Chapter 16
Lena's POV
Rachel and I arrived at Reynolds Industries at nine forty-five for the meeting.
The gray glass facade reflected silver light in the morning sun. The lobby was sleek and modern—black marble floors, a reception desk of steel and glass, walls hung with vintage Reynolds brand advertising posters spanning decades.
"Lena!"
I turned. Nora swept through the revolving door, two coffee cups in hand, her face arranged in perfect surprise.
"What a coincidence," she said, approaching me. "I just got here too."
She held up one of the cups.
"Brought him breakfast coffee," Nora said with a smile. "He likes double espresso with a touch of cinnamon. Oh—" She paused, her gaze dropping to my empty hands. "I completely forgot you'd be here too. Should I run back and grab another one?"
Rachel sucked in a sharp breath beside me.
"No need," I said, my tone even. "I already had coffee at the office."
"Are you sure?" Concern threaded through Nora's voice. "The meeting might run long."
"I'm sure."
I moved past her toward the elevators. Rachel hurried to keep up, whispering, "She did that on purpose, right?"
"Probably."
"Double espresso with cinnamon," Rachel muttered under her breath. "Like she's so special to Mr. Reynolds. Give me a break."
I just pressed the elevator button. "Come on."
The elevator doors opened. Nora followed us inside, positioning herself in front of the mirrored wall to adjust her hair. Then she turned to me, her smile warm. "By the way, Lena, how are you planning to structure today's meeting? I'd like to coordinate so we don't overlap."
"I'll lead the first half on due diligence framework," I said. "Risk assessment this afternoon."
"Perfect. I'll follow your lead," Nora said, her tone deferential. "You're the lead counsel, after all."
The elevator stopped on the eighteenth floor.
---
The conference room was standard corporate—long rectangular table, floor-to-ceiling windows, Reynolds Industries' organizational chart mounted on the wall.
Rowan was already there, seated at the head of the table with several documents spread before him. He looked up as we entered, his gaze landing on my face for less than a second before shifting to Nora.
"Morning," he said.
"Morning!" Nora walked over and set the coffee in front of him. "Got this for you. Still hot."
"Thanks."
I took a seat on the opposite side of the table, opened my laptop, and began pulling up the files I'd prepared. Rachel settled beside me, notebook ready.
Jack entered, followed by Reynolds' General Counsel and two senior managers. Once everyone was seated, I cleared my throat.
"Let's begin," I said. "This morning we'll focus on the acquisition framework and due diligence timeline. Starting with asset valuation of the target company—"
For the next two hours, I drove the discussion. Financial statement analysis. Regulatory compliance checks. Equity structure. Potential legal risks. I'd prepared detailed checklists and schedules for every phase.
Nora sat across from me, occasionally interjecting.
"Lena's right—financial transparency is crucial," she said. "I'd suggest we also monitor supply chain stability for the target."
"The regulatory risks Lena mentioned are important," she added later. "Especially European antitrust review. We should prepare materials in advance."
I continued without looking at her.
Rowan remained largely silent, asking questions only at key decision points. His tone was businesslike. When his eyes met mine, there was nothing extra there.
Good. This was what I wanted.
---
At twelve-thirty, we broke for lunch.
Jack directed everyone to the company cafeteria—a spacious room with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city skyline. Long tables held an array of hot dishes, salads, desserts, and beverages.
Rachel and I filled our plates with salad, grilled chicken breast, and vegetable soup, then found seats in a quiet corner by the windows.
From this angle, I had a clear view of the rest of the cafeteria.
Nora and Rowan sat at a central table, surrounded by several Reynolds executives. Nora was laughing, then used her fork to spear a piece of steak and place it on Rowan's plate.
He said something. Nora laughed harder and added some vegetables to his plate as well.
Rachel set down her fork, voice low. "Are you seeing this?"
"Yes."
"What is she doing? Auditioning for a period drama?" Rachel's voice carried barely restrained fury. "And those comments in the meeting—she's just parroting your points with minor word changes. 'Supply chain stability'—you mentioned supply chain management ten minutes before she did. 'European antitrust review'—that was literally the title on page three of your presentation. Does she have a single original thought?"
I took a sip of soup. "Maybe. Maybe not. Doesn't matter."
"How does it not matter?" Rachel kept her voice down. "Lena, she's obviously—"
"Rachel," I interrupted. "Focus on the work. Everything else isn't worth your energy."
She studied me, frustration clear in her expression, but finally nodded.
"Fine," she said. "But I still think it's unfair."
"The chicken here is pretty good," I said. "Nice and tender. Eat up. We've got three more hours this afternoon."
Rachel sighed and picked up her fork again.
I continued with my salad, gaze drifting to the skyline beyond the window. Nora's laughter floated across the room. I didn't turn to look.
---
The afternoon session ran from one-thirty to four.
I continued leading the discussion, this time covering risk assessment and contingency planning. Nora remained at her post, strategically "supplementing" my points with gentle, modest commentary.
Rowan asked several key questions. I answered each one. Our exchanges were brief, direct, entirely focused on the work.
No lingering eye contact.
No unnecessary pauses.
Like two professionals collaborating for the first time.
At four o'clock sharp, I closed my laptop.
"That concludes today's agenda," I said. "I'll compile meeting minutes and send them to everyone tomorrow. Any supplementary comments should be submitted by five PM Wednesday."
People began gathering their materials. I packed my documents into my briefcase and stood.
"Lena."