Raven, 25“No.”The word shot out of my mouth before I could soften it, sharp, loud, and echoing across the polished conference room. Six faces stared back at me, all dressed in matching suits, all looking equally offended that I, the broke bakery girl begging for investment, dared to reject them.The only woman among them blinked rapidly, recovering her voice before the rest.“Mrs. Statham… please sit.”I remained standing. “Do any of you actually hear yourselves?” I asked, sweeping my glare across the long metal table, the framed certificates on their walls, the ridiculous vase of fake orchids by the window. “Two thousand dollars? For a bakery that has been in my family for three generations?”They shifted uncomfortably on their seats.One of the men cleared his throat and tried to lean forward like he was being sympathetic. “Given the state of the business, we believe our offer is—”“Insulting,” I finished for him. “You believe your offer is insulting, and that's absolutely correct
Last Updated : 2025-12-24 Read more