"Did you go over the plan?" I asked, keeping my tone even.
"You're such a block of wood! Zero romance!" Doreen pouted, then let her arms drop. "Fine. We'll do it your way. I'll bring my team in, fold your people into my company, and we'll crush Henson Group completely."
"As for equity, I'll only take ten percent. The rest is yours."
"We announce tonight and cancel the signing ceremony with Henson Group."
I shook my head, a faint smile tugging at my lips. "The Hensons think they've latched onto you—their mighty oak, their ticket to the top."
"So let's give them their signing ceremony. And on the day of, I'll deliver a surprise they'll never forget."
Doreen blinked. Then a slow, wicked grin spread across her face. "Ruthless. I love it."
Over the next few days, the Hensons threw themselves into preparing for the signing ceremony.
Marlene texted me, urging me to swallow my pride and apologize. She said there might still be a place for me at the company.
I declined without hesitation.
The day of the signing ceremony arrived.
The Hensons had invited every media outlet in the city to witness what they called a historic moment.