Page 123 of Rival Hearts
“Yes, yes… I just don’t know if I want to keep doing this for much longer.”
“That’s completely understandable,” I said. Everyone had to retire at some point, right?
“After you suggested that eco-line, I just realized that we’re not of the same school of thought. Maybe it’s a generational thing, who knows? But the facts are that I want other things from life—and from business—than you do.”
“That’s what makes the business so fruitful,” I said, trying to keep him engaged. I got the feeling he was trying to pull out, and I couldn’t afford that. Not after losing Sasha, who would take a substantial sum of money away from the table.
“Yes, yes, you’re right. But I need to start thinking about the future, about the returns on my investments that will not only help me in my old age but help my family, too.”
“I don’t understand.” Surely, being involved in Blackwood Inc. wouldn’t mean that Henry couldn’t take care of himself or hisfamily, even if he wasn’t so directly involved in the process as he was now.
“I just think it’s time to put up my feet and stop stressing about work. It’s nothing personal, but your speech about the eco-line made me realize how different we really are and how important it is that our visions align to be successful. I don’t think it aligns anymore.”
God, this was a total cluster fuck.
“Is there anything I can do to persuade you?” I regretted more and more bringing the eco-line concept up at all.
“I’m afraid not. Time waits for no man, and that’s really what’s chasing me. I hope you’ll see that.”
I wasn’t sure I ever would, but there wasn’t much I could do about it.
“I’ll have Marina send you the relevant paperwork.” It was becoming harder to stay professional, to stay polite, and not get upset that this was the second investor in a row to pull out.
“It’s been a great run, Alex. I know I’ll miss the company and being a part of the process very much.”
You don’t have to if you don’t ditch me, I thought, but I didn’t say it out loud. Instead, I politely ended the call.
When the phone rang a moment after I hung up, I squeezed my eyes shut. I couldn’t deal with more drama and bullshit right now, and if this was another investor…
“Yeah?”
“Chris on the line for you,” Marina said.
It was just my brother calling from the factory.
I picked up the phone and dialed the right extension.
“You have no idea how happy I am it’s you on the line,” I said.
“You’re welcome,” Chris said with a grin. “What’s up?”
“Sasha and Henry just withdrew.”
“What!” Chris cried out.
“Yeah, they’re both taking their money with them and damn it, we’re royally fucked. This is a big loss, and it’s happening all in one go, and I don’t know how we’re going to get through this.” I was angry, shocked, panicked, and Chris was getting it all now that he’d called me so soon after I’d received the news.
I hadn’t had time to process and put on my mask again.
“It’s going to be fine,” Chris said. “We’ll figure it out.”
“What if we don’t?” I took a deep breath. “What ifIdon’t?”
“You’re not in this alone.”
“I’m the fucking CEO.”
“You’re one of five partners, Alex. We’ll figure this out, don’t panic.”
