Page 45 of The Donovan Dynasty

Her last hope was to convince him to take a great big swallow of pride.“You’re not willing to relent, call him, maybe?I could be part of the meeting.Maybe organize a time for him to talk to the board.”

“That’s not how business is done, Lara Marie.”

“What if I set it up?”

He straightened his spine.“I won’t hear of it.”

“This could be an excellent opportunity.”

“It was an insulting offer.He’ll come around.Or another company will.We can start making overtures.”

Which wouldn’t put them in a position of strength.She was torn.Part of her wanted to confess what she’d done.A larger part was distressed over her father’s continual state of denial.His wire inbox was filled with paper and he was wearing a golf shirt and casual pants, his usual Friday attire.“You’re heading out?”

He checked his watch.“Meeting some colleagues.We have a tee time just after lunch.”

“Will you be back this afternoon?”

“No sense.I’ll be most of the way home by then.”

“I have a meeting with the VP of Technology at three-thirty.”

“Good.Bring me a report on Monday.”

“I’d like you to be there.He says he has some interesting ideas to discuss.”

“No doubt I’ll be playing the back nine by then.Should have some good weather for it.”

With a brief nod, she stood.At the doorway, she paused, and looked over her shoulder.“You know, Dad, if you started to work on your exit strategy—”

“I still have years to think about that.”

“You could consider a part-time retirement.Have more time to play golf and spend time at the club.”

“You’ll be CEO soon enough, Lara Marie.”

“That’s not my point, and you know it.I’m far better as the CFO.”

“You’ll inherit eventually.”

“That’s not what this is about,” she said.“I want you around for a long, long time.But we need to be able to make decisions and execute faster.Have the ability to spin off bad divisions.”With an exasperated motion, she tucked strands of hair behind her ears.This wasn’t a new argument.She softened her tone and continued, “We need some new energy.We could consider at least beginning a search for a president.You can remain as CEO.Even chairman of the board.”Intuition warned her that anyone they hired for that position would end up resigning in frustration, unless Pernell was able to release some control.

“Have that report to me by Monday.”

Frustration still simmered, but she knew it would be helped by lunch with her mother.

She went straight from the office to an Italian bistro in a nearby boutique hotel.Service was typically European style with plenty of time to relax.Menu prices were about fifty percent higher than comparable restaurants, but the food was wonderful, and the location was rarely crowded at lunch.It was an excellent place to visit and catch up.

Helene breezed in five minutes late, looking radiant in a yellow, slim-fitting dress and matching heels.She’d obviously been to the beauty salon.Her dark, shoulder-length hair fell in perfectly trimmed layers, and overhead lights seemed to bounce off the golden highlights.Her nails were manicured and her face glowed.Maybe she’d had both a salon and spa morning.

“Hello, darling,” Helene said.

Lara stood, and her mother kissed both of her cheeks.

“You’re looking well,” Helene said.

She didn’t, and she knew it.Since she’d run into Connor two nights ago, she hadn’t slept enough, and she knew it had taken a toll.“You look positively radiant, Mother.”

“Divorce made me what I am today.Happily single.”