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“Storms is going to prove that the company is weaker than ever due to the merger. He’ll claim that the merger will cause the stock prices to drop and make me look incompetent for pushing for it without thinking of the repercussions.”
“He’ll blame your decision on emotions and say you acted without thinking about what’s best for the company. Then he will push for the board to vote you out and also disapprove of the merger proposal,” I chirp in as Joe’s plan finally sinks in.
Tears shimmer in my eyes as I think of what this means for Ethan. His grandfather has been CEO of Hart Holdings since its inception, and having the company be run by someone outside of the family will be a big insult and disappointment to him.
“Joe will need a vote to make this happen. We can still win this, Ethan.” I toss all caution to the wind and place a hand on him. “If it’s too dangerous, we can forget about the merger. I can’t let you lose your seat because of me. Besides, you already paid for the settlement. Don’t worry, I promise to return that investment to you.”
“This has nothing to do with you, Nelly.” He stops me and frames both my cheeks. “Storms’ intention is to humiliate and take everything from me. It has nothing to do with you. This isn’t his first time trying, and it won’t be his last.”
“But—”
“No buts. Keep your chin high and stay in control. Don’t let him rile you up, and I won’t let him do the same to me. He’ll call for avote to stop me from being CEO and end the merger, but we will figure out a way to stop that from happening.”
“The remaining board members will have to vote unanimously in either of our favor. I believe my chances of winning their vote are higher.
Storms is a major rival of ours, so I doubt they will trust him. I, on the other hand, have received extensive training from Grandpops himself and have been a part of this company for years.”
“What if he tries to pull strings and get it done the wrong way? What if he resorts to bribing or buying out more shareholders?”
“Let me worry about that, okay?” he replies, and I nod. Ethan leans down and gently touches his lips to mine like it’s a habit. I stiffen, and he pulls away, realizing what he’s done.
Ethan drops his hands, spares me one last torn look, then marches out of his office.
The entire meeting goes as expected, and the date of the vote is scheduled.
Joe winks at me as he leaves the boardroom, and everyone else follows him, including the Brenes. Alone with Ethan now, I walk over to him and place a hand on his shoulder.
“I’ll do anything you need me to do, Ethan. Anything to help you keep your rightful seat in the company.”
When he looks up at me, his brown eyes seem darker. “He’s trying to take everything from me, just like he did years ago.”
My pulse quickens as I realize he’s finally going to tell me the story between him and Joe.
Ethan swallows hard and walks out without another word. I’m left trying to piece together what his words mean, and my worrisome thoughts eat at me for the rest of the evening.
It’s late that night when he finally gets home, and he walks into the kitchen to grab a bottle of water. Ethan’s shirt is slightly undone at the top, and one glimpse of his muscles has me shivering.
His eyes land on mine after he finishes with the bottle of water.
“I’ve been waiting for you,” I whisper before going to him. Ethan doesn’t pull away when I wrap my arms around his neck and hug him close. It’s the only way I know to offer him comfort. No questions asked. That didn’t matter now.
He made this sacrifice for me, and I would do anything to back him up.
“I caught Julia and Joe kissing in a restaurant a few weeks after we got engaged. Joe and I were friends, and he knew I was in love with Julia, yet he still betrayed me, anyway.”
“I’m so sorry.” My arms stay tight around his body, and I smooth my right hand down his back, caressing and stroking until he sighs and leans deeper into me. “We’ll find a way to beat Joe, no matter what. We’ll do it together.”
When he lifts his head to look at me, he nods. “Thank you, Nelly.”
“No, thank you,” I counter. “You saved my company even when you didn’t have to. You paid off my settlement, took care of everything … I’m forever in your debt, Ethan. I don’t know how I’ll ever repay you, but I can help with this, at least.”
There’s no way I’ll ever stop being grateful to him, either. Ethan has to know that.
I rub my chin, then wave a hand towards the documents I spent most of my evening reading through. “I think the one person who can help us right now is George Brene. He’s the third largest shareholder but has a strong footing as co-founder of Hart Holdings. Your grandfather might be able to reach out to him, or you could too, since he’s a friend …”
“George Brene isn’t going to help me in any way, even if it’s a favor to my grandfather.”
“But you said they were friends?”