In Bed with the Ice Queen (The Ice Queen #4)

1. Helena

1

HELENA

H elena Wolfe stood in front of the large window in her office high above downtown Los Angeles. The sun was setting, casting a golden glow over the city, and she watched cars moving like ants on the streets below. Today, she wore a crisp black suit that hugged her figure perfectly, and her dark red bob gleamed under the bright lights of the office.

In the large conference room, her colleagues gathered around a long glass table. Papers were spread out, and everyone looked tense but excited. The team was finally starting to feel more like one she wanted around her and not one her dad built. She looked around, noting the faces of those she still did not trust. Some of them seemed tired and unmotivated, slouching, staring off. She took mental notes as usual.

“Is everyone here?” she called over her shoulder, her voice cool and clear. Helena, as CEO of Wolfe Enterprises, was known for being direct. She liked to think it was because of her sharp mind and even sharper strategies.

“Yes, Helena,” replied Mark, her right-hand man, as he pushed his glasses up his nose. He was eager, always ready for the next challenge. “We’re just waiting for Sarah to connect the calls with the other team.”

Helena nodded and turned back to look at the city. She liked to watch the sun dip below the horizon. It reminded her of how quickly opportunities could disappear. She had her eye on a big prize: a rival company that had been struggling financially. Helena could see the chance to buy them and grow the family empire.

Just then, the door swung open, and Sarah rushed in, holding a tablet. “Sorry I’m late! I was making sure we had all the numbers right.”

“Numbers are everything in this game, Sarah,” Helena said, her tone icy. “Let’s get started.”

All eyes were glued on Helena as she took her seat at the head of the conference table. She scanned the faces of her team and felt a mix of nervousness and determination.

“Here’s the plan,” she began, her brown eyes glinting with focus. “We’re going to offer them an acquisition deal they can’t refuse. This is about more than just numbers. It’s about taking control. Yes, it would be a merger, but with our leverage, we will reap all the benefits and erase their brand from people’s thoughts. Unless they don’t want it to be gone, then we act like they’re a part of us, which they will be.”

Mark leaned forward, folding his hands. “What’s our first offer? We need to strike hard and fast.”

Helena flicked through her papers, revealing charts filled with numbers and arrows pointing to growth. “I want to start with a bid that’s three million below their asking price. They need to know we mean business.”

“Should we mention our competitors?” Sarah asked, glancing down at her notes.

Helena smirked slightly. “Oh, of course. Let them think they have other options, but show them how much better we are. Confidence is key.”

The group nodded in agreement, and Helena continued, “They might try to play hardball with us. Be prepared. They’ll probably throw in a few ridiculous demands.”

Mark chuckled softly. “Like a golden parachute for their CEO?”

“Yes,” Helena replied, smiling for the first time during the meeting.

Mark was often the only person she had a soft spot for to allow moments of silliness, and it helped her maintain her image of being collaborative. The corners of her mouth lifted, but there was still a spark of seriousness in her eyes. “But remember, we are not just buying their problems. We’re buying their potential.”

The phone on the table buzzed loudly, interrupting the moment. Sarah quickly grabbed it. “Sarah from Wolfe Enterprises.” She paused as the person on the other end of the line spoke to her. “Yes, we’re ready to discuss the acquisition.”

Helena leaned back, crossing her arms, and watched closely as the call unfolded. She could tell by Sarah’s eyes that the other team was on edge. After a few tense moments, Sarah nodded and said, “Yes, we’re prepared to make an offer, but first, let’s talk numbers.”

The conversation went back and forth, and Helena could see how nerve-wracking it was for Sarah. Helena had been in those shoes before. She knew the tension of trying to negotiate with another company while knowing at any moment the deal could fall through.

“Are they taking this seriously?” Helena whispered to Mark, who was watching intently.

“I think so,” he replied. “But they might want to squeeze us for more money. They know they’re in a weak position, but they’ll still try their chances.”

Helena tapped a pen against the table, her mind racing. She could almost taste the acquisition. It would give Wolfe Enterprises access to new technology and markets. They needed this. She needed it.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Sarah turned to Helena, her face brightening. “They’re willing to consider our offer! They just want a few days to consult with their board before giving us a final answer.”

Helena’s eyes sparkled. “Good. We’ll make them an irresistible offer, and while they think, we’ll prepare our counteroffer. This is just the first step.”

The team erupted with cheers and smiles, but Helena’s demeanor remained cool. She liked to encourage her team, but she couldn’t let them forget the reality of their situation.

“We’ll celebrate later,” she reminded them. “Right now, we need to work harder. We have a lot to prepare, and nothing is final until the papers are signed.”

As the meeting wrapped up, Helena couldn’t shake the feelings of hope and possibility. She stepped back toward the window, looking out at the city that stretched endlessly before her. In her world, every success was just a stepping stone to the next challenge.

But for Helena Wolfe, a corporate raider as she was known by those in the business, the thrill was in the hunt, and she was just getting started.

“Sarah, Mark, please come with me,” she said, her voice sharp yet inviting.

Helena walked out of the conference room, her dark-red hair bobbed slightly as she walked, her heels clicking against the polished floor. Sarah and Mark exchanged glances before following her.

Once inside her office, Helena turned to face them. “I really believe this acquisition could be a game-changer for us. It’s not just about expanding our portfolio. This time, we’re bringing in real talent from the inside. We’ve been considering businesses for years, but this one feels right.”

Mark nodded, but his brow furrowed. “But what makes this one so different?” He leaned forward slightly in his chair.

Helena smiled at him. She had always loved his curiosity. “Because this isn’t just about numbers and profits. We’re gaining people who can contribute their skills to our company. We won’t just get new assets; we’ll get new ideas and new teams that can rejuvenate our efforts.”

Sarah bit her lip, clearly mulling over the details. “That sounds promising. But have you thought about the legal side? Their corporate lawyer, Sloane Callahan, will need to be on board with this.” Helena felt a familiar mix of annoyance and admiration at the mention of Sloane’s name. The two had clashed before in the courtroom, each woman strong-willed and determined in her own right. “Sloane Callahan is fierce, and I respect her for that,” Helena replied, her voice steady. “But we’ve had our disagreements. She can be a real challenge.”

Mark chuckled softly. “I remember the last meeting with her. You two were like fire and ice!”

“That’s one way to put it,” Helena said, rolling her eyes. “She has an impressive track record. I wouldn’t want to mess with her in a way that would jeopardize the deal, that’s for sure.”

Sarah crossed her arms and leaned back in her chair. “We also have to consider that she’ll do everything she can to protect their interests. It’s her job. Maybe this time, you can find a way to work together instead of butting heads.”

“I know.” Helena sighed. “Sloane is strong and smart. I can’t help but admire her, even when we disagree. But if we can convince her to see the potential in this acquisition, it’ll be worth it.”

Mark tapped his fingers on the table. “We should prepare for that meeting then. Let’s gather all the data to back up our ideas. If we walk in fully prepared, we can show her it’s not just about risk. There’s real opportunity and money here.”

“Exactly,” Helena said, feeling energized again. “We present it as a unique chance to grow together. If we can get Sloane on board, I know we can make this work.”

Helena stood up, her excitement bubbling over. She walked to the large window, looking out at the city skyline as the last rays of sunlight disappeared. “I can almost see the potential right there,” she said, pointing into the distance. “This is about building something great together.”

Sarah chimed in, “I know that we want her on board, but I think we should prepare for all possibilities. What if Sloane has some hidden agenda? She’s not just some corporate lawyer. She’s smart and understands the game.”

Sloane was not just any lawyer. She had built her career on guiding companies through tough negotiations and had a reputation for being fierce in the boardroom. The thought of her joining the opposing side of this deal sent a shiver down Helena’s spine. Would they be able to hold their ground?

“Let’s focus on our advantages,” Helena said, shaking off her uncertainty. “We have experience and a strong position in the market. Sloane might be good at representing them, but we have our strengths too.”

Mark leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. “You’re right, but we also have to acknowledge what she brings to the table. She’ll challenge us.”

Helena nodded, her lips tight in a thin line. She felt the walls of her inherited identity closing in like a vise. Raised by business-savvy parents who seemed to breathe success, she had always been the one in charge. As the oldest of four children, the pressure to be the best had weighed heavily on her shoulders. “You know,” she started, her voice steely, “I didn’t get here by taking things lightly. I know what’s at stake.”

Sarah grinned. “Then let’s use that to our advantage. We know our strengths, so let’s play them. You’re a brilliant strategist, Helena. You can outmaneuver anyone.”

Helena smiled briefly, then her expression turned serious. “We’re going to walk into that meeting prepared. We’ll anticipate Sloane’s moves and make sure we stay one step ahead.”

“Sounds like a plan,” Mark said reluctantly, pulling out a few documents. “But let’s also think about how we’ll manage the dynamics in the room. We need to present a united front.”

Helena’s mind raced, calculating not just the facts but the feelings. She knew being unaware of feelings was how people lost control in the heat of things. “We need them to see us as the leaders in this negotiation, not just competitors.”

“Right,” Sarah added, typing notes on her tablet. “And if we can catch Sloane off guard, then we might just have the upper hand.”

At the mention of catching Sloane off guard, Helena felt conflicted. She had a sense of appreciation for the woman’s talent and poise, knowing how hard she had worked to earn her place in the corporate world, but admiration wouldn't distract her from her mission. And admiration for the way Sloane’s great ass looked in her smart pants and the way her full lips curled enticingly when they argued would not close this deal help her make her dad happy. She needed to push those thoughts away, firmly reminding herself that this was business, and certainly not anything more.

Admiring the opposition was reckless, especially as the new CEO. She had inherited the company, and her father was always there, watching her like a hawk, expecting nothing less than perfection. Being the eldest daughter meant she had always carried that weight on her shoulders.

Helena leaned forward, her brown eyes narrowing. “Remember, we’re here to make a deal. There can be no room for weakness. We show strength and resolve.”

Mark nodded, now more energized. “Got it. We’ll keep our eyes on the prize.”

“Let’s gather the final notes and sharpen our pitch,” Helena instructed. “When Sloane Callahan walks in, I want her to know we mean business.”

Mark nodded, crossing his arms. “Exactly. I can't shake the feeling that she’s going to throw something unexpected at us. She always does.”

Sarah jotted something down on her tablet, glancing between them. “We’ve done our fair share of homework over the years, though, right? She can’t catch us off guard if we know her tactics.”

Helena leaned against the table, gripping its edge. “That’s the thing. I’ve studied her tactics like they’re some kind of secret manual. I can’t stand giving in on some things.” Her voice dropped lower, and she added, “I’ve been CEO for five years, but I still have to prove myself every single day.”

Mark leaned back in his chair, folding his arms. “Helena, nobody thinks that but you. You’ve built this company up from the ground. Your dad might have started it, but you’ve turned it into something else entirely.”

Helena shook her head forcefully, her expression icy. “That’s just it, Mark. I don’t want anyone thinking my success is just because of my dad. If this merger goes south, everyone’s going to ask if I deserve to be here.” Her heart raced as she spoke. The fear of being anything less than the best was a constant in her life.

“Come on, think about it,” Mark pressed. “You’ve worked here since you were sixteen. You know this company better than anyone. You’ve fought for it and earned your spot. You’re not just riding on your dad’s coattails.”

“You’re right, but…” She hesitated. “If things go downhill, all those years of hard work will be questioned. My whole career will be reduced to ‘Oh, she’s just the founder’s daughter.’” She pushed her chair back with a soft scraping sound and stood, pacing a few steps.

“This is your shot, and you’ve prepared for it,” Sarah said. “Callahan might be intimidating, but you’re not some rookie in this game. You’re Helena-freaking-Wolfe.”

Helena came to a stop, her breath catching in her throat. Each word felt like it struck a chord deep inside her, the reminder of who she was pushing against her worries. “I appreciate that. But she knows how to rattle people. I’ve seen her do it. In the courtrooms, she’s like a shark. She’s fast and unyielding. Two sharks in a tank is a recipe for…a fight.”

Mark chuckled lightly. “True. But remember, you’re a Wolfe. You know how to navigate these waters too.”

The team sprang into action, flipping through papers and organizing their materials. The atmosphere was electric with anticipation, but beneath it all, Helena felt that familiar sense of pressure squeeze her chest. As she contemplated their strategy, she couldn't shake the uneasy feeling that no matter how well they prepared, the weight of her inheritance and her father's expectations would always be there. If she ever had a chance to succeed, it would have to be on her own terms.

“Let’s get to work,then,” Sarah said.

Mark grinned. “Yeah! Let’s show Sloane what we can do!”

Helena nodded, filled with a newfound sense of purpose. “Alright, team. Let’s make this happen. We have a lot of preparation to do, but I believe we can turn this into something incredible.”

As she felt the weight of responsibility resting on her shoulders, Helena knew that despite any challenges with Sloane, the promise of a new horizon was more than worth the effort. Together, they were ready to take Wolfe Enterprises to the next level.

She continued barking orders for the rest of the day, feeling an eerie sense of anticipation for the meeting with Sloane. Just as she was about to dive into the latest merger documents, her phone buzzed insistently on the desk. Glancing at the caller ID, she sighed. It was her father: Malcolm Wolfe. As the largest stakeholder, he still held immense power over the company.

"Great," she muttered under her breath, straightening her posture before picking up the phone. "Hello, Dad."

"Helena! Why hasn’t the merger with Thompson Industries been finalized yet?" He sounded more shocked than concerned, but that was typical for him.

Helena's fingers drummed against the polished wood of her desk. She could hear the impatience crackling in his voice, even through the phone. "It’s in the final stages, Dad. Mergers take time." "Time? Time? When I was running the company, I would have had that signed and sealed before you could blink!" Malcolm's voice boomed through the receiver like thunder.

Helena rolled her eyes, feeling a familiar bubble of annoyance rising inside her. "Things are different now, Dad. There’s a lot more to consider with regulations and technology."

"Technology? Please! That is your greatest advantage! Back in my day, success came from hard work and determination. Now you have fancy computers and monitors to assist you in reading every bullet point. No wonder everyone is so unsure about making business decisions. It's all done through screens and acting like robots." His tone was dismissive, as if he was still the king of a kingdom that required no modern rules.

A small vein throbbed in Helena’s temple. "You make it sound like I’m just sitting around texting, Dad. I’m working hard here. You chose me to take over the company for a reason, remember?"

"Of course I remember! You are the eldest, and I trained you the hardest for this," he snapped back. Helena could picture him pacing in his home office, his hands gesturing dramatically. "I expect results, Helena. Don’t make me regret my decision," he continued with the chilling calmness of a looming storm.

A heavy silence hung between them. Helena glanced at the photos on her desk, many of them of her and her siblings smiling at family gatherings, her father wearing a proud look. "You should have more faith in me." She tried to keep her voice steady.

"Faith? I’m looking for results! Do you have any idea what your brother Kaleb is doing over in San Diego? He’s making waves. I won’t have any slackers in my family." His words cut like a knife, leaving her feeling smaller than she liked to admit, and Helena took a deep breath. The news about Kaleb thriving as a strategic assistant made her teeth clench. "I get it, Dad. I do. But you can’t compare what I’m doing with Kaleb. He’s in tech, and this is corporate. They’re two different worlds."

"Different worlds? Maybe. He is still a strategic assistant. At the end of the day, it’s business, Helena." He paused, as if weighing his next words. "If your numbers don’t continue to climb like they did when he left Wolfe Enterprises, I might need to call in better help."

"Help? You mean someone to take my place?" Helena felt the air grow thick, her heart racing. "You can’t be serious."

"I wouldn’t say it if I wasn’t." The finality in his voice pierced through the phone. "I need to see progress, and I need to see it soon."

Helena’s fists clenched tightly. She wanted to unleash a storm of replies, to defend herself, to tell him how hard she was working. But she knew that would only make him more irate. Instead, she forced herself to take a deep breath and exhale slowly.

"I’ll make it happen, Dad. Just give me some time."

"Time. Here we go again. You’re surrounded by this new-fangled technology, and yet you still need time. How quaint." His sarcasm hit her like ice water, but she held her ground.

"It’s not quaint, Dad. It’s smart planning. When it’s ready, I’ll have more than just numbers on a piece of paper for you."

"You better, or I’ll have to rethink who runs this company."

Without another word, he hung up, leaving Helena staring at the screen, the weight of his words sinking deep.

The sunlight now felt too bright, and the reports on her desk seemed to taunt her. She wasn’t just battling spreadsheets and mergers. She was battling her father’s expectations and the pressure of being the one chosen to lead Wolfe Enterprises.