Marcus, always a man of pride. Having control over his businesses, over people, over his life. But Lisa Anderson had slipped through his fingers, defying his expectations. He couldn't help with her rejection, and in a bid to reclaim his dominance, he made a decision that could change everything.
"Make the offer. I want LaFleur International under Blackwood Industries by the end of the week." Marcus seated in his office chair, speaking into the phone.
"Sir, are you aware that they're in the final stages of a deal with Lisa Anderson's brand?"
His lawyer cautiously spoke.
Marcus cuts him off
"I'm aware. That's why I want it. Make it happen."
Hanging up, Marcus allowed a smile across his lips. This wasn't just about business. It was about reminding Lisa that he held the power in this city, whether she wanted to admit it or not.
A week later, Lisa stood at the front desk of LaFleur International for what was supposed to be the final meeting to seal her deal. She had spent countless hours perfecting her designs, ensuring that her brand was a perfect fit for the luxury label. But the moment she walked into the boardroom, something felt off. The board members exchanged uneasy glances, and Henry Caldwell, the CEO, couldn't meet her eyes.
Henry clearing his throat, nervously
"Lisa, I'm afraid there's been a development. Blackwood Industries have proposed to acquire LaFleur. With that the deal with you will have to wait. Until all parties are settled." Henry clears his throat nervously.
Lisa felt the floor drop beneath her, but she forced herself to remain calm.
"Marcus Blackwood, acquiring LaFleur?" Lisa being furious with a froun crossed her face, and almost giving up.
"Yes. So We've been instructed to review all current deals, including yours while negotiations are still ongoing." Henry adding to the weight already on her.
Her pulse quickened, but she refused to let it show. This was clearly Marcus's way of controlling the narrative, of controlling her. She took a deep breath, knowing she had to fight back.
"I see. But I also know that my designs speak for themselves, and whether Blackwood Industries acquire LaFleur or not. LaFleur can only benefit from partnering with me." Lisa firmly says, with a growing confidence.
The board members exchanged uncertain glances. Lisa could see the hesitation, but she pressed on.
"I've worked hard to get to this point, and I know LaFleur wants innovation. Marcus Blackwood might own the company, but he doesn't know fashion like I do. I'm not here to back down because someone with more money thinks he can buy my success." Lisa's voice grow strong.
The room was silent. For a moment, it seemed like her words might not have made an impact. But then, Henry spoke up.
Henry nodding slowly
"She's right. Lisa's designs are exactly what we need to push LaFleur forward. I stand by the original deal."
A few other board members nodded in agreement, and Lisa felt a surge of relief wash over her. Despite Marcus's best efforts, she wasn't going to lose. Not this time.
"Lisa. with all sincerity we buy to your idea, and we strongly believe in you. but the presentation will be shifted to next week. after all reassessment and conclusions are met. We will get in touch with you." Henry mumbled assuring.
The next few days, Marcus received the call he had been waiting for, expecting to hear that Lisa had been shut out of the deal. Instead, his lawyer's voice was hesitant.
Lawyer echoed on the phone, cautiously
"Sir. the board has decided to move forward with Lisa Anderson's deal."
Marcus's smile vanished, smirking. "What?"
"They believe her designs are crucial to LaFleur's future. They've gone ahead with the partnership." Lawyer mumbled.
Marcus ended the call without another word, his jaw clenched. She had won, despite everything he had done. He wasn't used to being outmaneuvered, and the realization that Lisa had managed to best him only deepened the knot of obsession tightening in his chest.
He couldn't get her out of his mind. Her resilience, her refusal to bend to his will. Every time he thought he had the upper hand, she slipped through his grasp, more determined than ever.
"She won't be able to ignore me forever." Marcus muttering in frustration.
The next week, the boardroom was a sleek, glass walled space high above the city skyline, with views that should have impressed Lisa. But her focus was solely on the presentation ahead. This meeting was critical. Securing this deal with the prestigious fashion house, LaFleur International, would catapult her brand into the luxury market and ensure her place among the top designers in New York.