Chapter Four

Leena

“And why exactly do you think that’s not feasible enough, Mr George?” I tried to keep my voice level.

This entire meeting had been tedious, and my brain had been put to so much work that it was going to hate me as much as my heart did. It was all because of him.

I made a mental note to never judge anyone again, because I certainly didn't expect this man to be so knowledgeable to the point where even I started questioning what I knew about business. He threw questions that made gears turn and break in my head, and I was on the verge of giving up.

But he didn’t even look tired, in fact he seemed amused. Every once in a while my gaze would stray to him, only to find him already staring at me. I had been so tempted to yell at him to stop it, but professionalism was more important.

The one thing I couldn’t understand despite all his knowledge and the main reason for this merger, was that his company was going bankrupt.

Unless he had a terrible administration or he himself was dumb at using his knowledge, I didn't see how it was possible.

But that was a question for another day.

“Because, in the long run, who is to say that the shareholders won’t take away a chunk of the company to invest it somewhere else?” He asked, making the room go silent.

I blinked at him and tried to think, but my brain had given up.

That’s it, I was tired.

I got up and faced him, leaning so close that his cologne filled my lungs. “Mr George,” I said with mock politeness. “If you aren’t interested in the merger, I suggest we end this meeting immediately. There are other matters of importance to be handled, and this gathering has gone on for way longer than intended. Please, make a decision now.”

I heard Genna audibly gasp, and a few murmurs rippled through the room. I never snapped. It wasn’t part of my personality because I hated being snapped at. But when I did, it was usually ugly.

“Very well then,” George said, the corner of his lips twitching into a barely noticeable smirk. He cleared his throat as he beckoned on his assistant. They spoke quietly for a few seconds, and I glanced at Genna. She looked as tired as I was.

After what seemed like fifty years, George’s assistant finally spoke. “After reviewing the options, Mr George here would love to form a merger with your company. You’ll receive both the physical and electronic copies of the contract by the end of today.”

I sighed in relief, settling back in my chair as the other board members applauded silently. George stood up then, nodding respectfully to me and the rest of the board. “I’ll see you soon then,” he said and walked out.

Something about his tone made my stomach twist, but I blamed the breakfast I decided to skip.

“Oh thank goodness that that’s over,” Genna said defeatedly as the board members began to leave. “God, where did you even find this man? Throwing questions as if he could answer them himself. I wanted to rip off that perfect hair of his. And why was he staring at you like that?”

“Genna, slow down.”

She bit her lower lip and smiled, sliding onto my lap. She hugged me tightly, fainting dramatically. “I’m tired of working, Leena. Let’s go have some fun later. Aren’t you tired?”

“Says the woman who almost made the cops pull me over because I was late for a meeting,” I snorted.

“Hey, I was just paranoid. That’s past now, and it went well. Now can we talk about fun?”

“Genna, I have a three-year-old at home. No clubbing or nights out for me,” I shot her a look, and she just pouted.

“Hey, I would easily go with my boyfriend Jake, but he’s not coming home until next weekend. Come on Lee, you’re the only friend I’ve got,” she tugged at my arm.

“I’ve told you to stop calling me that.”

“But it's such a cute name.”

“No it’s not. I’m not child,” I pushed her off my legs and stretched them out.

“It's not childish, come on…” she drawled. “Just one night. Revna can stay with my sister. She’ll be perfectly fine.”

I got up and yawned, instinctively checking my watch. It was past noon already. “That’s what you said the last time, and Revna ended up in the hood of a truck. I’m not trusting my daughter with your sister anymore.” I turned to leave the conference room, already eagerly thinking about lunch.

Genna looked desperate. “I’ll take over board meetings for the whole of next week!” She called after me.

“No, Genna.”

“I'll take care of your dog for a month.”

“Genna…”

“Okay fine! I’ll bring you your insanely hot coffee every morning.”

“Anna already does that. And what do you mean by insanely hot?”

She grumbled, folding her arms. “Argh fine. I’ll just go alone then. And by insanely hot, I mean your taste buds are dead and your tongue has no sensors. No normal person drinks coffee that’s straight off a two hour boil.”

I blinked at her as she walked away, feeling a bit hurt. Was that kind of coffee actually considered hot if it wasn’t boiling?

The rest of the day passed in a blur, and when it was closing time, Genna had somehow convinced me to go shopping for ‘club’ wear with her. I called Kendrick to take Revna to Genna's sister’s place, with a note that I would come pick her up soon.

Except, that didn’t happen.