Page 42 of Daddy Down Under

He tapped his pen against his chin. “How do you view our reputation?”

“The Krause Group has always been about more than mere profits. It’s about creating a legacy, one built on high-quality products, trust, and innovation, while at the same time focusing on sustainable growth, environmental care, and supporting charities. I want to preserve that ethos while pushing the company into new frontiers.”

James’s eyebrows lifted, a spark of interest igniting in his eyes. “So if the deal goes through, you’re not planning on splitting up the company and selling certain parts off?”

His question wasn’t without reason, as I was known to ruthlessly cut subdivisions that weren’t making a profit or didn’t contribute to the company’s performance in another way. But this one was different.

As the Krause Group was a privately owned company, Garrett Krause could decide who he wanted to sell his company to. This was not a hostile takeover where I could set the terms. But strangely enough, I liked the challenge this deal represented. It had been a long time since I’d been this involved in a deal, and it felt good.

“Not initially, though we’ll need a specific plan to improve Wavey’s results. It may do better with a separate business manager with experience in that market or a similar one. Marketing to Gen Z is a skill not many of us possess.”

James chuckled. “Tell me about it. It’s like my kids speak a different language. I don’t even understand half of what they’re saying, and then they look at me with poorly disguised pity for being old.”

“Exactly, so we’ll need someone who can speak their language. But other than that, we’ll keep focusing on sustainable growth,” I continued, my passion bleeding into my words. “Investing in green technologies, fostering local partnerships in new markets. But most importantly, we’ll double down on what made this company great—its people and reputation for quality, integrity, and service.”

“That’s exactly what I was hoping to hear, and I’m sure Garrett feels the same. We’re proud of what we’ve built, and we’d hate to see that go to waste. You mentioned our people, our employees. Are you planning on keeping everyone on?”

“Right now, I see no reason not to, including you. From what I’ve seen so far, you’ve done a terrific job, and I’d be a fool to lose your experience and expertise.”

As I spoke, the tension in James’s shoulders eased. His lips curved into a smile, relief washing over his features. “Thank you. That’s high praise coming from you.”

“It’s well-deserved. Barring any surprises during the formal audit my accountancy firm will do, I’m ready to make an offer.”

“Garrett will be pleased to hear that.”

I met his eyes. “I would like to be the only one whose offer you’re considering until I’ve made my decision.”

He hesitated. “In the interest of full disclosure, we are talking to one other investor. He approached us over the weekend, actually.”

Something tickled the back of my head and an unease crept down my spine. Was I about to lose another deal? “I’m assuming you’re not willing to disclose who it is?”

James firmly shook his head. “We gave you the same courtesy.” Something passed over his face, a hint of worry that increased my concern.

“I respect that. But can I ask that you allow me a week to run the full audit and make a formal offer?”

“I’ll have to confirm with Garrett, but I think that’s a reasonable request.”

“Thank you, I appreciate that. The last thing I want is to make a rushed offer under pressure. I think both the company and I deserve better.”

“Agreed.” James closed his laptop. “For what it’s worth, I’m hoping you’ll be the new owner.”

And that tingly sense that something was off was back. “You don’t like the other investor?”

It was a highly inappropriate question, but I couldn’t help asking. I had to figure out what was going on.

James hesitated again. “I haven’t met him in person yet, but…” He pressed his lips together. “Let’s say my first impression of him over the phone was not favorable and leave it at that.”

“Okay, I’ll stop asking questions, but you can’t blame me for being curious.”

“Not at all.” He leaned back in his chair. “Cash, I can’t tell you how grateful I am for your approach. It’s been a tough few months, and this… Well, it’s a weight off my shoulders.

“I’m glad to hear it,” I replied, sensing a shift in the atmosphere. “How are things outside of work? How did your wife’s surgery go?”

James’s expression softened, a mix of love and worry crossing his face. “It went well, but it’s hard on her, as it would be on any woman. The first time, they did a lumpectomy, but now they did a full mastectomy, and the emotional impact is big. But Caroline is the strongest person I know, and she’s fighting with all she has.”

The raw emotion in his voice struck me hard. Here was a man juggling the pressures of a high-stakes job with the personal struggle of supporting a loved one through illness. It made my own worries seem trivial in comparison. “I’m not religious, so my prayers won’t make much of a difference, I fear, but please know she’s in my thoughts, as are you.”

He nodded, blinking rapidly. “Thank you, Cash. That means more than you know.”

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