Page 131 of Matchmaking the CEO

"Look, we’re not looking for someone to come and flex their muscles and try to improve profits by firing as many people as possible," I said.

He narrowed his eyes. I knew how CEOs worked whenever they started in a new company. They wanted to prove they had balls, which usually meant cutting what they considered unnecessary costs.

“Our employees are the most valuable asset of Whitley Advertising,” I continued.

"I'll be the judge of that once I take over. I've got great plans for Whitley Advertising. For years, I thought they could do so much more if only they squeezed their resources a bit more."

"Tell us about how you plan to bring in more clients,” Danielle cut in, correctly interpreting my expression.

I was not impressed, and he was clearly the best we could do. He was a reputable CEO from the same industry.

“I'd have to be careful not to step on anyone's toes. I don't want to be sued for a noncompete clause."

"We wouldn't want you to approach any of your existing clients," I said categorically. The last thing I wanted was for Whitley Advertising to be accused of stealing someone else's clients.

He prattled on about client acquisition, but in my mind, I'd already discarded him. He hadn't mentioned the company's legacy at all. My grandfather had built it, and some of those people had worked there for a long time.

Jesus, when I first arrived, I probably sounded just like him.

I interrupted him midsentence.

"These ideas all sound great. Put them in a pitch presentation. I'm afraid I must go."

He jutted his chin forward. "If you're not interested in it, then just tell me face-to-face. I don't want to waste my time with a presentation."

"Fine. I'm not entirely convinced you're a good fit."

"Why the hell not?"

"You seem to forget it's a family company. In fact, it looks like you want to change that.”

“Isn’t that the next step?”

“No, it's not. I think this concludes the interview.”

“Have a great day," he said.

I didn't even wait to talk to Danielle after he logged out and just did the same. She would get the drift.

I closed my laptop, staring at it. I was a hypocrite. I spoke so much about family, and yesterday I'd shit all over it.

I'd been pissed, yes, but Maddox didn't deserve my wrath. He was right—he’d done what he could to protect Natalie.

I got up and paced the room.

Focus on the company.

I couldn't let a stranger be in charge of Whitley Advertising. It was impossible. No one would respect the family's legacy.

For the first time in a long time, I was willing to admit the legacy went far beyond my father. It belonged to my grandparents and to my brothers—and my half brothers as well. Damn it, I had to call Maddox. I’d been too pissed last evening to go back to his office.

I went to the desk again, grabbing my phone and calling him right away. I was surprised he answered. If the roles were reversed, I wouldn't have done so.

"Good morning, Jake." His voice was tepid.

"Morning. I won't keep you long." We both appreciated brevity. "I want to apologize about last night. I said shitty things."

"Yes, you did. I appreciate the call. I was also way out of line. Sorry about that."

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