All right. Marcus said, "You're important to Victoria." Hawthorne said, "She trusts you in a way that she doesn't trust many people. I've observed that. I'm not a fool, Mr.
Reed. I see what's in front of me." He paused. "What I'm offering you today is a conversation and perhaps an invitation to think about what's actually best for her." "Go ahead," Marcus said.
"Victoria is an extraordinary businesswoman," Hawthorne said. genuinely. I mean that without condescension. But she is under extraordinary pressure right now and the decisions she makes in the next 48 hours will define this company for the next decade. The merger I'm proposing under the right structure is the strongest strategic option available to her. The alternative she's pursuing is smaller, less capitalized, and carries risk that her current board will not absorb.
What does this have to do with me? Marcus asked. Hawthorne looked at him steadily. Because she listens to you, and I'm asking you to encourage her to consider the merger seriously, not to accept every term I'm open to renegotiation, but to come to the table before the event rather than turning it into a public confrontation. He paused.
This is better for the company, and I believe ultimately it is better for her. Marcus was quiet for a moment. He looked at Hawthorne. He took his full measure. The way he took the measure of every problem he had ever been asked to solve.
He looked at the suit, the folded hands, the carefully calibrated warmth, the offer dressed up as concern. Can I ask you something? Marcus said, "Of course." "Did you ask her?" Hawthorne frowned slightly.
"Ask her what? What she wants?" Marcus said. Not what's best for the company, not what the board recommends, not what the merger structure allows for, what Victoria Langford as a person actually wants. He paused.
Did you ever ask her that? The frown deepened. Business decisions aren't made purely on personal preference. No. Marcus agreed.
But the people making them are still people. He stood up. I appreciate the coffee. I didn't drink it, but I appreciate the gesture. He picked up his bag.