A Deal with my Enemy CEO

LIAM Finished with the last email of the morning, I put my phone on ‘do not disturb’ and slip it into my pocket. The car is already arriving at The Grace Havens headquarters, and I have a first impression to make. “You look fine,” Latif mutters, noticing me leaning forward to get a peek at the rear-view mirror. “More than fine, actually,” he smirks. “The women are gonna fall all over you, just like they always do.” “Because that’s the point of this meeting,” I counter, not going easy on the sarcasm. Our driver parks at the curb, allowing Latif, myself, and the rest of the legal team to exit. The Grace Havens offices are in an unassuming building on the edge of downtown Seattle – so unassuming that it’s almost quaint. It’s not my style at all, but I can make do. Especially for a company that has so much promise. There’s activity through the windows, and I make sure I’m already smiling before I reach the doors. Being bought out by a larger company can be a nail-biting situation, but I’m here today to show my new team that they have nothing to fear. In fact, I’m about to make their lives much better. Inside, several people in suits wait for us in the lobby. I recognize Juan, the CEO who is stepping down, as well as a few others from calls. "Liam.” He reaches forward and shakes my hand. “Good to see you, Nick. This is Latif, head of my legal team. And Essel, Nazif, and Ella.” More introductions are made. Hands are shaken. Meanwhile, I surreptitiously take in the lobby. It’s cheery, posters of old The Grace Havens ads lining the walls. The chairs are in need of replacing, though, and the carpet has seen better days. No worries. The lobby is just one of the many things that will improve under my care. The Grace Havens won’t be the first company that I’ve taken to new heights. “You ready for retirement?” I ask Nick. “Trust me, I’d already have a cocktail in one hand and a paperback in the other if I could.” He laughs heartily then looks around. “Our COO Akame is running a little late, but she should be here soon.” “No worries.” A little rush followed by a quick ache passes through me. It’s always the same whenever I hear that name. Akame. I knew an Akame once. So long ago that it feels like another lifetime. It’s hard not to think of her every time the name comes up, but like I always do – like I’m so good at doing – I push the ball of emotion down and keep smiling. "I'll be stepping in as CEO temporarily," I say, switching topics in an attempt to get my mind off the past. "Until we find the right person to lead The Grace Havens into its next chapter." Nick nods, and I detect relief in his eyes. "That's good to hear. The team was worried about an immediate upheaval." "I never rush into these things," I assure him. "This is my first acquisition in the hospitality sector. Each company has its own DNA, its own culture. My job is to enhance what's working, not dismantle it." Latif steps closer. "Liam's portfolio is quite impressive," he adds. "From farm-to-table meal kits to organic supplements to plant-based protein alternatives — there's a synergy here that will benefit everyone." I shoot Latif a look. He doesn't need to sell me - I'm already the buyer. But I appreciate his enthusiasm. "Let me show you around," Nick offers, gesturing toward a hallway. "We're not as flashy as some of your other holdings, but I think you'll be pleasantly surprised by what we've built." As we follow Nick through the main workspace, I notice the energy in the room. People are busy but not frantic. There's a sense of purpose that I respect. Heads turn as we pass, curious eyes taking in the new ownership. "Our team is through here," Nick explains, pushing through double doors. The office is impressive — state-of-the-art interior, plenty of space, and three workers in white coats working on what looks like new assignment. "This is where the magic happens," Nick says with obvious pride. "Excellent setup," I comment, genuinely impressed. "This is actually larger than I expected." "We've always prioritized customer care," he says. "It's what's kept us competitive." I make mental notes of areas where I can implement immediate improvements and others that are running smoothly. The tour ends back at the lobby, where Nick checks his watch. "Akame should have been here by now," he says, brow furrowed. "She's usually punctual to a fault." "I'm sure she has a good reason," I say, not really concerned. I'll be meeting her soon enough. As if on cue, the front doors swing open, and a woman rushes in, her dark hair slightly tousled from the wind outside. "I'm so sorry I'm late. There was an accident on⁠—" The moment she looks up, her words stop abruptly. Our eyes meet, and the world around me seems to freeze. No. It can't be. But it is. Standing before me, looking every bit as shocked as I feel, is my Akame. Akame Sinclair. My college best friend. The one whose memory I've spent twelve years trying to forget. "Liam?" she whispers, her voice barely audible. I force myself to maintain composure, though my heart is thundering against my ribs. It’s been so long, and yet at the same time it feels like a day hasn’t passed. She’s older, of course. More beautiful. And those eyes… They’re narrowed at me like a dog about to lunge. "Akame," I manage to say, though it takes a great deal of effort to bring any sound to the surface. "It's been a long time." Nick looks between us, confusion evident on his face. "You two know each other?" "We went to college together," Akame says quickly, her professional mask sliding back into place, though I can see the storm behind her eyes. "Small world," Latif remarks, oblivious to the tension crackling in the air. Small world indeed. And suddenly, infinitely more complicated. I extend my hand, determined to keep this professional. "Akame. Looking forward to working together." “Wait. You…” She trails off. “You bought The Grace Havens?” “Of course.” How could she not know that? Her face turns red. “Nick, I didn’t realize– I mean…” She clears her throat and looks around, noticing that everyone in the room is watching her. “I’m here to do good,” I say softly. “I promise.” Her eyes flash, and I swear I can hear her thoughts. Just like you did good last time? It’s a punch to the gut, but I stay standing. I haven’t built my empire by being weak, and one hard gaze – even delivered by her – won’t bring me down. She hesitates for another moment before taking my hand. Her touch sends electricity shooting up my arm — a reminder of everything I once felt, everything I lost. "Likewise," she says, but her eyes tell a different story. This acquisition just became about much more than business. And for the first time in years, I'm not sure I'm in control.