Logan leaned in, a sly grin spreading across his face. "And that's not all. I have some surprising news to share."
Kalina and Mireille exchanged curious glances. "What is it?" Kalina asked, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
Logan paused for dramatic effect. "Lyra and Atticus want to merge our companies."
Kalina's eyes widened in shock. "What? That's huge!"
Mireille's jaw dropped. "Are you serious? A merger?"
Logan nodded, his grin growing wider. "Yes, they believe our companies complement each other perfectly, and a merger would create a powerhouse in the industry."
Kalina's mind raced with the implications. "This could be incredible... or a disaster."
Mireille's eyes shone with excitement. "Can you imagine the possibilities?"
Kalina patted Logan's hair, her voice filled with praise. "That means you're hardworking, and the result is showing. You must be really good for my sister to talk about a merger." She grinned widely, her eyes shining with admiration.
Logan's expression turned slightly narcissistic, his chest puffing out with pride. "Well, I mean, I am a genius. It's only natural that they'd want to partner with me."
Kalina chuckled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Thinking back, Atticus must have been the one to suggest it. I remember seeing him being serious at the dining table, surrounded by papers and laptop, with your picture and company name on display. But I didn't pay much attention, too busy trying to wade off that arranged marriage and convincing my mom."
Mireille nodded, her eyes shining with understanding. "Yeah, that sounds like Atticus, always thinking ahead."
Logan smirked, his confidence evident. "Well, whatever the reason, I'm just glad they recognize my greatness."
Kalina playfully rolled her eyes, while Mireille chuckled, shaking her head. "You're something else, Logan."
The three friends delved into a lively discussion, exploring the potential implications of the merger.
Kalina's mind raced with questions, her eyes darting between Logan and Mireille.
"What does this mean for our companies? Will we still have control?" she asked, her brow furrowed in concern.
Mireille's expression mirrored Kalina's. "And what about our employees? Will there be layoffs?" she added, her voice laced with worry.
Logan leaned back, a hint of smugness in his tone. "Don't worry, I've got it all under control. Lyra and Atticus want to meet with you, Kalina. They're eager to discuss the merger with the CEO of Fruit Shakers, but I managed to...ahem...convince them to wait."
Kalina's eyes widened in surprise. "They asked for the Hidden CEO?" she repeated, her voice laced with a mix of curiosity and apprehension.
Logan nodded, his expression serious. "Yes, they're eager to discuss the merger with you, but I barely managed to persuade them to hold off. For now."
Mireille's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "What did you tell them, Logan?" she asked, her voice laced with amusement.
Logan's grin returned, his eyes gleaming with pride. "Let's just say I have a talent for negotiations. I convinced them that it's better to finalize the details before involving you."
Kalina's mind raced with the implications.
What would happen if Lyra and Atticus discovered her true identity?
Especially Atticus, who was already wary of her. They might misunderstand the whole thing.
But then, a sudden realization dawned on her.
This could be her chance to prove to her father that she was capable and can handle responsibilities, without actually getting involved in the family business.
"I will meet with them, they asked for me, is it not?" Kalina said with a calm voice, nodding her head. "Then I will show up and also I will go to the next meeting with Regal Holdings, Mireille. It's high time I start taking my responsibilities and lightening the burdens on you guys' shoulders."
Mireille and Logan exchanged surprised glances.
"Huh?" Mireille said, confusion etched on her face. "You're willing to reveal yourself as the CEO of two successful businesses?"
"Is she possessed?" Mireille whispered to Logan, her hand reaching out to touch Kalina's forehead.
"What are you doing?" Kalina asked cluelessly, her eyes sparkling with amusement.
"Are you sick? Or possessed?" Mireille asked, her voice laced with concern. "Why the sudden change of mind? Didn't you say you preferred being lazy?"
Logan's eyes lit up with understanding. "Is it that, by revealing yourself as the CEO of two successful businesses, you're going to prove to your father that you haven't been idle, rather you don't want anything to do with the family business?"
Kalina clapped her hands together, a smile spreading across her face. "Bingo, that will be my escape from his demands!"
Mireille's eyes narrowed, her voice laced with skepticism. "Good plan, but I think that will motivate him more rather than discourage."
Kalina shrugged her shoulders, her expression nonchalant. "Let me give it a shot, Mireille."
Mireille nodded, her eyes serious. "We need to be prepared for that meeting then. We can't let them blindsides us."
Logan's grin returned, his eyes gleaming with confidence. "With us working together, we'll make this merger a success. And with you at the helm, Kalina, we know we're in good hands."
Kalina's smile was subtle, her eyes shining with appreciation for her friends' support. "Let's get to work, then. We have a merger to negotiate."
After a while, Logan's eyes sparkled with excitement as he leaned in, a plan forming in his mind. "I've got it! We can create a proposal for you to work with the family company, Kalina. You can offer to help them solve any issues they're facing, just like you did with your own companies."
Kalina raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Go on."
"You can request anonymity, say you don't want the public recognition or the title of Honorable CEO or Director," Logan continued. "But in return, you'll use your skills and expertise to help the company thrive. And by revealing your hidden identity as the CEO of two successful businesses, we can solidify the deal."
Mireille's eyes widened in understanding. "That's genius, Logan! It's a win-win situation. Kalina gets to prove herself without committing to the family business, and the chairman gets the help he needs without losing face."
Kalina nodded, a slow smile spreading across her face. "I like it. Let's get to work on that proposal, Logan. We have a deal to make."
Logan grinned, his eyes shining with excitement. "I'll get started on it right away. We'll make this proposal so compelling, the chairman won't be able to resist."
"But in return, you'll pay for me and Mireille's vacation break, madam," Logan said, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
"Yes, we deserve it for all our hard work, boss," Mireille added, her voice laced with a hint of entitlement.
Kalina raised an eyebrow, her gaze shifting between the two. "Why pay for Mireille, when you're the one who came up with the plan?" she asked, her tone laced with amusement.
Mireille's expression turned playful, her eyes glinting with humor. "Ahhiiish, you sly friend, are you paying or not?" she said, her hand raised as if threatening to give Kalina a backhand, causing Kalina to jump slightly.
"It's not as if this is going to affect your money, it's just a pin drop from the millions in your account. Why are you so petty?" Mireille said, her eyes rolling in exasperation.
Logan nodded in agreement, his arms folded across his chest. "Yeah, Kalina, come on. We deserve a break."
Kalina sighed, her expression softening. "Fine, a vacation...but rather a vacation, why don't I plan a little workshop activity..."
Logan interrupted, his voice firm. "No, thank you. Vacation it is."
Kalina pouted, her lower lip jutting out. "But I want a workshop activity..."
Mireille and Logan exchanged a look, their eyes avoiding Kalina's gaze. Finally, Kalina spoke up, her voice begrudging. "You guys can have a month's vacation while I handle the company."
Mireille's eyes widened, her face lighting up with excitement. "A month?! Oh my god, thank you, Kalina!" She jumped up from her seat, her arms wrapping around Kalina's neck in a tight hug.
Logan grinned, his eyes shining with gratitude. "Thanks, Kalina. You're the best boss ever!"
Kalina rolled her eyes, a small smile playing on her lips. "Just don't forget about me while you're out having fun."