble. I will not be attending your little benefit, but best of luck muddying the waters on your assets. I'm sure your hand is already looking forward to yet another repeat performance that night.
no subject
It’s not about the admittedly pretty good fucking, Laine. What I’m adamant about is being able to trust you. You’ve lied to me too many times to be able to leave you responsible you with investing and distributing my income unless you can prove yourself to be reliable in any sense of the word.
[ He lets out a breath, not particularly liking what he was prepared to do. But he needed a date and- Well. She was the best option. ]
You’re intelligent, cunning, dogmatic, and ruthless. But I need to know that won’t be aimed at me unless I deserve it. What have I done to harass you besides ask for one after work meeting- that you failed to attend after agreeing? ...Or are you saying that you didn’t consent to the contact that you first started in this fucking room?
no subject
...Some. ]
...To date, I have done nothing to indicate that I will fail to secure your interests in your case. If I really didn't give a shit and wanted to watch you fall flat on your face, I would have proceeded to let you dig yourself into a deeper legal nightmare with your stupid "where's the pea" divestment strategy and kicked that can down the road until it was no longer my case. I simply offer results; any desire for trust is your own baggage to deal with.
no subject
You’re right. It’s been a very smooth several weeks... Financially.
[ His creased brow relaxes as do his shoulders with the noticeable lapse in tension. There’s a nod and a throat clear. ]
This is why I’m, respectfully, asking that you come with me. Your instincts and experience keep you sharp; I can use the extra set of eyes and ears if business opportunities arise— in addition to your being an exceptionally attractive date.
no subject
It's going to be my overtime rate, just so we're clear. And whatever I have to buy for the event will also count towards your expenses. Is that worth it to you?
no subject
[ Despite the bitterness behind the memory, he can’t help but smile in an understated expression of victory. It worked— at least for now. ]
Would you prefer to arrange transportation yourself or I’ll send a car for you?
no subject
Don’t be stupid, those wouldn’t remotely work for the occasion. But you‘ll certainly get my bill.
[ As for the latter question, she crosses her arms and drums her fingers against her forearm, contemplating him for a moment. ]
...Arrange a car, for both of us. If we don’t show up together it defeats the whole point.
[ Fuck it, she’ll throw him this one bone. ]
no subject
[ Clay’s relief is more palpable but his glinting eyes are wrinkled with the thrill of the small victory. He extends his hand across the table, palm out for a handshake. The offer comes with a confirmatory question-inflected statement. ]
I’ll be with the car outside, then. 6pm, Saturday?
no subject
But she fights it. Somehow. ]
...Fine. Don’t be late.