Chapter 11


    Tanner didn’t waste any time getting to the heart of the matter. “Going public might seem appealing, but


    it goes against the very ethos we’ve built at Integral Elements Inc. We’ve always prided ourselves on


    the quality of our products, yet the costs of an IPO are astronomical.”


    For thepany, hitting the stock market could mean a surge in funding and the chance to scale up


    operations significantly. For the shareholders of Integral Elements Inc., it meant a swift cash-out


    opportunity.


    But there was a downside, a heavy one. Going public would mean being held hostage to short-term


    gains. Cutting corners on quality to meet quarterly targets was apromise Tanner couldn’t stomach.


    “Mr. Tanner,” Brielle started, her voice steady and convincing, ‘apany’s purpose is to create jobs


    and innovate, right? If we end up preupied with repaying corporate debts, we’ll lose focus on


    maintaining our standards. You have the helm now, but with Dorsey International’s offer, you could take


    thepany public under our wing, all the while retaining your control. Dorsey International is ready to


    invest heavily in R&D, without forcing a relocation from your hometown.”


    The prospect of retaining control was tantalizing. Other firms might have dangled fatter checks, but


    none could offer the reins.


    Tanner eyed Brielle, aware that he mustn’t seem too keen, lest he lose the upper hand. “Ms. Brielle, if I


    have Dorsey International’s bid on my desk by nine tomorrow morning, we can talk turkey.” After all,


    Brielle’s words were just that-words-until they were inked on paper.


    Brielle exhaled a sigh of relief. To Dorsey International, Integral Elements Inc. was a mere morsel, and


    control was a small price to pay for a potentially lucrative acquisition. Now, the real hurdle was the bid


    document. Tanner’s interest was piqued, and a prompt submission would all but seal the deal.


    “Don’t worry, Mr. Tanner. I’ll pull out all the stops.”


    The negotiation had been amicable enough. Rubbing her tired eyes, Brielle booked an evening flight


    back to the city. When Brielle arrived at thepany, there were still many people working overtime in


    the department. Colleagues surrounded Lucinda, showering her with congrattions.


    Lucinda was basking in the glow of her apparent triumph. When she caught sight of Brielle, her


    eyebrows lifted with smug satisfaction.


    Brielle’s face remained impassive. She had gone to Integral Elements Inc., despite Spencer’s call, not


    wanting to waste the prospectus she’dbored over for nights on end.


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    16.05


    Chapter 11


    N?velDrama.Org holds this content.


    She had also set a trap. Tanner’s willingness to consider a partnership with Dorsey International had


    been swayed by the seventy-five-page document. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have given her the time of


    day. His concern was for the thousands of employees, not names or profits; he wanted a gesture of


    sincerity. If Lucinda thought she could take her ce, a rude awakening awaited her at tomorrow’s


    meeting.


    Ten minutester, Lucinda approached Brielle’s desk, barely concealing her triumph.


    “Send me those files on Integral Elements Inc., will you? Mr. Spencer has handed me the bid. I’ll be the


    one talking to them tomorrow.”


    “I’ve no files.”


    Lucinda’s face paled, her chest heaving with indignation. “What do you mean?”


    Brielle’s gaze slid away as she chuckled lightly. The data is mine-gathered through my own efforts in


    the field. It doesn’t belong to thepany.”


    Lucinda’s ambitions were no longer hidden. “Brielle, don’t me me for speaking the truth. You’re just


    too petty, no wonder Mr. Spencer doesn’t like you.”


    With Spencer’s backing, Lucinda felt untouchable. “Hand over the files, or don’t bothering in


    tomorrow.”


    Brielle paused briefly, reflecting on her contributions. Discarded like yesterday’s news, she, felt a


    tightness in her chest at the thought. “It’s not just tomorrow. I won’t being back at all. Tell Spencer,


    without me, the acquisition of Integral Elements Inc. won’t go through.” Lucinda scoffed. “As if we need


    you. The deal will go smoother without.”


    Brielle had no desire to waste any more time in this office. The trap was set, and by morning, Tanner


    would find the ws. As she imagined the so-called elite scrambling, a surge of satisfaction washed


    over her. Did Spencer really think she had no other options beyond Dorsey International? He had no


    idea that his rise at Dorsey International wasrgely thanks to her tireless efforts.


    Meanwhile, Spencer kept ncing at his phone, expecting an apology from Brielle by nightfall.


    Offending him meant having to answer to the Haywood family.


    With a snort, he twirled his phone in his hand. If Brielle admitted her mistake and promised to stop


    pestering Lillian, he might just forgive her. After all, Brielle waspetent, no doubt about that.