AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Did you finish your homework, pumpkin?”
With a mouthful of cereal, she mumbles a yes.
“What's happening at school today?” I prompt her.
She swallows and reminds me about her history test.
“Did you study?”
She nods, simultaneously scooping another spoonful of cereal into her mouth. I reach for a napkin and gently wipe the milk off her chin.
“What time are you coming home tonight?” she asks, twirling her hair—an anxious habit I've recently noticed.
“Not sure yet, sweetheart,” I reply, momentarily forgetting my date with Veronica. I quickly correct myself, saying, “I will be home for a short while before dinner, but then I need to go out again. ”
Her expression falls.
“I'm sorry. I'll try to make it up to you, though.” I give her a comforting rub, then gather our bowls and head to the sink to rinse them. Megan will take care of them when she brings Addison home from school.
“Good luck with your test today.” I kiss the top of her head before heading to my room to dress for work.
Once I drop her off at school, I head to the office. I arrive earlier than usual, full of energy. There was minimal traffic on Riverside Drive, and I had a restful night's sleep. In fact, it was the best sleep I've had since taking over the business.
Feeling energized, I review the paperwork for the purchase of Ana's building. I need to visit the location today to have a closer look. Setting the file aside for now, I send my father the draft proposals I've been working on, hoping to discuss them before the board meeting later today.
The elevator dings, and Ana's voice carries to Charlotte, mentioning coffee. I hope she brought me a cup like yesterday. Just as I think this, there is a light knock on my door.
“Come in,” I reply, busily clicking away on the keyboard.
She enters, placing a cup of coffee on my desk as she says, “Good morning.”
I could get used to this.
Her presence makes me feel a spark in my belly that is slowly churning into a smolder. Dangerous and inconvenient. She hesitates for a moment, as if feeling the weight of my gaze, then walks out. I settle back into my chair, chasing away the thought of claiming her right here on my desk. Instead, I take a sip of the coffee she brought me—an oat milk cappuccino with two squirts of vanilla syrup, just the way I like it. Charlotte must have informed her of my preferences.
The coffee is exquisite, and so is she in her blue dress, leaving a subtle trace of perfume behind her.
She both annoys and confuses me, but I will myself to focus on my work.
I'm irritated by the business merger my father initiated before retiring. But if I am ever going to develop a fondness for this company, I must implement new projects and revamp internal processes. However, the board and my father are resistant to change and consistently oppose all proposals for modernization. They prefer to remain entrenched in the past because that's what has worked for them. Fear is driving their business decisions, rather than considerations for the company's future.
My attorney advised me to work on quietly persuading several larger shareholders to sell me their shares, and I immediately jotted down the people who are most likely to sell. That would finally give me the control I need to run this business the way I envision.
I glance at the clock and realize I'm late for my appointment with the board. Storming out of the office, I brace myself for a difficult meeting and am not disappointed. The room is tense, and everyone avoids making eye contact with me. I distribute the copies Ana made yesterday and take my seat across from the board president, at the end of the long oak table. I unbutton my suit jacket, lean back, and prepare for the impending battle.
“We reviewed your proposals and decided we cannot approve any of them. The envisioned merger is necessary to expand our business and satisfy the shareholders, and none of your projects even come close as an alternative to it.” The board president sets down the paper he was reading, as if it carries a contagious virus.
“Going into green energy will expand our reach and will be profitable within a couple of years. Out of the numerous alternatives I presented, there has to be at least one option that will be suitable,” I say, my voice growing louder.
The room falls into silence, with the board members turning to the president, awaiting his response.
“None of them are profitable in the near future, and we don’t know if they ever will be. It’s a pie in the sky. In addition, the proposed modernization of internal business processes is both costly and unnecessary.”
The board members nod in agreement, like compliant followers.
Losing my composure, I forcefully strike my hand on the table. “I want Sanders International to withdraw from the merger,” my voice comes out sounding petulant, but I can't help it. “Embracing sustainable practices is not only beneficial for the business but also for the environment. It will enhance productivity, efficiency, and have a positive impact on our surroundings. It's an investment that will generate profits in the future.”
Why can't these imbeciles comprehend that?
