Casey
He’s not sure what stuns him more: the offer on the table or the woman making it.
They’re finishing lunch at Grill on the Alley. Kathleen’s office had nearly combusted trying to make it happen—emails, follow-ups, faux apologies. Kathleen’s calendar was “unbelievably tight.” But somehow, she found the time.
“I’m glad we made this work,” she begins, Cartier panther ring catching the light.
He flashes a smile, already playing the part. “I’m definitely curious.”
“Well, Mr. Stoneman, Monarch Capital specializes in the high-end market. Luxury ventures. Prestige brands. Elite hospitality and lifestyle tech. We’re not chasing trends—we’re investing in legacy.”
Everything about this lunch feels surreal. Kathleen Marks isn’t doing this out of kindness, and even guys like him don’t get second chances this fast.
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“You’re exactly what I’m looking for,” she continues, sipping her sparkling water. “What I need is instincts. Someone who can manage volatile egos and hold the line with founders who think they’re bulletproof.”
He can imagine the optics: working for Daphne’s mother just as he’s barreling into a drawn-out, nasty divorce. Did Kathleen know her daughter had broken up a marriage? That it was his marriage?
“We’d start small,” she goes on, like she’s offering a favor. “Strategic advising, capital sourcing. Monarch is lean, so you’d be a crucial member of the team.”
Casey squints, trying to see what she’s not saying. “Is this something you’ve been shopping around? Or… ?”
“I wasn’t looking to fill a role. But when the right person appears, you make the opening.”
She slides her gold Amex forward before the check even hits the table. “By the way,” she adds, a new edge creeping in. “My daughter lives in your building.” She almost smiles, but it slips away. “Small world, isn’t it? You must know her?”
“Yes,” Casey says, clearing his throat, nearly choking. “Daphne’s a wonderful neighbor.”
“That’s… generous. But I’m glad she hasn’t caused you any trouble.”
Kathleen signs the check in one practiced stroke. “Can’t say the same for myself, sadly.”