‘Okay, then we’ll obviously review the incorporation and constitutional documents and pull together details of the intellectual property and any other assets. There’ll be some questions it’ll be easier to ask of the seller, such as?—’
‘Full due diligence won’t be necessary.’ Mr Ryans cuts me off again. ‘Find out what you can and tell me what needs to be done from a legal point of view. There’s a very pressing timescale on this.’
‘I completely take that on board, Mr Ryans, but for the protection of you and Eclectic Technologies, I think?—’
‘Miss Heath, I’ll have my people look into any matters that concern me. All I need you to do is deal with the logistics from a legal perspective. Understood?’
‘She’s got it,’ Jack bites.
‘Of course,’ I say shyly, under attack from all angles. ‘There’ll be requirements on Sea People’s part as the seller to make sure the sale is carried out legitimately. I’ll pull together all the information I have access to and I’ll start drafting documentation for Jack to review.’
There’s silence on the line and I wonder what’s happening in the Eclectic Technologies’ boardroom.
‘Thank you, Miss Heath,’ Williams eventually says. The line goes silent again.
‘Miss Heath?’ Perhaps he thinks I could have left the room owing to their unnecessary and frankly rather rude time delay.
‘Yes?’ My voice has lost all conviction.
‘We’d be grateful if you would carry out as much work as possible on this. Mr Jones, please supervise where necessary but for reason of… ah… costs, we would like Miss Heath to complete the majority of the work.’
‘Of course,’ Jack and I chorus in harmony.
‘Miss Heath. Mr Jones.’
The line falls dead and I watch Jack, waiting for his backlash, but it doesn’t come and I guess he’s thinking we’ll take any crap they throw at us because the money is good. My working on the deal might not help his target-related bonus but as a partner, he’ll still take a share of the profit.
I despondently trail back to my desk and slump into my chair. Something doesn’t feel right. Mr Ryans seems to resent or even distrust the company he’s looking to acquire, yet he isn’t interested in due diligence. I shrug. Who am I to complain; I’ve just been handed potentially one of the biggest opportunities of my junior career.
My call app rings through my laptop and I lunge for my mouse to answer, not knowing how long I’ve been lost in thought.
‘Miss Heath.’
I start to babble as quickly as I can. ‘I’m terribly sorry for—’ but true to form, Mr Controlling cuts me short.
‘Miss Heath, I only called to…’ he pauses and clears his throat, ‘…to ask that you forward all documentation to myself and Williams in the first instance.’
‘Yes, of course. And, Mr Ryans, please forgive me for assuming our scope of work. I was following the usual protocol. I’m more than happy to indulge the sensitivity and intricacies of this deal and will be sure to do the best job possible for you and Eclectic Technologies.’
‘I know that, Miss Heath. It was a pleasure to meet you this morning. I look forward to working with you.’
‘I look forward to working with you too,’ I say sincerely for some unfathomable reason. This devastatingly attractive man, whom I’ve known for less than twelve hours, has already shown me numerous sides to his personality. ‘Oh, and Mr Ryans, please call me Scarlett.’
‘Scarlett,’ he repeats. His voice is baritone yet smooth, his mild South African accent intriguing and exotic. I let the sound of him saying my name replay in my mind.
To: Heath, Scarlett
From: Ryans, Gregory
Sent: Tuesday 7 Oct 2025 17.36
Subject: Future correspondence
Scarlett,
Thank you for your time today. I have discussed our call very briefly with Williams and Lawrence and we believe we may move forwards in a more productive and efficient manner if you collate the information you obtain and bring it in person to the office, in order for us to discuss it together.
Regards,
