The group settled in and placed their orders, making small talk over appetizers. Once the main courses arrived, Lyra cleared her throat. "Shall we get down to business then?" she said crisply. "I'm quite interested to hear more about Fruit Shaker and what assets you bring to the table, Kalina."
Kalina nodded and launched into an overview of the innovative products, marketing strategies, and distribution networks that had allowed Fruit Shaker to carve out such a successful niche in the competitive beverage market. She spoke confidently and clearly, using visual aids and statistics to illustrate her points.
Atticus listened stone-faced, his eyes slightly narrowed, but even he couldn't deny being impressed with the company's numbers and growth projections that Kalina presented.
When she'd finished, Lyra steepled her fingers thoughtfully. "Clearly you've built something formidable, little sister. Regal Empire's expertise has always been in traditional baked goods and desserts, which complements your offerings nicely."
She paused, her eyes sparkling with interest. "A merger could be extremely synergistic."
Kalina agreed, her smile widening. "We could cross-promote product lines, capitalize on our combined distribution networks, and coordinate marketing efforts. Just imagine the possibilities - Fruit Shaker's innovative beverages paired with Regal Empire's classic desserts."
Atticus finally spoke up, his tone clipped. "All impressive on paper. But do you have the experience and temperament to handle integrating two major companies? It's not just about numbers and spreadsheets, Kalina. It's about leadership and vision."
Kalina met his gaze unflinchingly. "I believe the results speak for themselves, Atticus. Though I'd be happy to discuss specifics at a later meeting dedicated to integration planning."
She pulled out a small notebook and jotted down some notes. "I've already given it some thought, and I have a few ideas on how to ensure a smooth transition."
Lyra nodded, her expression thoughtful. "A wise idea. There's too much to unpack today regarding financials, leadership structure, branding, and much more. Why don't we reconvene in a week's time? Kalina can present her full vision for combining our operations, and Regal Empire can do the same."
"Capital," Kalina agreed with a smile. "Then we'll really be able to weigh the pros and cons of a full merger versus other partnership opportunities."
Lyra and Logan both nodded, satisfied they had managed to keep this first discussion productive despite the underlying tensions. As the group rose to leave, Lyra pulled Kalina aside briefly.
"I look forward to seeing what you have in mind," she murmured. "Don't hold anything back, baby sister. I want to see your vision in all its glory."
Kalina grinned, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Don't worry, Lyra. I'll bring my A-game."
As they exited the restaurant, Atticus caught up with Logan, his expression stern. "A word in private, if you please." Logan suppressed a sigh but nodded, allowing Atticus to draw him aside as Kalina and Lyra continued on ahead.
"So this is who you've been working with all this time?" Atticus demanded in a low tone, his eyes narrowed. "Kalina? The same Kalina who's always been a thorn in our side?"
Logan replied evenly, "She's proven herself more than capable as my co-leader at Fruit Shaker. I don't understand why you seem so threatened by her involvement."
Atticus' jaw clenched, his face reddening. "You know about the history between us, the way she likes to undermine and manipulate. Mark my words, Logan, she has an angle here. Some selfish motive beyond just business."
Logan countered, "Or maybe she just wants to show she can build something successful on her own merits, without being boxed in by your antiquated expectations."
Atticus opened his mouth to argue further, but Logan held up a hand. "Look, I get you two have your differences. But I expect you to be professional about this potential deal. Judge Kalina solely on the full merger proposal she presents next week."
Giving Atticus one last meaningful look, Logan turned to rejoin the sisters, leaving the other man looking disgruntled.
Up ahead, Kalina arched an eyebrow inquisitively at Logan's return. "Everything okay? Atticus didn't give you too hard a time, I hope."
Logan shook his head, smiling wryly. "You know how he is. But I set him straight - he'll evaluate the full proposal objectively next week."
Kalina's gaze danced with amusement. "We'll see about that. In the meantime..." She hooked her arm through Logan's. "Drinks are on me to celebrate getting through round one."
Logan chuckled as they strolled to his Mercedes, allowing himself to relax slightly and put the tension of the meeting behind them for now.
As they reached the car, Kalina said, "Actually, I have a lunch appointment to get to after this." Logan arched an eyebrow as he opened the passenger door for her. "Oh? Anyone I know?"
"Ophelia," Kalina replied, sliding into the seat. "Sort of a...thanking her for taking my place, if you will."
Logan snorted as he circled around to the driver's side. "You blackmailed the poor woman into an arranged marriage, and now you want to thank her? You're a strange one, Kalina."
She stuck her tongue out at him as he got into the car. "Oh hush, you. Ophelia and I have an understanding."
Shaking his head in amusement, Logan started the engine. "Well, don't forget you need to come by the office after this little thank you lunch. We need to finalize the proposal detailing how you'll work anonymously for Regal Empire."
Kalina's expression softened with clear adoration. "Of course, an arrangement where I can still be hands-on with the business while maintaining my freedom. Thank you for handling all this, Logan. Really."
She smiled at him warmly. "Actually, could you drop me at the cafe near the office? I didn't drive myself today."
"Sure thing," Logan agreed easily, pulling out onto the street. He couldn't wait to see Kalina's full vision for tapping into Regal Empire's resources while keeping her name out of it officially.
One thing was for certain - it would be anything but boring.
As Lyra and Atticus exited Bistro Bliss, Atticus remained stone-faced until they reached the car. He opened the passenger door for his wife before circling around to the driver's side and getting in.
The tension between them was palpable, and Lyra knew that Atticus was seething with disapproval.
"I can't believe you let Kalina insert herself into these negotiations," Atticus said tightly once they started driving. "After all the carefree gallivanting she's done over the years." His voice was laced with disdain, and Lyra could tell that he was struggling to keep his temper in check.
Lyra gave him a level look, her expression calm and composed. "Our father simply wanted her business talents put to use at Regal Empire. Kalina chose...an unconventional path, but she's proven herself a capable executive."
She paused, her eyes locked on Atticus'. "And let's not forget, she's still our family. We should be supporting her, not tearing her down."
Atticus snorted, his face twisting in disgust. "Oh, I don't doubt her professional competence," he said derisively. "It's her motivations that concern me. That girl has always had an angle. She's manipulative, Lyra, and she'll stop at nothing to get what she wants."
Lyra's expression remained impassive, but her voice took on a slightly sharper tone. "Such as? Wanting to succeed on her own merits, rather than be beholden to Father's expectations?"
She waved off Atticus' objection, her hand dismissive. "Kalina and I may have had our differences, but she ultimately helped put me in this position through her innovative ideas. I'm willing to take her proposal for this merger at face value."
Atticus' grip tightened on the steering wheel, his jaw working tensely. "You're being naively trusting of someone who's relished undermining us at every turn," he spat, his anger barely contained.
Lyra's eyes narrowed, her voice taking on a steely tone. "Unless you have concrete proof Kalina intends to undermine Regal Empire with this deal?" she prompted pointedly.
"Mere paranoia and bitterness won't sway me, dear husband." She fixed him with a cool stare, her gaze unwavering. "We meet again in a week to evaluate partnership options. I expect you to approach that as an impartial professional, not a bitter rival harboring resentment. Understood?"
Her tone left no room for argument, and Atticus could only nod stiffly, his lips pressed into a sullen line. Lyra's expression softened slightly, her voice taking on a more conciliatory tone. "Let's put our personal feelings aside and focus on what's best for Regal Empire. We can discuss this further at home, but for now, let's just agree to keep an open mind."
Atticus nodded again, his eyes fixed on the road ahead. Lyra turned her attention out the window, leaving the matter settled.
But the tension between them lingered, a palpable reminder of the unresolved issues that still simmered beneath the surface.