In his mid-sixties and extremely wealthy, along with being drop-dead gorgeous for a silver fox, he isn’t in it for the money. He believes in the company and our dreams for the future. Mainly he’s driven by the dreams of his children. His oldest, Bennett, is in the Air Force with hopes of entering the space programsomeday.
“Based on the initial test data, the work of the design team, and the report on my desk, I’d say that I’m fairly confident the engine will work as planned without an issue.” Returning to my spot at the head of the table, I pray I won’t have to eat mywords.
Ms. Kirby, the member with a legal background who always seems to worry about the legalities more than our legal department, pipes in before I can put it to a vote. “So, by doing the test, we’re announcing to the world the new project. Has Interstellar taken the necessary steps to patent the invention and keep as much detail from leaking into the wrong hands? We want to maximize the potential growth for Interstellar and their stockholders, along with protecting the future assets of thecompany.”
I want to growl as a warning for her to back off. The entire company has been working on the project in some form, and we did everything possible. “Yes, Ms. Kirby, we have taken the necessary steps, including patenting the technology.” There is no time to waste and more business to discuss, which will hit on Ms. Kirby’s second part of the question. “Let’s vote. All infavor.”
One by one, I count the raised hands around the table even though everyone has theirs in the air. A unanimous decision is exactly what I had expected when I called the meetingyesterday.
“It’s unanimous. The final step in testing will be scheduled. I’ll send a memo when we have a date for members toattend.”
Before I can continue, Mr. Grayson starts to push back from the table. “Thank you.” He stands, and all members start to followsuit.
“We have one other item todiscuss.”
Mr. Grayson turns toward me, his eyebrows turned inward when his eyes meetmine.
“This morning something came to my attention.” The twelve sets of eyes around the table are glued to me. I clear my throat, looking above them for a moment. The room becomes silent, almostdeafening.
In all the board meetings, I’d presided over, never had I introduced something not on the original agenda. “Cozza International purchased a minority stake in Interstellar this morning. As you all know, Cozza is our main competitor. Based on this information, I’m expecting an announcement soon about their plan to take over Interstellar. I feel that by their purchasing the stake in the company, it’s in our best interest to speed up the engine testing to help boost the price of the stock and stave off any further stock grabs byCozza.”
“How can this be?” Mr. Grayson slams his fist down on the conference table, acting out in a way I’d neverexpected.
The murmurs of excitement from earlier now change to panic. “Ladies and gentlemen of the board,” I call out, trying to gain control of the room, but I keep my voice even. “We need to work together, along with the executive team, to find a way to stop Cozza from taking possession of Interstellar. I find it unsettling that their takeover attempt falls on the heels of our newest breakthrough, but we must forge on and do everything in our power to stop them. We need to make sure they are not able to purchase any more stock in Interstellar and do everything in our power to stop theiradvances.”
“How?” Ms. Edwards asks while nervously stroking herneck.
“There has to be a way to stop them. If you’re approached by anyone from Cozza, it’s imperative that you don’t speak with them and under no circumstances sell them your shares. They need to purchase a majority stake in the company in order to complete their takeover. The legal team, in conjunction with other executives, will be formulating a plan to halt them in their tracks and put the takeover tobed.”
“Forte has stooped to a new low,” Mr. Grayson says through gritted teeth, the wrinkles around his eyes growing deeper. “Cozza tried this years ago and was unsuccessful. I’m sure they’ll be stopped this time, too.” Even though he speaks the words, I don’t feel the conviction in hisvoice.
I grip the back of my chair and dig my fingernails into the soft leather. “I’ll keep everyone updated on our progress, and we’ll be working around the clock to find asolution.”
Tad stands and rubs the back of his neck. “Do we know who the moleis?”
“We don’t,” I inform the group, even though the list has grown shorter as the meeting went on. There’s too much money to be made for them to sell out Interstellar and share our secrets with the competition. That only leaves a member of the design team as the sellout. “It doesn’t matter. All that matters now is that we stopthem.”
“Exactly,” Josh states, finally adding to the conversation and coming to stand at my side. “Rest assured this is our firstpriority.”
I lean into his space. “Finally,” I whisper without moving mylips.
He keeps his eyes pinned to the board members. “I’ll always have your back,” he whispers back tome.
“Let’s adjourn so that we may get started on finding a solution as soon as possible,” I announce, walking away from Josh and heading toward the door to shake the board members’ hands as theyexit.
“Let me know if I can be of help,” Ms. Edwards says with a small smile before strutting down the hallway in her knee-high Louboutin boots and skintight blackskirt.
“Bradley.” Tad stops in front of me, catching my attention. “When you find the mole, you cut him off at the knees. We’re too close to something amazing and world-changing to allow the credit to go toCozza.”
“Agreed.” I stare into hiseyes.
He couldn’t be theone.
He’s too money hungry and knows what the invention would mean for his bottomline.
“I’ll do what’s necessary, Tad.” I smile and hold my breath until he walksout.
“Lauren.” Mr. Grayson shakes my hand. “You have my entire legal team at your service. I’ve been with Interstellar too long to allow Cozza to take the credit for all your hard work. We’re too close to something that will revolutionize the entireindustry.”
