Page 122 of Rival Hearts
“Let’s talk about this. What made you decide you want to leave us?”
“I don’t need to tell you what the proposed eco-line does for me. Or rather,doesn’tdo.”
“No, you made your point very clear,” I said. “But you did get the memo that I’ve canceled the line, didn’t you? There is no reason to pull out. We’re on the same page, as we always were, and—”
“I just think it’s time,” Sasha said, interrupting me. “You know me, I’m always chasing the next good investment, prioritizing short-term returns, and I just feel that our tenure is coming to an end.”
The feeling of dread intensified.
“I’m very sorry to hear that. Is there nothing I can do to change your mind? I believe we have a lot of values that are still aligned.”
“I don’t think there is anything you can do, no. Your eco-friendly line suggestion made me reevaluate our business relationship, and I came to the conclusion that it’s better we move forward separately.”
I pressed my fingers against my temple, where a headache started to throb.
“Alright, we’ll just have to get the paperwork in order if that’s what you truly want.”
“It is.”
Shit.
I ended the call, staying friendly, staying professional. Screaming and shouting and telling her she was dropping me in the shit wasn’t going to help—it would just make her feel like her choice was justified, and that wasn’t my style.
I made a note for Marina to send her the relevant paperwork and picked up the phone again to dial Henry O’Connell. I hoped this conversation would be more positive than what I’d just had with Sasha. I needed a fucking silver lining right about now.
“Ah, Alex,” Henry said, picking up on the second ring. “I was hoping to hear from you.”
“I got to your call as soon as I could, Henry. How are things?”
“They’re good,” Henry said. “Business is booming, and that always makes a man smile.”
I relaxed a little. At least this sounded more positive.
“That’s the truth,” I agreed.
“Let’s talk about the future of your company,” Henry said.
“Absolutely. We’re still set to release Chris’s new mega yacht at the annual yacht show in Monaco this September, and it’s going to be a banger. I look forward to seeing you there.”
“Ah, yes. The mega yacht. That’s a good one, it has everything that will wow the public and more.”
“The tech is what will really get them going,” I said. Was I kissing ass a bit? Yeah, for sure. But I needed to keep Henry buttered up and happy.
“What about that eco-line you were talking about? What’s happening there?”
“I’ve decided against it. I’m sure you got the memo.”
“Yes, I did,” Henry said. “Any particular reason?”
“Your needs as a part of our team are important to me. I heard you out and took your concerns under advisement. I decided it’s better if we continue the way we’re going. Why change a winning plan, right?”
“Right, right,” Henry said, but his voice trailed off, and he didn’t sound as invested as he had before. That feeling of dread settled in my gut again.
“What’s up, Henry? What’s on your mind?”
“I’m getting older, and my time on Earth is limited. I know it sounds dramatic but I have to think about exactly what I want to do and where I want to be at this age, and I’m starting to wonder if all this work is really worth it.”
“Your work is exceptional. There’s nothing out there like it, which is why we’re so excited about you being here in total.”
