Page 31 of Believing in a Billionaire
His mind turned to Julia. She finally stood at his side, and not because of a contract that tied them together. Images of her with a gun pressed into her side courtesy of Lydia taunted him. Would his ex-wife take another shot at Julia?
He couldn’t let that happen. They’d gone through too much for him to lose her now. He’d never recover from it.
He let his head fall into his hands as he considered breaking the news to Julia. The frightened expression on her delicate features broke his heart. He’d promise to protect her, but would the hollow words be enough for her, or would she want to run for safety as far from him as she could?
Did he need to tell her? The balance between keeping her informed and not unduly alarming her was a tightrope he hadn’t wanted to walk so soon.
His mind raced to possibilities he didn’t want to consider, but still, one question burned in his mind.What if I can’t keep her safe this time?The question gnawed at him. His resolve hardened, but so did the realization of the potential cost. Protecting Julia meant possibly alienating her with secrets and lies–a choice that felt like trading one poison for another.
He found himself pondering what to do when the shrill ring of his cell phone cut the silence of the room. He glanced down to find Mike Donovan’s name on his display.
With a growl in his voice, he answered.
“Mr. Harrington, just wanted to provide an update on the preparations for the buyback.”
“This had better be good.”
“I’m sending some information to your email. The finance team is awaiting your final review. If you’re happy with it, we’ll move first thing Monday morning.”
He didn’t like the sound of that. He preferred to hear a resounding rally cry, an indication that they were ready to push back against the hostile takeover attempt. He wanted to crush it and cut off Lydia’s attempt to ruin his company with a resounding note of finality.
Then, he’d work on putting her back in jail where she belonged.
“I want this done,” he answered.
“I think you should review the numbers, sir. Make certain you’re comfortable with them.”
His jaw clenched at the words as he wiggled his mouse to wake his monitor. “Fine. I’ll take a look and get back to you.”
“I appreciate that, Mr. Harrington. I look forward to hearing from you. Try to enjoy your weekend.”
The last statement unsettled him more than he cared to admit. He stared at the bolded subject of the newest email in his inbox. With a frown, he tapped it and opened the attached spreadsheet.
Staring at the labyrinth of numbers filling his screen, he waded through them, the enormity of the decision before him becoming clear.
Mike Donovan had insisted he approve this because of the sheer amount it would cost Harrington Global…on many levels. Each figure whispered of potential fallout, from crippling debt to investor panic.
The stock buyback was now a double-edged sword, a desperate gambit to save Harrington Global from Lydia’s grasp. But it could also send everything he built crumbling to nothing even if they managed to avoid her trap.
His heart pounded against his ribs as he weighed the odds. If they didn’t do this, she could easily become a majority shareholder and rip away everything he’d worked for. But if they followed through, these numbers suggested his company may never recover.
He drummed his fingers against the desk as he sorted through his limited options. Lydia would destroy the company if she got her hands on it. He had no choice. At least if he still ran it, he could build it back to its former glory.
With shaky hands, he picked up his phone and called Mike.
“Mr. Harrington, I didn’t expect to hear from you so soon.”
“I reviewed the numbers. It’s approved. Get this done and make sure DG doesn’t get any more of this company.”
“This puts us in a bad financial position, sir.”
“I know, but we’re in a worse position if DG Industries owns us. Believe me. Just…get this done.”
“Yes, sir. I’ll have the finance team move on it at the opening bell on Monday.”
“I expect results, Mike. I do not want to hear that this company is now owned by DG.”
“I understand, sir.”
