Page 24 of Escaping the Bratva

V chuckles and puts his hands up in surrender. “I knew I picked the right dog.”

I walk back to the other side of the desk to put some distance in between us. Teddy doesn’t relax until V is seated back in the chair across from me again.

I go through the rest of the typical questionnaire with him that my sales managers usually do with potential clients. He has his shit together, that’s for sure. I don’t understand how he’s been able to build a company so damn fast.

“Do you have a business partner?” I ask.

He nods. “Marcello Frost.”

“He got all this together while you were in prison?” I ask.

“Yeah, he’s a good friend. We met not long after college.”

My phone beeps, and Haley’s voice comes through the speaker. “Just a reminder you have a meeting in five minutes.”

I press down the button. “Thank you, Haley.” I turn to V. “Looks like our time is up, Mr. Kustov.”

He stands with a shit-eating grin on his face. “See you around, kitten.”

It takes me the entire five minutes to pull myself together after V’s visit. When I arrive in one of the conference rooms down the hall, Mr. Walters is already there. He’s well-known in the area as one of the largest venture capitalists this country has ever seen. He gives me a wide smile, showing off his veneers as I reach out to shake his hand.

“Mr. Walters, it's nice to meet you.”

“Please call me Elliot,” he says once we’ve shook.

“Elliot, to what do I owe the pleasure?” I circle the conference table and take the seat across from him.

“I’m not much for small talk, so I’ll cut right to the chase.”

“I appreciate that.” We’re both very busy people so I could do without the schmoozing.

“I’d like to buy your company.”

I blink twice, trying to comprehend his words. “I’m sorry, what was that?”

He chuckles. “I know this is surprising, but your company has seen exponential growth in the last few years. I’ve been watching it for a while now, and it would be an excellent addition to my portfolio.”

“Elevate is not for sale.”

He nods. “I understand that, but I think I can make an offer that might make you change your mind.”

Is this guy serious? He wants to buy my entire company?

“With all due respect Mr. Walters—”

“Elliot.”

“Elliot, I’ve spent years building this company. I’m not just going to just hand it over.” I never even thought about selling Elevate. I’m not a serial entrepreneur who builds businesses for fun; this is my passion.

“I understand completely. I’m not trying to push you out. You’d still play a major role in the company. Your job would essentially be the same, but I would be the owner. I’m confident that you are the reason behind the success of the company. Allow my firm to back you. It would take a lot of weight off your shoulders. You can still hire and fire, bring on new clients, oversee the creative process, et cetera.”

I grab the glass of water that Haley must have set in the conference room before the meeting and take a sip.

“I understand this is a lot to digest.” Elliot stands from the chair and buttons his suit jacket. “I’ll get my assistant to send you over the offer, and we’ll talk later on.”

He walks out of the room before I can respond.

*****

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