Chapter 35 Nikki
Everyone turns to me as I stand there anxiously, watching as they look at me with concerning eyes.
“Nicole…” I look over from Bronson, giving him a simple nod as he narrows his eyes at me. I don’t know what I’m doing, I’m thinking on my feet about things I know nothing about, but I need to do this, I need to show Bronson that I am worth him giving me this possibility.
Even if it’s all just a rouse.
“The Statue of George Washington is the first thing I noticed when coming to your office today sir. If I may, I wanted to ask you why you chose to set up your company in the middle of the University District, as opposed to the Financial District?”
I’m waiting on Mr. Blodgehorn to scoff at my questions and continue to throw us out, to flat out ignore my interference and speak silently with his assistant. Instead, I’m surprised when he blows out a breath, sits and speaks.
“My son.” He begins, clearing his throat. “My son passed away two years ago. He was a student at the local University. He always believed in helping those that needed it. I just wanted to make him proud.”
My shoulders sag and I sit at the same time Bronson does. “The company helps students that need financial assistance doesn’t it?”
He nods his head, looking sheepishly at us. I knew there was something pulling at his heart strings. The thief in me would normally find some hidden agenda to play at, then when he is least expecting it, strike. Instead, I just want to help him.
“Mr. Blodgehorn, Mr. Fortworth isn’t a cruel man. He isn’t some tycoon mogul. He wants to help, just like you did.”
“I doubt that Miss Myers.” He looks at me then over at Bronson with a glare that could kill.
“Then test him Mr. Blodgehorn.” Once again, the room quiets and everyone’s eyes come back to me.
“How do you mean?”
“Let one of the offices remain here, the location is perfect because there is no competition around us, but the main company is still owned by Fortworth Inc. You could even keep your name, just have us as a partner company.”
“And what would be in it for you?” He asks, looking less and less defensive. I don’t look over at Bronson, I don’t want to see his face of anger or disappointment.
“You can have eighty percent of the first year.”
I hear a loud scoff and glance my eyes towards the assistant perched directly behind Blodgehorn. She shakes her head like something is amusing, most likely shocked at my poor negotiation skills. I peer right over from her to Bronson who actually looks amused with me.
Okay…. not exactly the emotion I thought he would be portraying.
“Eighty percent? You think I’m some fool? Your company won’t make anything and furthermore– “
“I wasn’t done sir.” I state, cutting him off abruptly. “You’re right, the first year we won’t make anything, in fact, it wouldn’t even be worth going into business with you over. But, like Mr. Forthworth indicated with you before, your company is failing, and this is the help financially that you will need to continue to keep this building alive and in your son’s name. The second year, and every year after, will be a seventy thirty split.”
“You can’t be serious. You want us to simply surrender to a measly thirty percent.”
“The earnings you will have within the first year will be more than you need to help out not only your employees that don’t wish to transition but will keep the foundation you started alive. We won’t change anything, we will keep your son’s name alive, without the media knowing how you came into your sudden fortune.”
Roger thinks long and hard on this new arrangement. After several moments and few quick glances at Bronson, hoping he isn’t thinking of ways to blow me up on the flight back home, I watch as Roger nods his head towards his assistant and say the words I’m sure Bronson was waiting to hear since coming out to Seattle.
“We will draw up the papers Mr. Fortworth and have them sent over to your office first thing tomorrow morning.” He then turns me to me as I am internally giving myself a fist pump. “I was going to say no Miss Myers, I hated succumbing to a new company and hurting my ego, but you have taught me that I do not have to see it that way, and I thank you.”
My gaze wavers over to Bronson, and instead of seeing anger, I’m elated when I see the look of pride.
I did it.
I actually did something worthwhile.
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