"If the terms are finalized this week, Friday's meeting simply becomes a confirmation of the board's position. It removes the burden of initiating the decision from Seamus personally."
Robert studies Graham for a long moment.
"We're doing him a favor."
"That's one way of putting it."
"And the other?"
Graham meets her gaze calmly.
"The company cannot appear indecisive."
No one speaks for several seconds.
Graham knows this silence. He simply waits, hands still folded, expression neutral, as though the outcome is already inevitable.
Finally Chen says, "What exactly are you proposing?"
Malcolm taps the tablet again.
"Our current offer remains competitive," he says. "But not decisive."
Another slide appears.
Robert lets out a low whistle.
"I suggest we triple it," Graham says.
"That's excessive," Robert says.
"It's definitive," Malcolm replies.
Chen leans forward.
"Tripling the offer forces the owner's hand."
"And neutralizes the historical designation effort," Malcolm says. "Once the property transfers, the application becomes irrelevant."
Graham folds his hands again.
"We can announce the revised offer publicly tomorrow."
Robert blinks.
"Before Friday?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
Graham answers that one himself.
"Because it demonstrates momentum," he says. "And it prevents any narrative that the company is hesitating."
Or that leadership is divided. Or that a CEO's personal life is creating operational uncertainty.
He doesn't say those parts aloud. He doesn't need to.
