“So,” Michael said, leaning back in his chair. “You’re here to negotiate on behalf of the CEO. Impressive.”
I clenched my jaw. “Impressive or not, I’m here to get the best deal for my client.”
He raised an eyebrow. “Your client? Or for yourself?”
I ignored the jab. “Let’s focus on the matter at hand. The merger—”
“—is a mistake,” he finished for me. “You know that, Arya. I will not agree to that, no matter how hard Paxell Corp. tries. And you guys have been trying pretty hard.”
I bristled. “It’s a strategic move. It makes sense for both companies.”
“Or maybe it’s just a way for you to prove yourself,” he said softly. “You've always had the nack for trying to prove yourself."
"Funny, that's not how I remember it," I smirked. "You and I both know that's not how it was, Michael. Let's not go into more about this, let's discuss the merger."
"Well—
There was a sharp knock on the door, cutting Micahel off in his tracks.
"Come in," he called.
The door creaked open, and my heart felt like it had stopped. Lana Fields walked in; she was wearing a black dress with a high slit that hugged her curves. Her blonde hair was tied into a high ponytail, and her makeup made her look like a vixen. What the fuck was going on?
Lana was the reason Michael and I broke up. The fact that she was still around him was very telling of their relationship back then and now.
"Sorry to interrupt, but you had been gone so long that I was growing worried." She smirked as she walked over to him and rubbed his shoulders.
This bitch was insufferable as ever.
"Oh, I didn't realise that you had company." She gave me a taunting look as her polished red nails pressed into Michael's shoulder.
Really bitch?
I forced a smile. “Lana,” I said, my voice dripping with faux sweetness. "What ever are you doing here, considering you have no knowledge about business?”
Her face dropped at my remark. She looked surprised at my words and immediately glanced at Michael for his reaction. He seemed taken aback as well.
"So let's keep this professional and discuss the merger." I smiled.
"Lana, I'll meet you downstairs. This won't take long. Let me just wrap this up."
"Okay, Michael," she purred.
She sashayed out of the room, and I resisted the urge to throw something at her.
"I can only agree to an acquisition." He started as he stood up.
"I cannot agree to that. We want a merger."
"I can't take orders from a company that is not performing well, Anya. I need a complete, clean takeover. You've done well closing deals, and I'm sure you can do even better in the future, but the acquisition is the best option."
I hesitated for a moment. I wasn't sure what to say to this, and Mr. Xander was depending on me.
"Fine, but we have very specific terms of agreement. I will redo the contract and email it to you. We expect a response in a timely manner." I stated as I stood up. He shrugged and stuck out his hand.
"Very nice doing business with you, Arya." He smiled.
"Likewise."
"Please, let me escort you downstairs." He walked in front of me and opened the door as I was about to reach the handle. Our hands touched, and I felt something in the pit of my stomach.
I quickly pulled my hand away and walked off. When we reached back in the main hall, Michael turned towards me.
"Arya I wanted to ask-
"Darling, are you already finished with the meeting?" Damon interjected as his hand wrapped around my waist, pulling me closer to him.
My eyes flickered at Michael, whose jaw was clenched, and I swear I saw his eyes darken.
"Sorry, let me introduce myself. I am Damon, Arya's boyfriend."
