“Indeed, that is what the agenda says.” Danica gestured to a stack of manila folders in front of her. Abby began passing them around.
“Have a seat, Father.” Danica gestured to an empty chair toward the front of the table. “This won’t take long.”
“Have you lost your mind?” Russell hissed, standing a few feet away from his daughter. Alicia could still hear him. “We need to get the projected returns out of the way. Half of these men are convinced we’re in the red after you announced that hospitality pet project of yours!”
“First of all,” Danica said, “it is not a pet project. It is an important endeavor my wife and I are undertaking.” She gestured more vigorously to the empty chair. “Second of all, I’m going to take this disagreeable attitude of yours as stemming from a business deal gone wrong this morning.” Danica straightened her back. “Am I correct, Father? Something didn’t go your way this morning… did it?”
Russell spun around and sat his ass down. His glare was reserved solely for Alicia. “Let’s get on with it!”
“My pleasure.” Danica drew in a deep breath. Her stature grew twice as large, her shoulders almost blocking Alicia’s view of the long, filled table.That’s my wife.Look at her. So damn regal. Alicia couldn’t help but copy her smirk. This would be her favorite part.
This was why they got married so quickly.
This was why they were in such a hurry to have children.
This moment was why they had put off their fanciful dreams of a lovely wedding and a relaxing honeymoon. Why they couldn’t enjoy their time getting to know one another, even if they were already sure that marriage and a life together was what they wanted. Why Alicia hadn’t talked to Candice or her family for days, weeks. There was no time. Her mind was too full of her other obligations.
This was it. It all came down to what Danica Moreau said next.
“As of six this morning, my wife and I now own the majority shares of this company. I don’t have to tell you what this means.”
The table was silent. Then…
“What?”
“Are you kidding me?”
“Since when did this happen?”
“Explain, Russell!”
The patriarch was as pale and wallowing in disbelief as his friends. Alicia had to contain another smirk.Be professional. Just like greeting an ornery crowd at Blue Bird.
Ms. Clayborn clicked on the projector. Alicia’s portfolio was projected for all to see. Sure enough, the latest shares from Mrs. Warner had come through, showing that Alicia Marie Moreau now owned over 20% of Moreau Industries. Combined with her wife’s 32%?
Could anyone say…controlling interest?
“This is illegal!” someone shouted.
“Is it?” Danica’s droll voice almost knocked that shareholder senseless. “How is it any different from when my father and I controlled this company with our combined shares?”
“Danica.” Russell stood, his face so red that he looked like a ripe tomato. “What the fuck are you doing?”
She shrugged in her suit. “What you always trained me to do, Father. Lead this company to bigger and better things.”
“When I’m dead!”
Alicia couldn’t help but snort at that.Too bad you won’t die sooner.
“How the hell is bringing in that whore leading this company to bigger and better things!” Russell’s spittle hit his daughter before his finger pointed in Alicia’s direction. “What have you done, Danica?What have you done?”
Both Danica and Alicia remained unfazed.
“This is a hostile takeover!”
Danica dropped a folder onto the table. “It’s not hostile unless you refuse to give up control. Face it, Father, your time is up. You did an admirable job running the company, but now it’s time to change direction for the future. Don’t worry. I fully intend to do what’s best for the company. The first step is getting your hands off it.”
“Out!” Russell flung a wild arm to his side, almost hitting the man sitting next to him. “Everyone out!”
