The Missing Heir(77)

                “For the next five minutes.”

                “If you want people to take you seriously, you need to look the part.”

                “Pretending I’m the real chair of the board would be embarrassing for everyone involved.”

                He straightened. “I don’t get you.”

                “I’m not that complicated.”

                “Yes, you are. But that’s not my point. We need to use every weapon at our disposal. One of the strongest, if not the strongest we have is the fact that, for now, we are in charge. Get up.”

                Her brows shot up. “Excuse me?”

                “There’s an empty office on the top floor—you’re moving in. Right now.”

                “You can’t order me to—”

                “Amber.”

                She set her jaw.

                He ignored the expression. “Your biggest weakness is that nobody can picture you at the helm.”

                “That’s because I’m not capable of taking the helm.”

                “Who says?”

                “Reason and good judgment?”

                “They’re wrong. And you’re wrong.” His tone hardened. This was too important to mess up. “And if you don’t march yourself up to that corner office right now and start giving orders, then you haven’t done your best by Zachary.”

                “I have done everything—”

                “No, Amber. You haven’t. Right now, between the two of us, we control sixty-five percent of Coast Eagle. Let’s start acting like it. Let’s let the world see us at the helm. That way, they’ll know we can do it.”

                She glanced around her office, the three computer screens, the stacks of reports. “But—”

                “First stop, your boss’s office to give him permission to replace you.”

                “Give away my job?” The prospect clearly distressed her.

                “Temporarily. Trust me, Amber. And if you can’t trust me, trust Destiny. Phone her now. I know she’ll agree.”

                Amber’s lips compressed as she obviously thought through the situation.

                “Being seen in charge is our best weapon,” he reiterated. “Don’t throw it away.”

                “Okay.” She came to her feet, expression determined. “I’m willing to try anything.”

                Cole felt a surge of relief. He’d known she was stubborn. But he’d also known she was smart. Luckily, smart had won out.

                * * *

                “I’ve never even set foot in this store,” Amber whispered to Destiny.

                The next step in Cole’s stated strategy was to deck both of them out in what he called a power wardrobe. From what Amber could see, that meant spending a whole lot of money.

                “I’ve never shopped here, either,” Destiny answered. “But I know some of the senior partners do. I’ve heard them mention the name.”