Summoning her confidence, Chloe declared, "I've finished reviewing the documents. However, there is a slight issue I'd like to discuss regarding the percentage interest my company would receive from this deal, as well as the proposed duration of the project." Her gaze remained unwavering as she locked eyes with Damon, ready to navigate the delicate territory of negotiation.
Damon responded attentively, giving her his complete focus. "I'm all ears," he assured her, prepared to address her concerns.
"Allow me to express my reservation. I find that a 30% interest share for my company falls short, considering the level of work we would be undertaking. A 40% interest would be more equitable, taking into account our substantial contributions. Furthermore, the proposed three-month duration seems rather compressed to complete such an extensive project," Chloe proposed, her tone poised and assertive.
Damon leaned back in his chair, his gaze steady as he gracefully countered her points. "The percentage interest we propose is fair, considering Apex is taking on 100% of the financing for this billion-dollar venture. Furthermore, I would stress that three months is indeed a reasonable timeframe unless, of course, you lack confidence in your company's ability to deliver within the stipulated period," he concluded, a subtle hint of challenge lingering in his words.
Apex is CFO was known for his shrewd strategic tactic and prowess in handling business negotiations between other companies, but she held her ground. Although her own enterprise was worth millions with a few subsidiaries, it paled in comparison to the magnitude of Apex.
Pausing to collect her thoughts, Chloe fervently refused to back down.
"With utmost certainty, I assure you that our company possesses an abundance of manpower to successfully complete the project. However, the designated three-month timeline is utterly unrealistic. I have thoroughly reviewed the project details, and it simply cannot be feasibly accomplished within that timeframe, even if we were to work tirelessly day and night," she passionately argued her case.
Damon countered, a hint of skepticism in his voice, "Surely, for a billion-dollar partnership, any worthy company would willingly push their limits, working day and night to achieve success, don't you think?"
Chloe's response was swift and unwavering. "No," she declared resolutely, refusing to yield. Damon's surprise was palpable, his curiosity piqued by the conviction in her voice.
"I said no," Chloe reiterated, her resolve unyielding.
"While I am eagerly seeking this partnership that certainly has the potential to elevate my company to new heights, I refuse to subject our employees to such a grueling and exploitative environment. It flagrantly contradicts labor laws and principles of fairness."
Damon studied Chloe intently, his expression impassive, until a beautiful smile adorned his face.
"Congratulations, I'll accept your terms" he announced, a twinkle of admiration in his eyes.
Breaking the silence, he made a proposal, his tone cordial,
"I offer you a more reasonable timeline of eight months for your company to successfully deliver the project. Does that sound acceptable to you?"
Chloe, taken aback by the unexpected turn of events, managed to find her voice. "Yes," she finally responded, her voice slightly trembling with a mix of surprise and relief.
"Excellent. Please signify your agreement by signing here," Damon instructed, producing a fresh original document from his meticulously organized file.
Chloe signed the four original documents given by Damon, handed him two and kept the remaining.
She still stared at him, not over what just happened a moment ago.
"Was I too harsh earlier?" He asked amused at how she stared at him and seamlessly drifting into his normal flirty demeanor.
"Uhmm, I dont think so...you were simply doing your job".
"Alright, that's good to know" he said.
"I know you must be famished, why dont you order lunch, it's on me" he asked her, who was already packed and ready to leave.
She looked up at him as he was still seated and couldnt help the smile that adorned her face at how smoothly he was asking her to have lunch with him.
"Oh that I am, but i already have plans" she replied.
"Oh, with whom? Is it a He or a she" he probed, smiling and flirty seamlessly.
"That's on a need to know basis" she chuckled.
"If that would be all, I would like to thank Apex on behalf of AtlanTech industries, for the privilege and opportunity of working together, I promise Apex would not regret reaching this agreement with us" she said formally, whilst stretching her hand for a handshake.
"The pleasure is all mine" Damon said accepting her hand.
"I hope to see you again Miss Woldorf" his smile illuminating the room as his eyes danced with an enigmatic sparkle, rendering Chloe momentarily dazed.
"We'll see" she replied and smiled, before leaving the private lounge.
Sighing he shook his head, before dipping his hand into his suit jacket and brought out a small shiny silver bottle, opened it and poured the content into his mouth.
"Get ahold of yourself Damon" he chided himself before leaving the lounge.
---
Lauren walked into the closet for the third time that day and couldnt help being amazed at the quality of clothes, shoes, bags and accessories arranged for her inside the dresser.
Rummaging through the dresser and brought out a long black Jean, a sleek red tank top and a brown trench coat and white Jordan sneakers.
Ariana had asked her to accompany to the
boutique for shopping, since it was her day off she might as well oblige herself.
Also for the fact that it had been a long time since she's gone shopping , she knew she needed a change in wardrobe.
Parking her lush long platinum hair in a pony tail, she heard a knock on the door.
Swinging the door open, she was suprised to see Marcel at her door.
"Wow, you look.... really gorgeous" he said, unable to take his eyes off her face.
Smiling she thanked him.
"You dont look bad yourself, Please come in" she said.
"You'd be wondering why I knocked on your door, well I will go straight to the point, I was hoping if I could give you my number" he said simply bringing out a small piece of paper from his back pocket.
"In case you want to hang out, catch a movie or simply wanna talk" he went off.
"Forgive, I always go on an incessant chatter whenever I'm nervous" he confessed, it made her heart flutter on hearing this.
"Its fine, thank you" she accepted the paper.
"I will surely give you a call, whenever I can" she said punching the digits into her phone in front of him to his delight.
"Alright then, have a nice day, bye" he said and left.