Total pages in book: 113
Estimated words: 107660 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 538(@200wpm)___ 431(@250wpm)___ 359(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 107660 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 538(@200wpm)___ 431(@250wpm)___ 359(@300wpm)
“What?” she gasped. “Six percent of QMG is an astronomical amount to raise in less than five years. And if the company’s profits increase as they are projected to, it will be even more. How am I supposed to keep up with that?”
I hoped she couldn’t. In fact, the main reason I agreed to the stipulations was because I was banking on her not being able to. That and the allure of venturing into a different kind of business. I’d acquired all kinds of companies over the years, but never music. I looked at it as more of a fun purchase over my usual investments. Also, the projected income she ranted about held amazing appeal. Even at forty-seven percent.
“If you want this company as much as you say you do, then you will find a way,” Hank explained without remorse.
If anything, Aspen’s face became more glacial—a frozen sculpture of rage. Her mouth didn’t move, but I saw the sparks and glares behind her eyes. Her mind worked overtime and a part of me wondered if maybe I might have underestimated my opponent.
I mentally laughed. More than likely, she was pissed because she had to actually work for something.
“The contract prevents Lucian from selling his shares within the first seven years. If he chooses to do so after that, then Aspen will have the first priority to purchase them,” Hank finished explaining. “I will become the chairperson of the board. Dennis’s decision to retire from the position offered me the opportunity to take this step.”
Aspen muttered something that sounded a lot like stupid Dennis, but Hank continued before I could call her on it.
“The CEO position will remain vacant until the remaining six percent is purchased.”
“And then I will become CEO?” Aspen asked.
“If you choose that as the role you want, then you will have to be approved by the board. But there won’t be anyone to contest you. The decision will come down to if you’re ready to run the company.”
“I will be,” she promised with her chin raised.
“In the interim, we will create a Chief Operating Officer position and start interviewing candidates within and outside of the company immediately,” Hank said.
“What about James?” Aspen asked. “He’s the vice president.”
“James has a fourth kid on the way and doesn’t want to commit to such a time-consuming role.”
Once upon a time, I’d been like James—or I’d wanted to be like him. I’d dreamed of a life with a wife and a house full of kids. Now, after the harsh realities of life, I only dreamed of being in the office as much as I could.
“Understandable,” Aspen agreed. “When is the baby due? I want to make sure I send Sara a gift, and maybe we can get a food train started for them after the baby arrives.”
“I believe three months, but I’ll check with James,” Hank said. He smiled like a proud father—probably surprised that his daughter knew or cared about his vice president’s wife.
Or maybe you’re wrong, a voice whispered. Maybe you’re allowing past experiences to color your image of her.
In the end, it didn’t matter what I thought because I didn’t care. She believed she had a right to this company because her name was on the building, and she stood in the way of increasing my profits. So, she could know everyone and their wife, but business was business, and I fought my way to the top. I wouldn’t let a spoiled little girl like her change that now.
“I’d like to start interviews next week if that works for you, Hank.”
“You?” Aspen sneered.
“Yes,” I beamed. “It’s in the contract your father tried to go over with you to prepare you for this meeting. Due to my investments in the company, we agreed I should join him in the process of hiring who will be acting as the lead.”
“But—”
Hank cleared his throat to halt Aspen’s argument. He hesitated, glancing between me and his daughter. “Actually, I was thinking Aspen could take my place and help with the interviews.”
“What?” she exclaimed.
My jaw clenched, biting back the same shock. The last thing I wanted was to spend however long it took with her fighting me every step of the way.
Although…
Another part of me liked the idea of taking that time to push every button she had. My length twitched behind my zipper, wondering how far I could push before she snapped. It more than twitched when I imagined the eruption when she did.
“That sounds great,” I agreed, pulling her shocked gaze to me.
“Fantastic,” Hank cheered, ignoring Aspen’s opposition. “I’ll have Tanya put together a companywide email notifying everyone of the changes. No doubt, many of our qualified employees will be applying.”
“And I can speak to my contacts to expand our search,” I offered.
“What contacts do you have?” Aspen asked. “The last company you bought was a tech company specializing in cell phones—nothing to do with the music industry.”