Love In The Boardroom

3

Martin Reed leaned against the expansive glass window of the boardroom of Taylor Enterprises, the city just beneath him in a patchwork of steel and glass. The sunset covered the skyline in warm ways. He adjusted his cufflinks smiling inwardly or maybe he was just excited to see startled expression.

He smiled when he remembered their one night stand, she has been on his mind for a while now.

Now, standing in the boardroom, Martin felt all mighty and powerful. Today, he would propose the acquisition of Emily ’s company—a move that could solidify his empire but also destroy Austin Miller. He knew Austin liked Emily so much and he was planning to marry her. As Jeremy prepared his notes, he stole glances at Emily who still had no idea the one she was meeting was him and she was going to seat at the opposite end of the long table. She looked poised and professional, her expression a careful mask that gave nothing away. Very demure. But something caught his eye, the love bites she was desperately hiding. He did all of it so he knew where to find it. Will she see him as just another businessman, or will she remember all her rants from the night before? Yes, she told him he was such a fine man and she would not mind hooking up with him over and over and over again. She was cute when she was drunk.

“Mr. Martin ?” A colleague’s voice broke through his thoughts, pulling him back to the present. He looked around the table, noticing the expectant faces. They were all waiting for him to lead the discussion. Still, Emily was outside the board room.

Emily entered the boardroom, she felt like the most beautiful lady in the room and that's right, she was. As she walked to the table in her kick ass she saw Martin sitting on the opposite end and she paused for a second, making sure she was not hallucinating.

She looked up again and he was still there. She was not hallucinating, he was real.

"Oh s**t," she mumbled and Martin gave a wicked smile after seeing her reaction.

She sat in her seat and reminded herself to stay focused.

“Right. Let’s talk numbers,” Martin said, forcing a smile. But as he spoke about the potential benefits of the acquisition, his mind kept drifting back to last night. As he spoke Emily's anger was building up, what the heck did he mean acquisition? Is he crazy?

"Ms. Emily, would you not say anything?" Another board member said but she was waiting patiently for Martin to finish before she spoke. For the love of dragons it was a damn boardroom.

"Of course, I will and you should listen," Emily says in a calm voice her gaze fixed on Martin. When he finished, she adjusted her scarf and her CFO spoke.

"Emily, we've reviewed the numbers. Their offer is generous." Emily's gaze narrowed and Rachel smiled knowing fully well she was getting angry.

"Generous?" she repeated. "They're trying to buy us out."

Martin leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with determination, he would get what he wants at all cost.

"Acquisition is a natural step in growth," he said. "Taylor Enterprises needs our resources to expand. We can take your company to new heights and statistics have shown your quarterly profit is low."

Emily's expression remained skeptical and as she spoke.

"I understand your enthusiasm, Mr. Martin," she said coolly, "but Taylor Enterprises is not for sale. We've worked hard to build our brand and our customer base. I won't let someone come in and dismantle everything we've achieved." Martin's smile faltered, but he quickly recovered.

"I understand your concerns, Ms. Emily," he said. "But think about the benefits. We can increase your market share, improve efficiency, and provide better services to your customers. You'll still be in charge, just with more resources at your disposal. And you will still be able to control fourty percent of Taylor Enterprises."

Emily raised an eyebrow, Forty percent? Is he crazy?

"Really?" she asked. "Because from where I'm sitting, it looks like you're trying to absorb us into your company. Our identity, our values – everything that makes Taylor Enterprises unique – would be lost."

Martin shifted uncomfortably, why was she do stubborn and rude?

"That's not our intention," he insisted. "We want to preserve the essence of your company while leveraging our expertise to take it to the next level." Emily's eyes locked onto his.

"I'm not convinced," she said. "What guarantees do we have that our autonomy will be respected?" Martin hesitated before responding.

"We can draw up a contract outlining the terms of the acquisition," he suggested. "We'll ensure that Taylor Enterprises maintains its independence and decision-making power." Emily's skepticism deepened. She was really not going to give up her own company to that rude billionaire.

"A contract can be broken," she pointed out. "What's to stop you from reneging on your promises once you've acquired us?"

Martin's expression turned icy.

"You're not giving us much credit, Ms. Emily," he said. "We're a reputable company with a track record of successful acquisitions. We mean business."

"I appreciate your assurances, Mr. Martin," she said, "but Taylor Enterprises remains committed to our independence. We'll find our own way, without sacrificing our values or our identity." The room fell silent, with all eyes on Martin's reaction. The other board members felt the tension and dared not to interrupt them. And at that point, that moment right there, Emily saw a glimpse of the real Martin Reed, driven, relentless, and unwilling to accept defeat. She thought he might as well be greedy and low key Evil.

But Martin thought she was rude and stubborn and would definitely have a nosy seven year old outside the boardroom.

The meeting continued, with Emily skillfully deflecting Martin's arguments. Their executives chimed in, their concerns and questions addressed with precision and confidence. As the discussion drew to a close, Emily summarized.

"We appreciate Reed Industries' interest," she said, "but Taylor Enterprises is not for sale. We'll continue to explore alternative partnerships and growth strategies that align with our vision and values." Martin's expression turned glacial.

"You're making a mistake, Ms. Emily," he said. "A costly one." Emily smiled, her eyes never leaving his.

"I'm willing to take that risk," she replied even though she wanted him.