Chapter 11

Tanner didn’t waste any time getting to the heart of the matter. “Going public might seem appealing, but it goes against the very ethos we’ve built at Integral Elements Inc. We’ve always prided ourselves on the quality of our products, yet the costs of an IPO are astronomical.”

For the company, hitting the stock market could mean a surge in funding and the chance to scale up operations significantly. For the shareholders of Integral Elements Inc., it meant a swift cash-out opportunity.

But there was a downside, a heavy one. Going public would mean being held hostage to short-term gains. Cutting corners on quality to meet quarterly targets was a compromise Tanner couldn’t stomach.

“Mr. Tanner,” Brielle started, her voice steady and convincing, ‘a company’s purpose is to create jobs and innovate, right? If we end up preoccupied with repaying corporate debts, we’ll lose focus on maintaining our standards. You have the helm now, but with Dorsey International’s offer, you could take the company public under our wing, all the while retaining your control. Dorsey International is ready to invest heavily in R&D, without forcing a relocation from your hometown.”

The prospect of retaining control was tantalizing. Other firms might have dangled fatter checks, but none could offer the reins.

Tanner eyed Brielle, aware that he mustn’t seem too keen, lest he lose the upper hand. “Ms. Brielle, if I have Dorsey International’s bid on my desk by nine tomorrow morning, we can talk turkey.” After all, Brielle’s words were just that-words-until they were inked on paper.

Brielle exhaled a sigh of relief. To Dorsey International, Integral Elements Inc. was a mere morsel, and control was a small price to pay for a potentially lucrative acquisition. Now, the real hurdle was the bid document. Tanner’s interest was piqued, and a prompt submission would all but seal the deal.

“Don’t worry, Mr. Tanner. I’ll pull out all the stops.”

The negotiation had been amicable enough. Rubbing her tired eyes, Brielle booked an evening flight back to the city. When Brielle arrived at the company, there were still many people working overtime in the department. Colleagues surrounded Lucinda, showering her with congratulations.

Lucinda was basking in the glow of her apparent triumph. When she caught sight of Brielle, her eyebrows lifted with smug satisfaction.

Brielle’s face remained impassive. She had gone to Integral Elements Inc., despite Spencer’s call, not wanting to waste the prospectus she’d labored over for nights on end.

16.05 She had also set a trap. Tanner’s willingness to consider a partnership with Dorsey International had been swayed by the seventy-five-page document. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have given her the time of day. His concern was for the thousands of employees, not names or profits; he wanted a gesture of sincerity. If Lucinda thought she could take her place, a rude awakening awaited her at tomorrow’s meeting.

Ten minutes later, Lucinda approached Brielle’s desk, barely concealing her triumph.

“Send me those files on Integral Elements Inc., will you? Mr. Spencer has handed me the bid. I’ll be the one talking to them tomorrow.”

“I’ve no files.”

Lucinda’s face paled, her chest heaving with indignation. “What do you mean?”

Brielle’s gaze slid away as she chuckled lightly. The data is mine-gathered through my own efforts in the field. It doesn’t belong to the company.”

Lucinda’s ambitions were no longer hidden. “Brielle, don’t blame me for speaking the truth. You’re just too petty, no wonder Mr. Spencer doesn’t like you.”

With Spencer’s backing, Lucinda felt untouchable. “Hand over the files, or don’t bother coming in tomorrow.”

Brielle paused briefly, reflecting on her contributions. Discarded like yesterday’s news, she, felt a tightness in her chest at the thought. “It’s not just tomorrow. I won’t be coming back at all. Tell Spencer, without me, the acquisition of Integral Elements Inc. won’t go through.” Lucinda scoffed. “As if we need you. The deal will go smoother without.”

Brielle had no desire to waste any more time in this office. The trap was set, and by morning, Tanner would find the flaws. As she imagined the so-called elite scrambling, a surge of satisfaction washed over her. Did Spencer really think she had no other options beyond Dorsey International? He had no idea that his rise at Dorsey International was largely thanks to her tireless efforts.

Meanwhile, Spencer kept glancing at his phone, expecting an apology from Brielle by nightfall.

Offending him meant having to answer to the Haywood family.

With a snort, he twirled his phone in his hand. If Brielle admitted her mistake and promised to stop pestering Lillian, he might just forgive her. After all, Brielle was competent, no doubt about that.