3. Helena
3
HELENA
H elena Wolfe sat in the conference room, her sharp gaze focused on her laptop. The office was filled with tension, and a wooden table separated her and her team from Sloane Callahan and the representatives of Thompson Industries. Despite being the CEO of Wolfe Enterprises, Helena felt the pressure of the merger looming over her like a dark cloud. Sloane Callahan looked immaculate in a dark blue pant suit. The cut of it accentuated her long legs and fantastic ass- Helena hadn’t failed to notice that when they walked into the room. Her wavy brown hair was pinned back off her face and her blue eyes were focussed. Helena couldn’t help but admire the way the light picked up the lines of her face and the curve of her lips.
Come on, Helena! Now certainly isn’t the time to be checking out the opposition.
The walls of the room were a deep shade of navy blue, and large windows let in bright sunlight. The room was filled with modern furniture and abstract art that seemed to say, "We mean business." Helena straightened her posture in her chair. She wanted everyone to know she was serious. She brushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear and crossed her arms, waiting for the meeting to start.
Sloane Callahan looked at everyone around the table, scanning the room with confidence. “Alright, everyone. Let’s get started,” she said, her voice steady and commanding. Her presence had a calming effect, even in this tense situation.
“Thanks, Ms. Callahan,” Helena replied, her tone cool and clipped. “Let’s cut to the chase. Thompson Industries needs this merger more than we do, so we’re not going to offer more than we have to.” She leaned forward, a small smirk crossing her face. She knew Wolfe Enterprises was in a strong position, and she didn’t mind showing it.
One of the representatives from Thompson Industries, a man with thinning hair and glasses, cleared his throat. “We understand that, Ms. Wolfe. However, our employees have worked very hard for this company. We need to ensure that their contracts and long-term security are respected during this transition.”
Helena rolled her eyes but quickly caught herself. “We’re open to taking on your employees, but we can’t promise long-term contracts for everyone. We need to keep the company profitable.” Her voice remained steady, making it clear that she meant every word.
Sloane shot a quick glance at Helena, sensing the growing tension in the room. “Perhaps we can find a middle ground,” she suggested. “Thompson Industries provides essential services, and retaining their skilled workforce is crucial for a smooth transition in this merger.”
“Middle ground?” Helena scoffed, leaning back in her chair. “You’re talking about incorporating all sorts of benefits that will weigh us down. We have to look at the bigger picture.” She emphasized her words, hoping to intimidate them into silence.
Another Thompson Industries representative, a woman with dark hair pulled into a tight bun, frowned. “But we have employees who have been with us for years. They deserve some assurance that their hard work and dedication will be recognized.” “Look,” Helena replied, her tone now a bit sharper. “I understand loyalty, but this is business. If we start throwing around guarantees, the numbers just don’t add up. We all want what’s best, but we also have to be realistic.” Her eyes darted from one person to another, anticipating their reactions.
Sloane raised her hand slightly. “Let’s refocus on the proposal. What does Thompson Industries need to stay afloat during this time?” She looked directly at the representatives.
The thinning-haired man spoke again. “If we could negotiate a transitional phase where most employees are kept on for at least a year without losing their current contracts, that could work. We believe that would help our employees trust the new structure.”
Helena pursed her lips, considering their request. “A year?” she echoed, her voice dripping with skepticism. “That’s a long time. You must think we’re made of money. We can give you six months. That’s reasonable.”
The room fell silent, and everyone exchanged glances. Sloane’s brow furrowed.
“Ms. Wolfe,” Sloane interjected gently, “what if we thought about this from a different angle? Building good faith now could pay off later, don’t you think?” Helena waved her hand dismissively. She wouldn’t be swayed by Sloane’s calm voice. “This isn’t about feelings. It’s about facts. We need to protect our company. If Thompson Industries can’t accept what we’re offering, then maybe this merger isn’t as beneficial as we thought.” She stood up, as if preparing to leave. The others exchanged nervous glances, unsure of their next move.
“Please, let’s not act hastily,” Sloane urged. “We can work together to find a solution that makes sense for both sides.”
As the debate unfolded, representatives from both companies began raising their voices, presenting their cases like it was a game of tug-of-war. Helena’s dismissive attitude only heightened the fervor in the room, and tensions reached a boiling point.
After what felt like hours, Sloane stood up suddenly and Helena felt her gaze sweep over the length of Sloane Callahan’s body in her lovely dark blue pantsuit.
“Enough!” Sloane exclaimed, startling everyone. “We’re all here because we want a successful outcome. I suggest we take a break, gather our thoughts, and come back with fresh eyes.”
Helena crossed her arms, frowning but remaining silent, feeling a mix of frustration and admiration for Sloane’s boldness.
As the representatives filed out of the room, Helena exhaled sharply. The negotiation was far from over, but it was clear they needed to refocus. She hoped it would end in a way that favored Wolfe Enterprises. She glanced at Sloane, knowing they had more work to do.
“Do you think we should go over the merger numbers again?” Mark asked. He was always the peacemaker, but Helena just felt irritated.
“For a third time?” Helena snapped, sitting up straighter. “What’s wrong with you two? Haven’t we gone through this already?” She realized her tone was harsher than she intended, but the pressure felt overwhelming.
“Whoa, easy there,” Mark said, raising his hands as if backing away from a wild animal. “We’re just trying to help, Helena.”
Sarah looked down at the documents she held, her face tightening. “Yeah, we just want to make sure everything’s perfect.”
Helena took a deep breath, the reality of her sharp words hitting her. She could feel the heat creeping up her cheeks. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to come off like that.” She ran her fingers through her hair, nervously tapping her nails on the wooden conference table. “Sarah, Mark, you guys are everything to me at this company, and I treat you guys the worst sometimes. I’m sorry. I just had a tough call with my dad. He’s…he’s really putting the pressure on me.”
Mark’s voice softened. “Your dad can be intense. You’re doing a great job, Helena. He doesn’t see everything you’ve accomplished.”
Sarah nodded, adding, “And we’re here with you, every step of the way. You know that, right?”
Helena looked at her two colleagues, the warmth of their support washing over her like a gentle breeze. “I know, I know. I appreciate you both.”
“Just don’t forget to take care of yourself too,” Sarah said. “You can’t pour from an empty cup.”
“I’ll try to remember that.” Helena forced a smile.
Sloane cleared her throat, startling them. They hadn’t realized that she had been standing in the doorframe listening to their conversation. “Ms. Wolfe, I think we all want this merger to go smoothly, and we’re lucky to know what everyone needs for this to work.”
Helena chuckled softly. “You’re right. Teamwork makes the dream work, as they say.”
As the tension began to fade, Helena felt a flicker of pride in her chest. This was her company, her team. They were a family, even if it was a dysfunctional one at times.
Sloane walked across the room, her eyes sparkling as she took her seat across from Helena. Though Sloane was only a few years younger than her, she had a command that made her seem years older. Helena felt frustrated by Sloane Callahan, even though she felt a little calmer for the break, Sloane was beginning to have a bit of an affect on her and she couldn’t afford to be distracted during this.
Once everyone was seated again, Sloane said, “Alright, let’s get back to it. We need to discuss the asking price for Thompson Industries. There’s still a large discrepancy, and we need to bridge that gap.”
Helena leaned forward, her eyebrows furrowing slightly. “I understand that, but we need to consider the long-term benefits here. Wolfe Enterprises can't just meet the asking price without reviewing the potential growth that Thompson brings to the table.”
Sloane nodded, her expression unyielding. “I agree, but I think it’s important to recognize the value of their existing team. You’re planning to take on all their employees, right?”
“Yes, but each employee's contract will need to be negotiated separately,” Helena insisted. “We want to make sure everyone feels valued based on their skills and experience. It’s fair, and it also protects Wolfe Enterprises.”
Sloane crossed her arms and met her with an icy blue glare. “I can see your point, but how would that work for a business that’s trying to merge? It could lead to confusion and distrust among the team."
Helena felt a flutter of something strange in her stomach. Was it tension or attraction? It was tough to tell when they were locked in this intense negotiation, their voices becoming more animated.
“I don’t want to create confusion,” Helena replied, keeping her voice steady. “I want each team member to feel appreciated. It’s part of building a cohesive unit after a merger.”
“You’re right about that,” Sloane conceded, but there was a glimmer of defiance in her gaze. “But time is of the essence. If you take too long deciding on each contract, we may lose key players. Those employees might look for opportunities elsewhere.”
Helena sighed, running a hand through her dark red hair. “Then let’s prioritize the key players now. We can draw up a list and tackle the top ten first, while also providing a framework for the rest.”
Sloane leaned back in her chair, a flicker of interest flashing across her eyes. “That’s a good compromise. It shows you want their team to feel secure, but it accelerates our timeline for the merger.”
“Exactly,” Helena confirmed with a small smile.
There was a spark between them, ignited by the energy of their negotiation. It made Helena’s pulse quicken slightly. Was it excitement from the deal or something more?
“Okay, here’s the plan,” Sloane said, pulling out a notepad and flipping it open. “Let's start with the essentials: salary ranges, benefits, and any special considerations for each of those key players.”
As they negotiated, the conversation ebbed and flowed. They went back and forth, deciding on how the merger could benefit both companies. Even when they seemed at odds, Helena sensed a rhythm in their debate, a dance of ideas. Sloane was formidable, and Helena found herself wanting to rise to the challenge.
“Why don’t we focus on the benefits of the merger for the employees?” Sloane suggested, her voice calm. “If we can show them that with the two companies combined, they’ll have more opportunities and growth, it will make the transition smoother.”
Helena nodded, appreciating this approach. “That’s smart,” she said. “By emphasizing growth, we can ease some fears about job security. We want to present this merger as an opportunity for everyone.”
Sloane's eyes lit up, dual shades of blue reflecting her passion. “Exactly. If we position it right, everyone will see it as a step up rather than a threat.”
They both paused, the air thick with energy. For a moment, it seemed that the world outside the large office room faded away, leaving only the two of them and their agreement. Helena felt a spark, something she couldn’t quite put her finger on. She shifted in her chair, feeling the warmth of their growing connection, even amid the professional contention.
“Okay, let's draft an outline,” Helena suggested, her voice a little more confident. “Once we have that, we can approach the employees and explain the vision for the companies together.”
“Deal. Jake, Mia, bring over the papers please,” Sloane replied, her expression softening. “I think we’re finally getting somewhere. Let's aim to have this all settled as soon as possible.”
Helena couldn’t help but smile wider. The negotiations were tough, but there was something electric in the air with Sloane around. Maybe, just maybe, this merger was easier than she initially thought. It was more than just business that had her so flustered. It felt like the start of something new, a partnership not just in the conference room but perhaps something deeper too. The two teams clarified expectations and wrapped up for the day.
As they shook hands, an unspoken understanding passed between them. Everybody filed out of the room, but Helena took her time.
She knew she had to meet with her lawyer again, and she felt a little anxious about the contracts and payment negotiations. The meeting had gone well, but she knew the business world was full of surprises. She needed everything checked, just to be safe.
Sloane stood up, her tall figure casting a long shadow. She pushed stray strands of hair behind her ears. “Ms. Wolfe, can we have a quick word?” Her voice was smooth, almost playful.
Helena raised an eyebrow, a little wary but curious. “Sure, what’s on your mind?”
Sloane took a step closer, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “I just wanted to say that I hope both parties can hold true to the negotiations we discussed today.” She paused, leaning just a bit closer and added, “You know, it’s important for women like us in this tough business world to stick together.”
Helena blinked, caught off guard by Sloane’s tone. There was something more in her words, something that made the air crackle with tension. And Sloane’s gaze travelled down to Helena’s breasts, pausing for a second, before she looked back to Helena’s eyes and then ran her tongue casually over her upper lip.
What the hell?!
“Um, yes, I agree. Of course it’s important to uphold our agreements,” Helena responded,, a slight frown furrowing her brow. Her mind raced as she processed what Sloane had implied.
Sloane smirked and rested her hands on the edge of the desk, looking confident. “You know, it’s hard being a woman in this field,” she continued, her voice softer now. “Sometimes I think we could do more if we…collaborated in different ways.” Sloane’s eyes dipped over her body once again.
Helena could feel her heart racing, a mix of surprise and irritation washing over her. “Collaborated? In different ways?” she echoed, trying to hide her confusion. “Are you suggesting something?”
Sloane’s smile widened. “Just that we could be more than just business partners, Helena. Don’t you find it refreshing to connect with someone who understands the challenges we face?”
Helena flicked her gaze to the window, trying to catch her breath. She hadn’t expected this kind of conversation. She thought about how confident she was in her boardroom and how she'd built the company from the ground up. But here was Sloane, throwing a curveball into the mix.
“Look, I appreciate the compliment,” Helena said slowly, measuring her words carefully. “But I’m here for one thing: business. I have a lot on my plate, and I prefer to keep my personal life separate.” Her tone was more firm now, a hint of her usual arrogance creeping in.
Sloane tilted her head, unfazed. “Oh, I get it. Business first,” she said, her eyebrows raised playfully. “But what if we could help each other in more ways than just numbers and contracts?”
Helena felt her cheeks warming slightly. “This is a serious deal we’re working on,” she replied, trying to maintain her composure. “Let’s focus on what matters, not…whatever you’re hinting at.”
Sloane stepped back slightly, her expression shifting to one of mock innocence. “Just trying to lighten the mood, Helena. All work and no play…”
“Can make anyone a dull girl,” Helena cut in sharply, folding her arms over her chest. She felt a rush of frustration but also a spark of intrigue at Sloane’s audacity.
Sloane laughed lightly, the sound filling the space between them. “You really are something else, aren’t you? So serious all the time.”
Helena relaxed her shoulders, aware that Sloane was just teasing her. “It’s how I get things done. Besides, we both know this is a cutthroat environment. I don’t have room for distractions. Neither do you.”
“Fair enough,” Sloane said, nodding. “But don’t forget that some connections can lead to amazing partnerships…and results.”
“Are you an expert in amazing results?” Helena asked, raising an eyebrow again, half-smirking at the playful challenge.
Sloane shrugged, a glimmer of determination in her eyes. “I like to think so. Just remember, I’m always here if you need more than just a lawyer.”
With that, Helena rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide the smile forming on her lips. “Alright, let’s keep our eyes on the prize then.”