Page 36 of The Bride's Billionaire

“I’m just surprised. I would have thought they’d have contacted you.” Especially after his talk with them yesterday. He gestured that she sit. “There is another option.”

* * *

Kayla and Tylerstood once again in front of Rogerio and Mr. de Santos at the main headquarters of Antar, hand in hand. Kayla felt lighter than ever. She leaned over to Tyler and whispered. “After this, we’re going to play tourist.”

He smiled, swinging her hand in his. “So, you were just using me for my company?”

She swatted him.

Mr. de Santos raised both eyebrows, looking from one to the other.

Kayla cleared her throat. “So, thank you for meeting with us. Again.”

Tyler cleared his throat. “Yes, we have news that might change previous plans discussed.”

Rogerio motioned that they sit. “Well, let’s hear it.”

Kayla held out a manila envelope. “Here are the new financials.”

Rogerio took them, waiting.

Tyler nodded. “Yes, of our conglomerate bottling company, Finley-Sperring Bottlers.”

Mr. de Santos’s smile started small but grew until it filled his face. “Is that so?”

Kayla nodded. “After an unfortunate fire in our main facility, I approached Tyler with a sellout option. But after we looked at the numbers, we thought—well, he convinced me that it would be better if we merged, maintaining mine and my vice president’s positions on the board. So now, we come to you with the best from both of us.”

She waited, but neither man spoke. Perhaps they wanted only Tyler. “I know you talked with Tyler yesterday and maybe had other plans with just him, but he can be your main point of contact, whatever you need. I hope the addition of the Finley people or our fire won’t turn you away…” They needed Brazil. They had both decided that spreading into South America was still the best option and would help jump start their new joint relationship with all its expenses.

Tyler shook his head. “Kayla, that’s not—”

Mr. de Santos held up his hand. “Allow me.”

Tyler nodded for him to continue. Kayla looked from one to the other.

Mr. de Santos patted her hand. “Tyler came in here, yes, but not to seize opportunity. He came to prove who would be the best bottler.”

A twinge of hurt twisted inside. “I don’t need the polite spin on it. I get it—”

He held up his hand. “Allow me to finish.”

She nodded.

“He spent twenty minutes convincing Rogerio and myself that the best bottler for the job would, in fact, be Finley Bottlers.”

Her mouth dropped open. Astonished, she didn’t know what to say. Tyler’s face was pink; was he blushing? “You did this?”

He shrugged. “I had agreed long ago to always be a man of integrity. I showed them where working with you would cut costs.”

“But now?”

They all laughed. Rogerio continued, “And now, we know there are ways to cut costs…” He let that dangle, and Tyler groaned quietly. Then Rogerio said, “We can add some of those cut expenses I described into a new agreement with you.”

Rogerio nodded. “Isso.” (That’s right.) He and Mr. de Santos exchanged looks and turned to them. They each held out a hand. “Then we shake, and a new relationship with Antar and Finley-Sperring Bottlers begins.”

Kayla almost fell forward in relief. “Oh, thank you! I look forward to many years of success.”

They spoke of many things, including future trips to Brazil and sights to see, and then as they were walking out the door, Mr. de Santos called out to them. “And will there be other mergers taking place I wonder?” His impish grin made Kayla laugh.

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