Page 11 of Insufferable Boss

And as usual, she didn’t disappoint me with her comeback.

“What do you mean?”

I stared at her as I wondered whether to go down this line in our relationship. This was the moment where we would set the tone and given all that I wanted to accomplish through her cooperation, I ultimately decided against it. I wasn’t here to pick around, and neither was she.

“Irrelevant,” I said and sat up. “So, Miss Mercer,” I called. “Do you mind if we casually speak through dinner, or would you prefer that we wait till we’re done eating?”

“Speak through dinner,” she said. “I have somewhere else to be as soon as our meal is concluded.”

This was a surprise to me, but I guess it made sense now as to why she was dressed this way.

“Alright,” I said.

“As a compliment, we’’ve provided you with round-the-clock services in everything from a chauffeur to an assistant and personal shopper and so on. Just say the word, and it will be done.”

“Yeah,” she replied, sounding unimpressed. “They’ve already told me all of this earlier. Let’s get to the business at hand.”

I was somewhat offended by her curt tone, but she was right, so I just went straight to the point like she wanted.

“Have you considered our offer of ten million?” I asked.

“I have,” she replied. “But as you mentioned, there’s more to the agreement that we need to talk about, and I, of course, have many questions.”

“Please go ahead,” I said, and she picked up her glass of water for a sip.

Just before she began, however, the waiter brought the wine that we had ordered, and we got started with that.

“So first of all, I find it hard to believe that the other owners are okay with this. I mean, I am aware that I do hold equal equity in the company but still…”

“‘This is correct,” I replied, and she continued.

“So, what is their stance on me not only receiving this payout but also working in the capacity of head of the purchased scent brand? What exactly will change and what will not?”

Sharp and astute, just as expected.

“Well,” I replied, “my goal is to align our interests, which I am certain was the intention of our fathers when they divided the assets equally between the four of us.”

“Okay, so what do you require of me?” she asked.

“Well, for starters, I would like you to start contributing to the operations of the company in the capacity of part-owner.”

She didn’t seem surprised by this request but given who she was and the progress she had made so far with her own business, I didn’t expect her to be. She remained attentive and nodded, somewhat amused because none of this came as a surprise.

“I’m assuming that your willingness to consider this is why you made the trip over?” I asked, and she nodded.

“Yes.”

“Alright. I understand you mentioning earlier over the phone that you couldn’t serve two masters at the same time and that you chose to serve one, which is your company. But if you do accept this purchase offer, we will all be under the same roof, so I hope that you can participate then. Is this an assurance that we can explicitly receive your cooperation?”

Her response was straightforward.

“No,” she said. “I am seriously considering the acquisition, but only if I am put in full managerial control of my company.”

I stared at her. “So this means that you still hold no interest in participating in the major decisions of the company.”

“No, I do not,” she replied. “They’re bound to be extremely severe, especially since it affects so many people’s lives, so I’d like to stay out of it and focus on what I know how to do well.”

I watched her and then took up the baton to convince her.

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