Magnate Read Free Page B

yourself in is a cutthroat, nasty business. I cannot believe you have the stomach for it.”
    Her lips thinned into a white line. “And how do you know what, precisely, I have the stomach for?”
    She hadn’t backed down, so perhaps Miss Sloane was stronger than she appeared. Still, she had no idea what awaited her if she continued along this insane path. Bribes. Lying. Cheating . . . Christ, he’d bought off two politicians already today—and the day was only half over. No woman, especially one whose family could be traced to the Dutch patroons of New Amsterdam, should swim in those filthy waters.
    â€œI don’t, not really,” he admitted. “But I have a strong suspicion.”
    â€œA suspicion based on how I look. On my last name.”
    It was not a question, but Emmett felt he owed her the truth. “Yes. Life in Washington Square will not have prepared you for—”
    Anger bloomed on her cheeks, her pristine skin turning a dull red. “You have no idea of my life or what I’m prepared to do. I know as much about stocks as any man. Women shouldn’t be forced to put up with . . . with . . .”
    She trailed off, and Emmett couldn’t drag his eyes away. Furious, she was downright breathtaking. Emmett’s body began to take notice, but the last thing he needed was a bit of stiff in his trousers. With an effort, he returned to the conversation. “With?”
    â€œWith men like you! You are just as closed-minded as my brother.”
    Emmett frowned. God knew he wanted nothing in common with Will Sloane. Emmett hated her brother with everything he had, which was quite considerable.
    He studied the determined set of Miss Sloane’s shoulders. The resolute gleam in her steady gaze. “Why?” he finally asked.
    â€œWhy, what?”
    â€œWhy do you want to do this? You have to know it won’t be easy. You’ll likely be shunned by high society once word gets out. And who will serve as your clients?”
    â€œThey won’t shun me, not if I’ve proven myself. Which is why I need a prominent name on the door, one that people will accept at first. As for my clients, they’ll likely be mostly women at the outset. Shopgirls, teachers, widows, society women. And ladies with . . . other sources of income.”
    â€œProstitutes, you mean.” God Almighty, her brother would lose his snobbish, blue-blooded mind if he knew. Emmett was growing to like this girl.
    She flushed, but did not dodge, answering, “Yes, those as well. But a successful businessman as the face of the company will encourage other men to invest their money. I just need help getting started, really. My gender won’t matter when the company returns a profit.”
    He admired her conviction, but wondered at the reason behind it. Were the Sloanes in some sort of financial trouble? Why else would she be here, so anxious to prove herself, instead of doing this on her own? The idea had Emmett nearly salivating; he’d had his eye on Sloane’s Northeast Railroad Company for a long time. Owning the railroad that transported his steel across the country would almost double Emmett’s profits.
    And bringing the stick-up-his-ass Sloane down while helping his sister engage in something scandalous? Nearly irresistible.
    Yet something held him back, like his strange reaction to her presence. His gut told him to run the other way from this woman—and he always trusted his gut.
    â€œI like your determination,” he admitted. “But—”
    â€œWait!” she blurted. “I have an idea. Let’s make a wager. You give me an amount of money, and, if I cannot double it on the exchange within three months, then you’re off the hook.”
    Before he thought better of it, he asked, “How much?”
    She shrugged. “You may decide. Five thousand, perhaps?”
    He admired her spirit, so he played along. “Too low. Make it