Chapter 80

Across the table, Brinley noticed the quiet standoff between the two men. Her urge to speak was strong, but she kept her questions to herself, wondering why Felix's face stirred up a sense of familiarity. Even so, none of that could distract her from what really mattered-the acquisition was the only thing on her mind.

Wasting no time, Brinley leaned forward. "Mr. Wade, reports have surfaced about your company heading for bankruptcy. That's why we're here to talk about acquiring it."

Taking charge, Vincent casually settled into the seat behind Felix's desk, giving off an air of authority."Name your price."

A small laugh escaped Felix. "Mr. Jones, Nova Tech isn't exactly a bargain."

Instead of responding, Vincent stretched out a hand. Clive, quick on the uptake, placed a folder in his palm.The proposal slid across the desk toward Felix as Vincent's tone cut through the room. "Our analysts have assessed your business. At best, it comes to five million."

With an extra dose of pride, Vincent added, "We're willing to pay five million to take Nova Tech off your hands." He fixed his eyes on Felix, clearly expecting the man to surrender.

Felix's answer was nothing but a cool grin. "Five million? Hard to pass up, I'll admit."

Seeing an opening, Brinley brightened. "Exactly, Mr. Wade. The money could be wired to you before the day ends. On top of that, I can assure you that every employee at Nova Tech would be welcomed at Polaris Tech, yourself included. We'd even love for you to join us as vice chairman."

Though Felix's expression never wavered, his voice grew firm. "It's a generous offer from both of you,but..."His eyes narrowed slightly. "I won't be selling Nova Tech. All debts are settled. There's no bankruptcy happening here."

Offering a cordial smile laced with subtle dismissal, Felix remarked, "Regardless, I do thank you for your concern."

That response sent Brinley reeling. Her subsequent moves hinged on acquiring Nova Tech. Doing her best to hide her disappointment, she composed herself and pressed on. "Is it a matter of numbers, Mr. Wade?Polaris Tech, with the full backing of the Jones Group, can easily increase the offer. Money isn't an obstacle

for us."

Vincent's eyes flickered as he glanced up at her briefly, though he stayed silent.

Meeting Vincent's look without wavering, Felix replied, "This isn't a question of finances. Nova Tech was founded through a partnership with someone I hold in the highest regard. Selling isn't an option. I'm not the person you should be negotiating with. I think it's time you left."

Refusing to concede defeat, Brinley made one last attempt. The stakes were too high for her to walk away now. "Mr. Wade, if there are any terms or requirements you'd like us to consider, just say the word.We're ready to accommodate you however we can." She positioned herself at the edge of the desk near Vincent,her tone unwavering and earnest.

But Felix remained unmoved. "I have to refuse. As I mentioned before, Nova Tech isn't up for sale."

Finally, Briney's professional facade slipped for a split second. She hadn't anticipated such stubborn resistance, and it dawned on her that a direct approach to the other partner might have been wiser. Despite her displeasure, she held her composure. "Nova Tech hasn't turned a profit in years. It's a struggle to keep the business afloat. Aligning with the Jones Group is your surest path to a stable future. Please reconsider,Mr.Wade."

Vincent rose from his seat with the commanding air, his expression cold and composed. "You have three days to think this through."

Without another word, he turned, heading to the door of the room.

But Brinley remained planted, unwilling to accept defeat so soon. With negotiations already underway,she sensed that a little extra push might tip the scales. After all, who would turn their back on that much money?Certainly not a business barely scraping together a million in annual revenue. It seemed impossible to her that Felix could turn his nose up at a five-million-dollar payout.

Felix, already losing patience, spoke up before she did."My answer stands. There's nothing more to reconsider."

Just then, a faint creak broke the tension-a sound coming from the lounge.

A door edged open. Hannah appeared in the doorway, her steps slow, eyes still foggy with sleep."Reconsider what?" Her question came out soft and unhurried, carrying the languor of someone who'd just left a sun-warmed bed.

Recognition flickered across Vincent's face at the sound of her voice. Instantly, he stopped in his tracks and pivoted. His wife was in another man's office. The haze of a recent nap still lingered around her.

A thundercloud passed over Vincent's features, his expression shifting in an instant.