Page 2 of In Bed with the Ice Queen

But for Helena Wolfe, a corporate raider as she was known by those in the business, the thrill was in the hunt, and she was just getting started.

“Sarah, Mark, please come with me,” she said, her voice sharp yet inviting.

Helena walked out of the conference room, her dark-red hair bobbed slightly as she walked, her heels clicking againstthe polished floor. Sarah and Mark exchanged glances before following her.

Once inside her office, Helena turned to face them. “I really believe this acquisition could be a game-changer for us. It’s not just about expanding our portfolio. This time, we’re bringing in real talent from the inside. We’ve been considering businesses for years, but this one feels right.”

Mark nodded, but his brow furrowed. “But what makes this one so different?” He leaned forward slightly in his chair.

Helena smiled at him. She had always loved his curiosity. “Because this isn’t just about numbers and profits. We’re gaining people who can contribute their skills to our company. We won’t just get new assets; we’ll get new ideas and new teams that can rejuvenate our efforts.”

Sarah bit her lip, clearly mulling over the details. “That sounds promising. But have you thought about the legal side? Their corporate lawyer, Sloane Callahan, will need to be on board with this.” Helena felt a familiar mix of annoyance and admiration at the mention of Sloane’s name. The two had clashed before in the courtroom, each woman strong-willed and determined in her own right. “Sloane Callahan is fierce, and I respect her for that,” Helena replied, her voice steady. “But we’ve had our disagreements. She can be a real challenge.”

Mark chuckled softly. “I remember the last meeting with her. You two were like fire and ice!”

“That’s one way to put it,” Helena said, rolling her eyes. “She has an impressive track record. I wouldn’t want to mess with her in a way that would jeopardize the deal, that’s for sure.”

Sarah crossed her arms and leaned back in her chair. “We also have to consider that she’ll do everything she can to protect their interests. It’s her job. Maybe this time, you can find a way to work together instead of butting heads.”

“I know.” Helena sighed. “Sloane is strong and smart. I can’t help but admire her, even when we disagree. But if we can convince her to see the potential in this acquisition, it’ll be worth it.”

Mark tapped his fingers on the table. “We should prepare for that meeting then. Let’s gather all the data to back up our ideas. If we walk in fully prepared, we can show her it’s not just about risk. There’s real opportunity and money here.”

“Exactly,” Helena said, feeling energized again. “We present it as a unique chance to grow together. If we can get Sloane on board, I know we can make this work.”

Helena stood up, her excitement bubbling over. She walked to the large window, looking out at the city skyline as the last rays of sunlight disappeared. “I can almost see the potential right there,” she said, pointing into the distance. “This is about building something great together.”

Sarah chimed in, “I know that we want her on board, but I think we should prepare for all possibilities. What if Sloane has some hidden agenda? She’s not just some corporate lawyer. She’s smart and understands the game.”

Sloane was not just any lawyer. She had built her career on guiding companies through tough negotiations and had a reputation for being fierce in the boardroom. The thought of her joining the opposing side of this deal sent a shiver down Helena’s spine. Would they be able to hold their ground?

“Let’s focus on our advantages,” Helena said, shaking off her uncertainty. “We have experience and a strong position in the market. Sloane might be good at representing them, but we have our strengths too.”

Mark leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. “You’re right, but we also have to acknowledge what she brings to the table. She’ll challenge us.”

Helena nodded, her lips tight in a thin line. She felt the walls of her inherited identity closing in like a vise. Raised by business-savvy parents who seemed to breathe success, she had always been the one in charge. As the oldest of four children, the pressure to be the best had weighed heavily on her shoulders. “You know,” she started, her voice steely, “I didn’t get here by taking things lightly. I know what’s at stake.”

Sarah grinned. “Then let’s use that to our advantage. We know our strengths, so let’s play them. You’re a brilliant strategist, Helena. You can outmaneuver anyone.”

Helena smiled briefly, then her expression turned serious. “We’re going to walk into that meeting prepared. We’ll anticipate Sloane’s moves and make sure we stay one step ahead.”

“Sounds like a plan,” Mark said reluctantly, pulling out a few documents. “But let’s also think about how we’ll manage the dynamics in the room. We need to present a united front.”

Helena’s mind raced, calculating not just the facts but the feelings. She knew being unaware of feelings was how people lost control in the heat of things. “We need them to see us as the leaders in this negotiation, not just competitors.”

“Right,” Sarah added, typing notes on her tablet. “And if we can catch Sloane off guard, then we might just have the upper hand.”

At the mention of catching Sloane off guard, Helena felt conflicted. She had a sense of appreciation for the woman’s talent and poise, knowing how hard she had worked to earn her place in the corporate world, but admiration wouldn't distract her from her mission. And admiration for the way Sloane’s great ass looked in her smart pants and the way her full lips curled enticingly when they argued would not close this deal help her make her dad happy. She needed to push those thoughts away,firmly reminding herself that this was business, and certainly not anything more.

Admiring the opposition was reckless, especially as the new CEO. She had inherited the company, and her father was always there, watching her like a hawk, expecting nothing less than perfection. Being the eldest daughter meant she had always carried that weight on her shoulders.

Helena leaned forward, her brown eyes narrowing. “Remember, we’re here to make a deal. There can be no room for weakness. We show strength and resolve.”

Mark nodded, now more energized. “Got it. We’ll keep our eyes on the prize.”

“Let’s gather the final notes and sharpen our pitch,” Helena instructed. “When Sloane Callahan walks in, I want her to know we mean business.”

Mark nodded, crossing his arms. “Exactly. I can't shake the feeling that she’s going to throw something unexpected at us. She always does.”

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