EMBERLYNNE
I lean forward,my voice a little shaky but firm. “Look, the offer’s on the table, and it’s more than fair. Your company is struggling, and merging with us is the best move. You’d be securing your employees’ futures and yours,” I counter, not understanding how in the span of a month Robert, has changed his mind about this merger. The deal is solid and everyone will walk away from the table with record profits and benefits that would not only take care of their current employees but also the retirees.
“I appreciate the offer, but my company isn’t just a set of numbers on a balance sheet. We’ve built something unique, and I’m not ready to hand over the reins just because times are tough,” he says, crossing his arms and shaking his head. It was bad enough that this meeting was pushed out a few days this week. I was more than prepared to handle this on Monday, but somehow, the deal has gone sideways and I’m doing damage control while my stomach roils with nausea.
“I understand the attachment, but this isn’t about sentiment—it’s about survival. If you don’t sell now, you might not havea company left to save,” I reason, a little more forceful than I intended.
“You’re assuming we can’t turn this around on our own. We’ve weathered storms before, and I believe we can do it again. Selling out now would be giving up, and that’s not in my nature.” Taking a deep breath, I sigh in frustration, wondering if he would be this unreasonable with Silas. I’m doing my best not to create a situation where I sound like a whiny brat who can’t handle a simple merger that was a slam dunk, but this guy is grinding on my last nerves.
“This isn’t just about you. Think about your employees, your investors. They’re counting on you to make the right decision, not the emotional one,” I explain, not willing to give up just yet.
“The right decision is the one that stays true to our values and vision. We didn’t come this far just to be absorbed into a larger machine. I owe it to everyone who believed in us to fight for what we’ve built,” he interjects.
“Look, Robert, I respect that, but holding on too tight could mean losing everything. This deal could preserve what makes your company special while giving it the resources to thrive.”
“I hear you, but I’m not ready to give up control. We still have fight left in us, and I intend to see this through on our terms. I’m not selling.”
“Alright, I see where you stand. Just know the offer won’t stay on the table forever. I hope, for everyone’s sake, you’re making the right call.”
“I believe I am. Thanks for the offer, but we’ll make it through this our way.”
“Best of luck then. You know where to find us if things change,” I say, rising to shake his offered hand. If my stomach weren’t in knots, I would’ve pushed harder during the meeting, but I’m ready to puke my guts out. As soon as Robert and his lawyers leave the conference room, I barely make it to thetrash can before throwing up. Londyn hurries over, holding my hair back as another wave of nausea hits. I’m almost certain I’m pregnant, but I’ll still take a home test and schedule an appointment with my doctor to confirm.
“Maybe you should head home for the rest of the day, Em,” she suggests, grabbing my water bottle from the table. With her help, I manage to stand and take a few sips, closing my eyes in hopes that the dizziness will pass. “I think I will go home,” I agree, already planning a stop at the store for peppermint tea and crackers. “But before I leave, can you pull the financials for Stephens from two years ago? I want to see if there’s something we can use to bring them back to the table and renegotiate the deal.”
“I’ll get the files together and call your car service to take you home. You shouldn’t drive while you’re still feeling dizzy.”
“Good idea. I’ll probably work from home tomorrow if I’m not feeling better by morning,” I add, heading toward my office.
“Your schedule is clear, so that shouldn’t be a problem. Call me if you need anything,” she offers, grabbing my laptop bag and sweater for me. Londyn has been so accommodating and nurturing since I informed her of my possible pregnancy. My heart aches knowing that my mother won’t experience this with me, she would’ve been an amazing grandmother. There are so many firsts in my life where I desperately needed to hear her wisdom, cry on her shoulders, or simply be in the comfort of her presence.
“Thanks, I will.”
Making my way to the elevator, Londyn falls in step with me, grabbing my satchel.
“Where are you going?” I inquire, already knowing the answer. Her look of concern throughout the meeting told me that she knew I was not feeling well.
“I’ll feel better if I know you made it to the car,” she says, entering the elevator. “I know I don’t have to but your color is off and if you pass out, I’ll kick myself for not escorting you.”
“You really don’t have to do that. I’ll be fine,” I assure her, but she doesn’t look convinced, following me in and pushing the button for the ground floor. Once I’m in the car, I thank Londyn again and settle in for the ride home. Silas is not going to be happy about Robert backing out on this deal while negotiating and I’m pretty sure his board members weren’t aware he would do this. As I lean back against the seat, I imagine a future with a smaller version Silas running around the house with Piper, or playing in the backyard, bringing smiles to our faces.
Feeling my phone vibrate in my purse, I see my husband's name on the screen and let out a deep sigh, realizing just how much I needed to hear his voice. Before picking up the call, I activate the privacy glass.
“Hey, honey. I was hoping you'd call.”
“Hey, baby. Just wanted to check in while I’m between meetings and see how things went.”
“Not good. The merger completely fell through, and I'm just... drained. Robert had a change of heart and thinks our plans will disrupt the vision for his company.”
“Weren't things all set for the deal?”
“You'd think so. But he sprung new conditions on me at the last minute, and there was nothing I could do to sway him. It was a disaster, but I’m sure if you were here, he would’ve signed with no problem. I feel like I've been hit by a truck,” I mumble, feeling bummed that I couldn’t get this done. By no means do I feel like a failure, it’s just that this deal was solid and only needed each of our signatures. It makes no sense.
“I’m sorry, babe. I know you did everything you could. Do you want to talk about it?”
“Not really,” I reply rubbing my temple, feeling a slight headache coming on. “I just need to get home and clear my head. I feel so drained... and honestly, I’m a bit nauseous,” I share, closing my eyes as I realize my slip of the tongue.
“Nauseous? Are you okay? Do you need me to come home?” He asks, sounding worried.
