Chapter 5 5

"What if we increased our offer?" I proposed. "Would you then be inclined to participate in major decisions?"

"Ah," she remarked. "So, this is a form of bribery?"

I found it amusing. "Even if it is, there's no denying it would be greatly beneficial for you. There's absolutely no drawback."

"Except for my time and focus on things I genuinely want to pursue," she pointed out.

"Fair point," I conceded. "But acquiring your company would make it a subsidiary of ours, meaning what benefits us would benefit you as well."

"True, but you've managed the company exceptionally well, and the last thing I want is to interfere."

I nodded in agreement.

"I understand, but the challenge is that others now have equal rights to interfere. Hence, the need for some form of order."

She studied me, prompting me to continue.

"Do you have a price, then, that might make you consider interference? I've asked you to sell your rights to me, but you haven't shown interest. Additionally, your father's will stipulates that any sale is only eligible after the rights are fully vested in two years and after two years of work within the company. By then, I hope you'll have a more favorable response."

"True," she acknowledged, and I nodded.

"However, I have a question for you."

"Go ahead," I urged.

"Is it accurate that the bylaws dictate no major decision can be made without unanimous agreement from all owners?"

"Certainly," I affirmed.

"Am I to believe that no major decisions have been made because my input hasn't been explicitly needed? You've all done well without me so far, and I haven't raised any objections."

"You're right; you haven't. But, Miss Volkov," I stated, working to keep my temper in check. "We're no longer in unanimous agreement, as I had hoped. The specific issue at hand now is major, and we've been unable to reach a consensus, unlike in the past. If we don't exert some control, it's likely to get even more challenging in the future."

"What exactly are you talking about?" she inquired, and I dispelled any ambiguity.

"Dividends. The others are pushing for an increase in the annual percentage payout, and I cannot allow it."

"Why?" she asked.

"Well, they made the same request a few months ago, and I reluctantly agreed to it to move on to more pressing matters. But with the last two quarters performing well and annual payouts approaching, they seek another increase. I cannot permit it again. However, I'm outnumbered by two others, my sister, and your brother. That's why I need you on my side for this fight, as it's a dangerous habit that shouldn't be encouraged."

"Hm," she pondered. "Even if I were to join you, it would result in a tie, so it doesn't exactly resolve the issue, does it?"

"No, but having you on my side is a crucial first step. And given your influence, it might be all we need. I believe two of us can be quite formidable."

She took a moment to consider this, staring at me throughout.

"Buying my company would inevitably look like you're purchasing my vote," she pointed out.

"I'm not concerned about appearances," I asserted. "I just need this matter resolved so I can focus on running the company, which both of them are hindering significantly. You're not particularly close with your brother, are you?"

"No," she replied. "Especially not since our father passed away."

"It's evident," I remarked.

The waiter brought our food, and we commenced eating. Throughout the meal, I observed her silently, refraining from interrupting. Midway through, she set down her fork and responded.

"You don't have to acquire my company," she asserted.

I laid down my fork, uncertain about the direction of the conversation.

"What do you mean?" I inquired.

"You don't have to buy it, but in return, if I join operations and the board, then I want the company to diversify into a new industry."

I smiled, a bit surprised by this additional request.

"What sector?" I asked, and she responded.

"Fragrances," she stated.

"Fragrances?" I questioned. "Isn't that similar to your current involvement?"

"No," she clarified. "Mine focuses on perfumes, released in small collections. I aim to expand into mainstream fragrances for the market, incorporating them into makeup and home products. Diamond Minealready holds a significant market share in the home goods industry, and I want to leverage that. To achieve this, I need the company's backing and market reach," she explained.

I considered her proposal for a moment before nodding.

"It's something we'll consider."

"You should," she urged. "In return, you'll have my contribution and support."

"To clarify, what would you need for this new proposed division?" I asked.

"Everything," she replied. "Support for existing scent lines and assistance in expansion. This includes a new or additional office space, staff, research labs – the works. This support will be guaranteed for the next five years as we establish ourselves."

"And if it fails?" I inquired, and she smiled.

"It won't. If it does, it does. That's business, and that's why I'm not selling my company for ten million dollars. It's a substantial sum you'd be saving Standard Rock. Instead, support us and provide funding."

Leaning back, I took a sip of my wine while she resumed eating.

"I have a question for you," I said, and she nodded.

"Go ahead."

"You initially showed no interest in the company when the equity stake was assigned. Why the change of mind now?"

"Well, you've been persistent, haven't you?" she remarked, but I wasn't going to dismiss the matter lightly, as it had been a source of frustration for me.

She sighed and continued.

"Firstly, my father passed away. I was heartbroken, and it took me a while to recover. The equity stake in his billion-dollar company wasn't my top priority. The company was running well under your management, so why involve myself? Additionally, we can only transfer or sell the rights after two years of contributing to the company. I had my own business, busy and familiar, and my father had never supported my path. He always disapproved, despite my success."

"So, I didn't want to worsen my grief by pondering unnecessary matters. I wasn't trying to conquer the world, so the equity could wait until I saw how it benefited me. Now that I see its potential, here I am."

"Hm," I nodded, relating to her explanation. We finished dinner, mostly silent and contemplative, and then the plates were cleared. I picked up the agreement I had brought.

"With your new conditions, I need to head back, discuss with the other equity holders, and reach a consensus before revising this."

"Sure," she said. "You know where to find me, but how long will this take?"

"We'll call a meeting first thing tomorrow morning. Since you're in town for this purpose, I extend an invitation for you to participate in the meeting to help us resolve this."

She sighed, and I almost smiled, understanding the unspoken sentiments in that expression.

"Sure," she agreed, offering a smile at the corners of her lips.

"What salary package would be appropriate for you?" I inquired, and she seemed surprised.

"I'll still be receiving a salary?"

"Certainly, you would need to. If you're transferring your company to become a subsidiary of ours, then, of course, you're relinquishing control over its financial matters."

"True. But just to clarify, I will retain a percentage of it. I'm only transferring a portion."

"Ah," I acknowledged. "A crucial point almost overlooked. So, what percentage would you like to retain?"

"The majority, naturally. I propose 60-40."

I stared at her, and she smiled.

"Too low? Alright, let's go with 65-35."

I burst into laughter, the sound echoing across the room. Surprisingly, I found our conversation more enjoyable than expected, prompting me to wonder what other aspects of her personality I might appreciate. My gaze drifted down to her nipples once again, noticing them starting to harden. What a pleasure it was to observe her.

"I'll consider all suggestions and present them tomorrow. How does 10 am sound?"

"I'll be there," she replied, and I nodded.