Page 31 of The CEO Enemy
“Once you’ve sold your shares to me, you continue in your current position,” I explain, “as my employee on a payroll. Job security is a given—in fact, I guarantee that your position as ‘Director of Hotel Operations at Westerlyn Hotels’ is backed. You can maintain your current role and continue to guide the staff and shape the hotel’s future. Empowered by Blackwood capital, your visions can reach unparalleled heights.”
Jess is quiet, slowly oscillating left and right in her chair as she stares at me.
When she doesn’t speak, I add, “You’ll receive a more than fair buyout amount and salary. You’ll be a multimillionaire overnight. Set for life. Immune if the economy goes downhill.”
Even if money isn’t her priority, my offer is opening up a realm of business opportunities while preserving her decision-making power within the hotel. Her commitment to her staff, as she confided in me, will remain the priority.
Declining this opportunity would be outright foolish.
It’s a win-win deal for her.
I take it as a good sign that she hasn’t said no right away or thrown me out of the office—attempted to throw me out. I’d not leave willingly since this is now my office.
We sit in tense silence, although that tension is radiating more from her than it is from me.
My dick twitches in anticipation of her response.
“Quite the interesting proposal,” she finally says, her tone careful and measured. “Even if I entertained your idea and become your employee—what if we don’t get along?” She pauses, then shakes her head decisively, a firm no. “Too risky.”
God dammit.
I was close.
So damn close.
There has to be something she wants. What does a woman like her desire most? What can I offer her that can’t be bought? How do I get Jess Summers to sell, before my competition does?
11
SEAN
When I leave the apartment in the morning, she’s already left for work early. Work has been quite demanding for both of us.
The first thing I do once I leave the apartment is stop by her favorite coffee place for an iced French vanilla with a shot of espresso. I’m aware of how occupied she is, not just with the transition, but also managing a large group looking to stay at Westerlyn for their yearly retreat. She probably won’t have the time to go, considering that she occasionally uses getting coffee as a way to take a breather in the midst of her busy mornings. Maybe the refreshing chill of the cup in her hands will help alleviate some of the frostiness between us.
However, when I arrive at Westerlyn, her office door is closed. Briefly, I halt at Sarah’s desk. Having learned that she prefers green smoothies over hot drinks, I’d ordered one for her too, and she plucks it out of the holder. Everyone deserves a little treat once in a while. With a delighted smile, Sarah informs me that Jess received an unexpected visitor.
“Who?” I ask, marching toward my own office.
“Mr. Rutherford.”
I nearly fumble the coffee holder with the remaining two cups. Turning to face her, I confirm, “Richard Rutherford?”
“Yes.” Sarah nods, taking a sip of her smoothie.
Well, shit.
I walk into my office, setting the coffees down.
The rumors and the information my PA uncovered were spot on. The shark is here to make his offer. To outbid me. To get his grabby hands on my hotel. To steal her shares from under me.
Dammit.
Not gonna happen. Over my dead body.
How much is the bastard willing to pay? He can easily outbid me, but fortunately, it’s not money she’s after. Yet who knows what else he has up his sleeve? My father’s mocking face is already in my mind, taunting me about his warnings to get her to sell as quickly as possible before some savvy investor swoops in.
Richard Rutherford of all people.