You have to be quick with your decisions, even though the path is much more difficult. There was no better chance than this for me to do something right for me. No one will give such a big opportunity to me, right?
I sat across from Hellen in her sleek glass office high, the city skyline rolling out endless behind her like a prize she'd already claimed—well, if we ignore the fact that her company is on the verge of bankruptcy.
The wide mahogany table gleamed between us under bright lights, contracts laid out neat and ready, steam rising from coffee in delicate China cups. I was wearing a simple oversized white shirt, and blue trousers—I'd pinned my raven hair up simple but elegant, and my eyes burned sharp again.
Time waited for no one, and certainly it wouldn't wait for me.
Hellen leaned forward, elbows on the table, her voice calm but carrying that alpha edge. "You only took one day. I am surprised by your decisiveness, Ms. Leonhart."
I nodded, keeping my face cool. "I did." Unlike the last time, I was brimming with confidence this time.
"Why so fast? I gave you a week. You could have taken your time before making the decision." She tapped the contract's edge with one manicured finger; her eyes were full of curiosity.
I smiled at her, nodding my head at her. "No room for regrets. If it was a no, better get to know quick before I let the dream die. You mentioned time was tight too, right? Ms. Hellen, I am also worried that I will waste my time." I had already lost a lot of time by trapping myself in that mansion.
She nodded, lips quirking. "Yeah, I had something like that."
"I've been waiting for this moment, Ms. Hellen." My pen felt right in my hand—heavy, sure. I wanted her to see it. It was a big moment for me, which I am not going to waste.
Her brows lifted a touch. "Right here, in front of me?"
"Right here."
"Ready to sign?"
The pen glided smooth, my name looping bold across every page, initials crisp in the corners. I slid the folder back, then lifted the black leather briefcase from beside my chair.
It weighed heavy in my grip, full of twenty million in fresh, banded bills—all verified, no traces. My offshore accounts stayed locked safe, but this cash came from my bank account and quick sales of two seaside properties that my predecessor owned. There were no strings attached with the Leonhart line.
Hellen took it, hefting the weight, her cool eyes widening just a fraction. "Thank you, Ms. Leonhart."
I tilted my head, watching her close. "Why such a small ask? Twenty million could snag a bigger piece of your company." I was confused by the amount she wanted from me for giving me half of her shares.
She placed the case secure beside her and leaned back, unbuttoning her blazer casually as she looked at me. "You want to know the truth? As you know, Herlos is hanging by a thread—bankruptcy knocking."
I nodded, "Yeah, you have told me before." The internet verified her words—honestly, her company is really in a bad position.
"Suppliers bailed, luxury buyers vanished to the other companies. I could sell for billions, easy. But that's not what I want." Her voice softened a beat, real under the polish. "I want a partner. Someone to breathe new life into it. That's why I approached you—you are my gamble, Ms. Leonhart." Her eyes shone with vulnerability.
When I heard her words, I knew that we both were gambling with the fate. Both of us wanted something from each other.
I asked, "And the money?"
"Emergency fund. If something bad happens, then this will help me in the time of need. Ms. Leonhart, I have already exhausted my bank balance. I don't have any properties left with me. My house is on mortgage too."
"You love this company, don't you?"
Hellen smiled softly as she adverted her eyes. "When I started this company, I used everything... and my mother was with me at every step, guiding me. Without her help, I would have never been able to create his company."
"You were close with your mother, weren't you?"
"I was." Hellen's eyes flashed with sadness. "She believed in my dreams. Never surrender, never quit—always fight... that's what she taught me. And I will not let this company to slip out of my grasp."
"Your mother was a good person." I was an orphan... so, I never received love or encouragement from anyone. A mother's love is entirely foreign for someone like me. But I was feeling utterly jealous when I heard her words. Having a mother must feel great, right?
"She was." Hellen wiped the lingering tears off her eyes, taking a deep breath before looking at me. Her face was a mixture of emotions.
"Can I ask you something?"
"Go ahead, Ms. Leonhart."
"But you sold half of your company to me," I pointed it to her. If she loved her company that much, why sell half of it to me?
Hellen looked into my eyes with a determined look. "I know, but I had no other choice. Banks have already refused to give loan to me. Either I sell half of my company, or I sell it fully—I chose the former."
"Why me? You could have found someone else."
"You have a talent, Ms. Leonhart. Also, no one except you is going to take such a risk. Other designers will never jump into a drowning ship. A drowning person will be the only one to jump into that ship." Hellen laughed a bit at the end of her sentence.
"Are you seriously comparing me to a drowning person?" I pouted.
She smirked, "We both are drowning, Ms. Leonhart. But I approached you mostly because of your talent. So, let's try our best, shall we?"
I stood smoothly, giving a wide smile to her. "Then, are you ready to let me see your factories, partner?"
Hellen's smile broke wide and real—warmth cracking her reserve. She rose too, heels clicking match to mine. "Let's go, partner."