Damon's POV
I rose very early, before the sun was yet seen on the horizon. My mind was already running. I had been spending the past several hours reading the proposal that was created on my behalf. It was also in the plan to invest in the Hayes company, but I could not leave anything to chance. Every character, every figure, every phrase--I examined it, and examined it. At last, I was ready after some hours. Everything was in order.
I rose early, showered and made my way to breakfast. The house was silent, with the faint clashing of knives and knives as I filled myself with a cup of coffee. My guards were already up and were at the table awaiting my questions.
"Any update on last night?" I asked, keeping my voice calm.
"No, sir," one of them replied.
"And my brother and sister? Any sightings?"
Another one said they were being taken back in the old house, out of the city.
"Can they be extracted?"
The guard on the first shook his head. "Not possible, sir. Leo planted the land mines surrounding the house immediately he had left. He is the only one who has the safe routes. Any person attempting to enter will cause them.
I shut my eyes a moment, and the frustration worked up, and expelled the breath gradually. Passions would spoil all my plans.
I completed my preparations after breakfast. The automobiles were parked out. We drove through the tinted windows and the city passed by. The Hayes headquarters were identical--smooth glass, smooth floors. I entered the boardroom and sat down in front of Richard Hayes and Lila Hayes.
Lila looked up first. Last night you did not answer my emails, said she. "Why this morning?"
I made the appointment this morning, I said. "All talks should happen now. I prefer to keep business a business only.
Richard smiled thinly. Thanks, Mr. Carter, we are glad you are interested. Let's discuss numbers."
Lila opened a file and bent forward. "We reviewed your proposal. We do like the idea, but we do have concerns. First, you have rated high an unstable asset. We would like to have the valuation reduced prior to any obligation.
I set my folder on the table. Liabilities have already been charged against me. My offer stands."
Richard's tone sharpened. We will be willing to take investment, but with protective conditions. Board seats to secure our company, a preferred share structure. You understand that, right? You will not be able to meddle with the day-to-day activities.
"You want seats," I said. "How many?"
As many, Richard said, as necessary. "Two for us, two for investors. We will also require a lock-in clause to defend our interests, no hostile actions, no aggressive acquisitions in five years.
Lila continued, and since you are new in this market we will require escalation clauses. In case of performance decline, we require board approval of some decisions to be automatic.
I looked at them. So you want my money but run the company. You devalue and demand that I take restrictions on my own capital.
Richard smiled. "It's standard. We protect our legacy. You protect your investment."
I put my folder away and sighed. You want my money and then you want to do things the way you want. That is not investment, it is a buy out disguised as a partnership. Not acceptable."
Lila's tone sharpened. "You're being difficult. We can walk from this deal. There are others waiting."
Richard nodded. First we can offer preferential rates to current partners.
I shook my head slow. "Walk away then. I didn't come here to beg."
Lila's face hardened. Thou fain threatens us with thy money?
"I set conditions," I said, cold. You either wish my capital on reasonable conditions, or you do not. This isn't a test. I have nothing to be coerced or gambled.
The eyes of Richard were darting towards Lila and then towards me. "You're young. Perhaps, you do not know how markets work. Giving you a break--take conditions securing our heritage will show you mean business.
I said, Legacy does not require me to protect it. Either we do it on fair terms--valuation on current assets, proportional representation on the board, open escrow terms--or I quit.
Lila's shoulders tightened. "We don't work with amateurs. This was to find out whether you could manage yourself.
"I handled this room," I said. I am contemplating on whether to invest. If you push, I leave. You must have my money, and not my leave.
There was a beat of silence. Then Lila inhaled quick. "We apologize. It was... part of our process. We admire seasoned investors.
Richard interpolated, We are sorry we sounded wrong. Should you wish to continue, we may make more explicit shareholder safeguards--so that neither party is liable.
I kept my face still. "Apology accepted. I'll think about it."
Both of them nodded, with relief on their faces. I got up, smoothed my jacket, and walked out of the room. I was escorted to the automobile by my guard.
After that, I sent him a text: Get me to know who Lila is engaged to. I saw a ring on her hand. I have to know who he is since in case she is with someone that will spoil my plans.
The drive home was quiet.
One of my guards came forward when I arrived at home. We have news of last night, sir.
I looked up. "Go on."
"It was a group," he said. They are against such people like Leo. They defend children. They were the ones who stormed the after party, one of them was even at the after party hence he/she might have spilled the beans by leaking the location.
"And?" I asked.
The guard's face went dark. "They're all dead. Hours ago. The Blackwoods discovered them, and ensured that no one will ever rediscover them again.
My stomach dropped.
"Every last one?" I asked.
He nodded. "Yes, sir. Every last one."