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He huffed. "You think I should've brought this proposal to the table."
"That is how these things work." I was curious, though, not that I wanted to let him know as much after he'd been so impertinent about Mairwen's perfume.
"It is also how someone like Gamesby or Palmer would've purchased this man's expertise out from under me before I had time to persuade you to loan me the capital. It's not a quick return on investment, my lord."
"I imagine not. How long?"
"If I want to do it right, at least a year and a half before the first harvest. Preferably longer. But after that point, profit is easy."
I nodded. I knew enough of the market to know Damian Worthington owned portions of several pearl farms. That investment had made him rich, and with his wealth, he'd secured influence over his betas.
"How much are you offering me?" I asked, not tearing my stare from the castle.
"Five percent," Gideon answered.
I laughed. "Five percent is very low."
"Five percent, and you can choose me a partner. Another beta gentleman. One who would be…"
I stopped. Gideon and I were safely away from anyone else. His own home was in the opposite direction, but he was following me toward the castle. I turned to face him and waited for him to finish.
"Grateful," he said at last, shrugging. "One whose gratitude might sway his ear away from other influences."
I recalled the faces around the table today. Gideon Millward was smart to offer me this. I didn't need more than the five percent share. I needed allies who'd want me alive to keep their pearl farm invested until it bore fruit.
"Can you stand to work with Buchanan?" I asked. Niall had seen Gideon going to Buchanan's house after I'd denied him Francesca, but I'd never seen the men interact in person. There was something private between them, and I wondered how it would affect Gideon's decision.
He paled slightly, staring warily at me, but I'd never been very good at expressing myself, and it suited me in moments like this to be impenetrably obscure.
"He's not the worst of them, really, just desperate," Gideon said, holding my gaze. "Give him a fortune, and you'll have his loyalty back. It won't take us much to start. Just a few men."
"Bring the numbers to the castle. Not today," I said, catching the sharp gleam of triumph in his expression. It was after luncheon, an early time to declare myself done with business, but…
Gideon only bowed. "Yes, Alpha Cadogan. Thank you."
I spread my wings and leapt to the air without another word.