HAYDEN
The boardroom is silent except for the low hum of the projector and the voice of Eddison Barrows, our head of European acquisitions, droning in front of the slides.
"...projected ROI of 18.4% over five years, with synergies in logistics and supply chain integration. The valuation multiple we're offering is aggressive but justified given the market position—"
I lean back in my chair and let the silence linger just long enough for him to notice.
"Eddison," I say calmly, cutting him off mid-sentence. "You're quoting last quarter's numbers on a market that shifted six weeks ago. The new EU tariffs went into effect. Their logistics costs are up 27%. Their biggest client just signed with our competitor. And you're still using a 12x EBITDA multiple?"
He falters, sweat beading at his t
