Chapter 25 #2
I had to push that aside, including the ever-present feelings and longing for Cole. His mind had been preoccupied as well. That much Jagger had told me. While Cole hadn’t been nasty to him, both keeping their distance for different reasons, the games they’d won hadn’t been without difficulties.
Including another fight Cole had been responsible for. I couldn’t take any additional time tweaking my plan or he might self-destruct his career. The plan just had to work.
Plus, the pressure was hot and heavy on the shifter families from North Bend to sign on the dotted line, giving away everything they’d worked so hard to achieve. The deadline was this afternoon and it was now or never.
“Are you ready, Ms. Black?” Jeffrey Stockton was well respected in the field of corporate law. He’d called in an assist from a colleague who’d also provided expertise in another matter, one that I was using against my father in a very creative way.
Now I had to see if he took me seriously. If not, I was prepared to go through with my… promises. I’d learned you never made threats in situations of hostile takeovers. You simply made a promise the other party couldn’t refuse.
“Let me handle the beginning of the conversation. You can take it from there.”
Jeffrey stopped me just prior to entering my father’s office. Consolidated Technologies had the entire top floor, a couple hundred employees at this location alone. But he had others spread out throughout the world.
I’d never wanted to be the rich kid’s daughter.
Until discussing options with Mr. Stockton, I hadn’t realized I’d been negotiating aspects of business with my father my entire life.
I’d simply insisted on living my life my way, which meant without certain funds.
I’d been fine with that. Now I had plans on taking another direction.
Why not? After all, I was rich.
“Just remember to keep your cool,” he advised.
I smiled, using the very expression my mother had taught me a long time ago.
One that screamed to never letting your opponent see you sweat.
“Don’t worry, Mr. Stockton. With your help, the ball is decidedly in my court.
It’s time for my father to realize I’m not his little girl any longer and he can’t manipulate me.
I’m just giving him what he’s always wanted. A very strong businesswoman.”
He laughed. “I like your style, Ms. Black. I really do. Let’s do this.”
As soon as we walked in, Margie, my father’s long-time receptionist, was on her feet. “Chelsea. I don’t think your father was expecting you.”
“He wasn’t. Don’t worry. We won’t be long. And I know my way.” Of course my father would know of our arrival before we made it down the first hallway, but there was still an element of surprise.
The suit Samantha had helped me purchase was something I would never have chosen for myself. I’d tried so hard to stay away from the corporate mentality that until yesterday, I hadn’t owned one. Or proper heels, as she’d called them.
Now I did, the sharp red accentuating the color of my hair, which Samantha had helped style along with being my makeup artist since it was something else I sucked at.
While I wasn’t carrying a briefcase, I didn’t need to since I had my attorney with his and all the important documentation, including the evidence of my father’s corruption.
Perhaps it wasn’t enough to stand up in a court of law, but it was damning to the point his reputation might be ruined.
That could be enough. I had to risk everything on the gamble, but there really was no other choice.
Whatever Samantha had said to Jeffrey in convincing him to work with me without a dollar provided as retainer was incredible. I prayed to God it worked out as I’d hoped or who knew, my attorney might sue me.
Only when I reached my father’s door did I feel a little queasy. Until Cole’s face popped into my mind and I was reminded why I was doing this.
In a nod toward the happy family, I winked at Mr. Stockton before opening the door and strutting inside. Yes, I could even strut in my heels, which was a feat.
My father was just lowering his phone from talking with Margie. He tried to plaster the same smile I’d perfected on his face until he noticed the man walking in behind me.
“Chelsea. I wasn’t expecting you. I have a meeting in fifteen minutes.”
“Don’t worry, Dad. This won’t take very long.”
“Alright. What’s this about? Why don’t you start by introducing your friend.”
I turned my head toward my attorney, who was already reaching into his pocket while placing his briefcase on the floor.
“Jeffrey Stockton, attorney at law. Nice to meet you, Mr. Black. I’m Chelsea’s attorney.
” While my father shook hands with the man, even collecting his business card, he barely glanced at what was written on it, instead keeping his eyes on me.
I could tell I had him unnerved.
I sat down in the chair opposite, pretending as if I was quite comfortable in my skin when I was prepared to jump out of it at this point. It took a minute for my father to sit, which prompted Mr. Stockton to finally take a chair.
“Since you have little time and I have a life to enjoy, I’ll make this as easy for you as possible.
My birthday is in two months. At that time, I will be eligible to receive one hundred percent of my trust fund.
I will need that earlier. In fact, within the next seventy-two hours.
I already have a bank account number where you can transfer the funds. That’s my first request.”
While I was still shaking, no one would know it. Plus, I was starting to enjoy myself.