Page 7 of “Not” Engaged to the Grumpy Billionaire

"Everything's on track for the meeting. Your next meeting to complete the Northgate property is at ten," she says.

"Good. Make sure I’m not disturbed unless it’s urgent."

As I settle into my office, my mind sharpens, focusing on the upcoming deal. Months of hard work and careful negotiations have brought us to this point. And today’s call should be the final step in acquiring the Northgate property. It's been a long time coming. The deal will greatly enhance my firm's portfolio.

As I’m about to dive into prep for the meeting, my phone rings. It’s our company attorney, Tony Brady, but I’m not expecting him until later. My stomach knots. This isn’t a good sign.

"Nate, I need to talk to you," Brady starts, his voice heavy with something I can’t quite place.

"What’s going on?" I ask, leaning back in my chair, trying to mask the apprehension creeping into my voice.

"We’ve received another offer," he says.

"From Kirk."

The name alone makes my blood run cold. Jensen Kirk—an underhanded newcomer who’s been muscling his way into every deal he can. Ruthless. And apparently, now he’s in mine.

"That’s not possible. We had an agreement," I say, my voice tight, but measured.

"Technically, no agreement is in place, Nate. This offer is higher and promises a quicker turnaround. The board is leaning towards it."

I grit my teeth, holding back the wave of frustration rising in my chest.

"But we’ve been negotiating for months. My offer stands firm, and you know the value I bring to the table—this isn’t just about money. Northgate needs what we can deliver."

"I don’t disagree," Brady says, though his tone lacks conviction.

"But Kirk’s offer is considerable. It’s hard for the board to ignore."

Brady's voice starts to blur. My focus narrows on one fact: someone in my company leaked the details. It’s the only explanation. Kirk couldn’t have swooped in with a better offer unless he knew exactly what we were offering. This has become a pattern now as this is the third deal that has gone up in flames.

Before I thought it was mere coincidence, but now I can see more clearly with my biggest deal gone up in flames. It means someone in my office is selling me out to Kirk.

"Is there any way we can revisit the terms? I’m willing to find common ground to push this through," I say, forcing myself to stay calm. I don’t beg, but I also don’t give up easily.

"I wish I could say yes. But the board's about to decide," Brady says, regret in his voice.

"I'm sorry, Nate. I thought this was a done deal too."

"Yeah," I mutter, barely able to keep the frustration out of my voice.

"Thanks for letting me know."

The moment the call ends, the anger I’ve been holding back breaks free. I slam the phone down, the sharp sound cutting through the room. This isn’t just a lost deal. This is a betrayal, pure and simple. Someone on the inside handed Kirk the advantage — again.

The door cracks open. Janet, her face concerned, peers in.

"Everything alright?"

"Yes," I snap, then immediately rein myself in.

"Sorry. You can go back to whatever you are working on, Janet."

She does, and I sit in silence for a moment, letting the weight of what has happened settle. Months of work, planning, and meetings—gone in an instant because someone chose to play both sides.

Kirk has been a thorn in my side for months now. He’s new to the game but has already built a reputation for undercutting and backdoor dealings. He doesn’t play by the same rules, and now he’s stolen not one but three deals I’ve worked on. But this particular one hit a raw nerve.

I glance out the window, my office overlooking the town that has always been a symbol of success for me. Today, it feels likeeverything is teetering on the edge. This isn’t only about losing a property. It’s about trust—trust within my company, trust in the people who are supposed to have my back.

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