Master of his heart

Chapter 11
Tanner didn’t waste any time getting to the heart of the matter. “Going public
might seem appealing, but it goes against the very ethos we've built at Integral
Elements Inc. We've always prided ourselves on the quality of our products, yet
the costs of an IPO are astronomical.”
For the company, hitting the stock market could mean a surge in funding and the
chance to scale up operations significantly. For the shareholders of Integral
Elements Inc., it meant a swift cash-out opportunity.
But there was a downside, a heavy one. Going public would mean being held
hostage to short-term gains. Cutting corners on quality to meet quarterly targets
was a compromise Tanner couldn't stomach.
“Mr. Tanner,” Brielle started, her voice steady and convincing, “a company’s
purpose is to create jobs and innovate, right? If we end up preoccupied with
repaying corporate debts, we'll lose focus on maintaining our standards. You
have the helm now, but with Dorsey International's offer, you could take the
company public under our wing, all the while retaining your control. Dorsey
International is ready to invest heavily in R&D, without forcing a relocation from
your hometown.”
The prospect of retaining control was tantalizing. Other firms might have dangled
fatter checks, but none could offer the reins.
Tanner eyed Brielle, aware that he mustn't seem too keen, lest he lose the upper
hand. “Ms. Brielle, if I have Dorsey International's bid on my desk by nine
tomorrow morning, we can talk turkey.” After all, Brielle’s words were just that-
words-until they were inked on paper.
Brielle exhaled a sigh of relief. To Dorsey International, Integral Elements Inc.
was a mere morsel, and control was a small price to pay for a potentially lucrative
acquisition. Now, the real hurdle was the bid document. Tanner's interest was
piqued, and a prompt submission would all but seal the deal.
“Don't worry, Mr. Tanner. I'll pull out all the stops.”
The negotiation had been amicable enough. Rubbing her tired eyes, Brielle
booked an evening flight back to the city. When Brielle arrived at the company,
there were still many people working overtime in the department. Colleagues
surrounded Lucinda, showering her with congratulations.
Lucinda was basking in the glow of her apparent triumph. When she caught sight
of Brielle, her eyebrows lifted with smug satisfaction.
Brielle’s face remained impassive. She had gone to Integral Elements Inc.,
despite Spencer's call, not wanting to waste the prospectus she’d labored over
for nights on end.
12
16.05
Chapter 11
She had also set a trap. Tanner's willingness to consider a partnership with
Dorsey International had been swayed by the seventy-five-page document.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have given her the time of day. His concern was for the
thousands of employees, not names or profits; he wanted a gesture of sincerity. If
Lucinda thought she could take her place, a rude awakening awaited her at
tomorrow's meeting.
Ten minutes later, Lucinda approached Brielle’s desk, barely concealing her
triumph.
“Send me those files on Integral Elements Inc., will you? Mr. Spencer has
handed me the bid. I'll be the one talking to them tomorrow.”
“I've no files.”
Lucinda’s face paled, her chest heaving with indignation. “What do you mean?”
Brielle’s gaze slid away as she chuckled lightly. The data is mine-gathered
through my own efforts in the field. It doesn’t belong to the company.”
Lucinda’s ambitions were no longer hidden. “Brielle, don’t blame me for speaking
the truth. You're just too petty, no wonder Mr. Spencer doesn't like you.”
With Spencer's backing, Lucinda felt untouchable. “Hand over the files, or don’t
bother coming in tomorrow.”
Visit bignovels.com to read full content.
Brielle paused briefly, reflecting on
her contributions. Discarded like
’
yesterday's news, she, felt a om
Rae her chestat fhe Thought.
« : )
I fot just tomorrow. I won't be
coming back at all. Tell Spencer,
without me, the acquisition of
)
Integral Elements Inc. won't go
” : “ .
through.” Lucinda scoffed. “As if we
need you. The deal will go smoother
WN
without.” Visit bignovels.com to
read the latest chapter of this novel
Visit bignovels.com to read full content.
Brielle had no desire to waste any
more time in this office. The trap was
set, and by morning, Tanner would
find the Jie imigifed ire’
Hlcaliddi ite scrambling, a surge of
satisfaction washed over her. Did
Spencer really think she had no other
options beyond Dorsey International?
He had no idea that his rise at Dorsey
International was largely thanks to
her tireless efforts. Visit
bignovels.com to read the latest
chapter of this novel
Meanwhile, Spencer kept glancing at his phone, expecting an apology from
Brielle by nightfall. Offending him meant having to answer to the Haywood family.
Visit bignovels.com to read full content.
With a snort, he twirled his phone in
his hand. If Brielle admitted he m
—~
mistake, and, Aromised 0'stp
IER Lillian, he might just forgive
her. After all, Brielle was competent,
no doubt about that. Visit
bignovels.com to read the latest
chapter of this novel