Page 33 of Matchmaking the Rival

Today was just an introductory meeting with Arthur. If we decided to move forward, I would include my own CFO in future conversations. Their initial asking price seemed too high, but my CFO would tell me with certainty if that was just a hunch, and if we should negotiate. I had one strict rule in business: I always paid for the value of the product. But I refused to overpay, no matter how much I wanted something.

A couple minutes later, John poked his head in. “They're here.”

“Thanks.”

“Are you going to the large conference room?”

“No. Bring them in here, please.” My office was big enough, with two chairs on the opposite side of my desk. The conference room was too large and formal for this type of meeting. It was only the three of us, and I preferred the more intimate setting of my office for a smaller group.

The door opened, and Meredith walked in. She wore a dark orange suit with a huge belt around her middle. I'd never seen anyone wear something like it in a business meeting, but Meredith rocked it. She didn't just look sexy—she looked downright delicious. It made me want to slowly peel off each layer, watching her every reaction while I explored her. Her blonde hair was bound in a ponytail, showing off her beautiful face.

“Meredith,” I said, and she flashed me a smile before pressing her lips together, pointing at the man next to her. I hadn't even looked at him, too transfixed by her. She captivated me every time we were in the same room.

This had to stop. I had to keep it professional, at least while Arthur was cockblocking me.

“It’s great to meet you, Arthur. Cade Whitley.”

“Honored to meet you, too, Cade. I've read a lot about the company—even more so now.” His smile was forced, and I surmised that he didn't agree with his boss about the sale. Then again, the existing management team rarely looked forward to a merger or an acquisition, mostly because they were concerned they could lose their jobs.

“We'll talk here in the office. Take a seat. Would either of you like anything to drink? Coffee, water? We already have water bottles here, but I can bring in a bottle of sparkling water if you’d prefer.”

Arthur's eyes widened. “You're the first CEO I’ve met who actually asks that himself.”

“I'll take it as a compliment.”

Arthur looked away. I barely stifled a laugh, and so did Meredith.

Maybe Arthur preferred old-school owners who barked out commands and considered everyone their personal servants.

“We don't need anything, but thank you just the same. I can go with you through the presentation if you want,” Meredith said.

“Sure. Let's get started. First of all, I'm surprised Sonya didn't come. I got the impression she wanted to be at the meeting.”

Arthur straightened up, arranging his tie. Definitely an old-school type of guy. “Yes, she said we should probably talk numbers first. As chief financial officer of the company, Sonya thought it was best I handle this portion of the sale.”

I tapped a finger on my chin, measuring him. “Even so, that's no way to start a negotiation, Arthur.”

Meredith visibly winced. I didn't want this to be uncomfortable for her, but I was nobody's fool. And Sonya’s absence made me think she wasn’t serious about this.

“She needs to know that you’re okay with the ballpark number, at least,” Arthur added.

I was getting annoyed now. For a company that appeared eager to sell, this was an odd way to go about it.

"Let's start by reviewing the presentation," Meredith interjected.

"No, no. Let's set something clear right now, Arthur." I put both forearms on the desk. "I like the brand's unique selling proposition. I like the blends. The sales numbers are good, but my instinct tells me that your asking price is at least 20 percent too high."

Arthur opened his mouth. I fixed him with my stare. He closed it again. Good. I wasn't done. "Now, I don't make decisions based on my gut feeling. So if the interest is mutual and we want to move forward, I’d have my own CFO double-check everything and run a company valuation. I sincerely hope Sonya doesn't expect me to make a decision based on her asking price. If that's the case, you're welcome to leave right now." I pointed to the door.

Arthur turned white. He glanced at Meredith and then back at me. Clearly he hadn't expected this reaction. And that bothered me. He apparently thought I didn't know how to run a business. Why? Because I was nice, and I'd offered him water? Asshole.

"There's no need to be hasty," Meredith said, trying to level the tension building in the room.

Arthur nodded. “Sonya is open to future conversations, of course."

"Can we start?" Meredith interjected, her eyes now fiery. She was pissed off at her associate too. I suspected Sonya thought she might get away with a higher asking price because Meredith and I had a backstory. She was in for a surprise. I'd never willingly go into a bad deal, not even for Meredith, and she would never want that either.

She walked me through the first part of the presentation. Arthur took over once we reached the numbers.

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