Page 43 of Takeover
When I glanced over at my brother, he was pinching the bridge of his nose.
"But I think he's right,” I conceded.“Dad is coming for us.But I say, let him come.”
Chapter17
Gwen
If there’d beena way to avoid this conversation and make sure that I didn't have to go through with this, I would have done it.
But the die was cast.I had to talk to my father.
I went to my office to drop off my bags first, and Carrie, my assistant, gave me my messages.I gave her a warm smile and said, "Hey, can you get an all-hands meeting on the books for today?Whatever time is the least harrowing for most people."
"Okay, I'll see what I can do."
"Thanks."
She gave me a nod, and I took the elevator to the top floor to see my father.
His assistant, Teresa, wasn't at her desk, so I let myself in, much to his surprise.
"Gwenyth, what are you doing here?"
"We need to talk, dad."
"I thought I was clear about my expectations Friday night."
"Dad, you can't decree something as insane as this and expect me not to have questions, or thoughts, or problems."
"I can.R&D has been a drain on us.This solves the problem.I don't have to sell off Becks.I don't have to cover up for the company.I just have to parcel you off."
"The point is I have a whole team I need to address.What do I tell them?"
"Tell them the truth.Honestly, Gwenyth, do I have to explain how to run a business to you?"
"As if I would take advice from you.It's your over expansion that got us into this mess.When I came on board four years ago, you swore to me you wouldn't do this.So why?Do you hate me that much?"
"I do not hate you.I'm trying to teach you something, Gwen.The world is not all sunshine and roses.Sometimes you'd have to make tough decisions.If you don't know that by now, then you don't deserve to run your own company.I made the best decision that got me what I needed for my people."
"I'm one of your people, Dad."
"Not entirely.You are part of Pendragon now.And I got the best of both worlds.That's called a compromise.Now, I have a meeting this morning.You're dismissed."
"Absolutely not."
My father's brows popped.I never argued with him."I beg your pardon?"
"Yes, you should beg my pardon.I could make this messy and loud.I could make myself a giant pain in the ass.I do not have to go quietly into the night."
"Didn't you sign off that you would?"
I swallowed hard."Fine.But until Pendragon takes over fully, you still have the little business of running the company and getting us ready for the merger.Payroll sent me frantic emails that we are off their books, but we’re not on Pendragon's yet.So how am I supposed to get anyone paid?"
My father looked me straight in the eye."Well, Gwen, that sounds like your problem, not mine."
Chapter18
Atticus
