Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

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 the company, 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 a compromise Tanner couldn’t stomach.

“Mr. Tanner,” Brielle started, her voice steady and convincing, ‘a company’s purpose is to create jobs and innovate, right? If we end up preoccupied 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 the company 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.

To Dorsey International, Integral Elements Inc. was a mere morsel, and control was a small price to pay for a potentially

worry, Mr. Tanner. I’ll pull out

Brielle booked an evening flight back to the city. When Brielle arrived at the company, there were still many people working overtime in the department. Colleagues surrounded Lucinda, showering her with

glow of her apparent triumph. When she caught sight of Brielle, her eyebrows lifted with

face remained impassive. She had gone to Integral Elements Inc., despite Spencer’s call, not wanting to waste the prospectus she’d labored over for nights

1/2

16.05

Chapter 11

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

approached Brielle’s desk, barely concealing her

Integral Elements Inc., will you? Mr. Spencer has handed

“I’ve no files.”

chest heaving with indignation.

she chuckled lightly. The data is mine-gathered through my own efforts in the field.