Page 32 of Matchmaking the Rival

Nah, I knew what she was doing. She was baiting me so I wouldn't be tempted to search for another job.Damn it. This is so frustrating.All I wanted was a good salary so I could afford my rent and also help my parents with theirs. I didn't need this kind of insecurity.

"Look, Meredith, if the sale is successful, I can vouch for you so the buyer keeps you as head of marketing. You're a valuable person. I can't imagine that they wouldn't find a place for you in the company. Especially if the buyer ends up being Cade Whitley. I'm sure he wouldn't leave you without employment." She winked at me.

Oh. My. God.The boss who I thought I got along with so well, the boss who I thought confided in me wholeheartedly was giving me a line ofbullshit.

"I don't take handouts," I replied instantly.

"And I admire you for that. Just stick with me through this competition."

I swallowed hard. "I will, of course, because I was promoted to do this job well and I don’t do anything half-assed."

Chapter Eight

Cade

“What do you mean, why?” My grandmother had called, wanting to stop by my office. “I don't need a reason to visit my grandson at his workplace.”

The corners of my mouth twitched as I sat back in my chair, spinning it around. I had an impressive view of Boston from my office; in my opinion, it was the best in the entire city.

I couldn't remember the last time my grandmother stopped by without having a reason. She'd been here a few months ago, asking my advice about how to convince Jake to take over Whitley Advertising.

I wondered what she was up to now. I was going to find out soon enough. I always made time for my grandmother. She didn't leave the house much, so whenever she ventured out, I was all for it. This time, however, I sensed I might be walking into a trap.

“Look, I have a meeting that will start in ten minutes. It shouldn't take longer than two hours, and then we can go for lunch.”

“Perfect,” Grandmother exclaimed. “I'll come early and shop around a bit. I miss milling around Boylston Street. There's just something about that building that draws me. Back when your grandfather was still managing Whitley Industries, I was always looking for an excuse to visit him when he was there.”

“I don't blame you. It's a great location. See you later, Grandmother. I need to prep for the meeting.”

“See you later, Grandson. Say hi to Meredith for me.”

Bingo!I sensed that had something to do with her visit. I’d let it slip that Meredith was coming by today. I wasn’t even sure I wanted to know what was going on in my grandmother’s mind.

After hanging up, I spun my chair back, looking at the presentation my assistant had printed. Meredith and Sonya’s chief financial officer, Arthur, sent it yesterday evening. I’d reviewed it once, but I wanted to look it over again with fresh eyes. It was one of the best pitches I'd seen in a while. Then again, I didn't expect anything less of Meredith. She did everything to perfection.

Sonya had niche products. Their business primarily catered to connoisseurs. A few years ago, I would've dismissed even entertaining buying a company like this. Back then, I needed something that appealed to the masses. But the coffee market had changed since then, and now, acquiring a high-quality brand such as this had its benefits. Customers typically wanted to at least try a fancier, more sophisticated brands. From that perspective, Sonya’s Blends would complement our product range.

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