Page 72 of See You Maybe
If Chris or his colleagues were surprised to see so many employees lining the walls, they didn’t let it show. This was a big day for Armstrong, and several people had asked to be there to witness the transfer.
“It’s lovely to see you again, Olivia.” Chris smiled.
“You as well. I’m glad we could come to an agreement so easily.”
Olivia took a seat next to Kyle at the end and scooted her chair slightly to the right so that she wouldn’t risk brushing his arm.
Kyle was right about one thing. Not being forced to interact with him anymore was a definite perk of this deal.
She could finally, fully, move on. The weight on her chest eased.
The lawyers went through the terms one last time, and the standard mutual congratulations and symbolic back-slapping ensued.
“Olivia is owed the lion’s share of the credit for where we are,” Richard spoke up surprising her. “It was her vision and determination that brought XEROS into reality. We wouldn’t all be sitting in this room together if it weren’t for her. She will be an asset to Bloom Communications.”
Olivia’s heart swelled, and to her embarrassment, her eyes stung. Richard hadn’t mentioned anyone else on the team individually. It was the closest she’d ever come to a paternal figure essentially saying they were proud of her.
Chris nodded. “Absolutely. I’m looking forward to working…” He paused and something flit in his eyes. “Very closely with Olivia.”
Nerves started in her stomach. On the surface, his words were appropriate, and his expression was bland—so why were her alarms going off?
Olivia shook herself. She was being paranoid. Not every man had a hidden personality.
Kyle scowled. “Great. If we’re all done telling Livvy what a precious unicorn she is—can we make it official? I’ve got a date with my dream car.”
Chris reached for the pen laid by the side of his folder but dropped it when the conference doors flew open, hitting the walls with a bang.
“What the fuck?” Kyle yelped.
“This meeting is over.” Declan, looking far too handsome, stood in the doorway, his impeccably-tailored suit accentuating his broad shoulders. She swallowed as a dark smile appeared, making him look exactly like the dangerous predator he was.
Declan’s announcement had been for the room, but his eyes were only on Chris, who had stood abruptly at the interruption, his chair shooting backward.
“It’s over, Declan. I won. There is no need for theatrics.”
Olivia was paralyzed as the energy in the room shifted. The hostility between the men was so tangible she could imagine them pulling out broad swords and going to battle right there.
Declan took two long strides past Chris, completely dismissing him. The look of rage on Chris’s face was frightening. Melissa, flanked by two large men, stood in the doorway wringing her hands,.
“I’m sorry, Olivia. They wouldn’t listen. I told them you were in an important meeting…”
“It’s all right, Melissa.”
“Mr. Bloom this is hardly?—”
“My apologies.” Declan cut Richard off in a tone that made it obvious he wasn’t sorry. “This meeting is over.”
He turned a wintry smile to the Bloom Communications lawyers. “Lawrence, Paul. Armstrong Electronics is no longer for sale.”
The men looked nervously between Declan and Chris, who stood, nostrils flared, chest heaving beneath his suit, looking as if he was going to attack at any second.
“Mr. Bloom… Declan… I understand the implication this has for you… but we have a deal in place. The majority shareholders have approved the terms?—”
“Incorrect, Paul.” Declan turned a wolfish smile on the man. “The majority shareholder of Armstrong Electronics is not interested in selling. Frankly…” His voice was full of silky threat, and the man visibly shrank. “I’m disappointed you didn’t do a better job vetting the key stakeholders.”
“What are you talking about? Of course, we want to sell!” Kyle shouted, but Stuart’s brow wrinkled, and with a sick pit in her stomach, Olivia knew what was coming.
“It’s too late.” Chris took a step toward Declan, his hands curled into fists at his side. “I beat you. I know it’s hard for you to accept since you’ve been handed everything your entire life but I’ve been ahead of you for every move. You lose.” He came within inches of Declan, his eyes blazing with open hatred.