My Fiancé Chose Her So I Chose Myself Chapter 09
I rose from project manager to regional director, then moved into the group’s mergers, acquisitions, and territory integration division. Every project left a clear record of performance.
Three years later, in the fall, Northstar decided to acquire a Chicago-based renewable energy firm and restructure its North American business.
The company, TerraGrid, still held the core energy license for Lakecrest territory, so the acquisition required oversight from the Lakecrest council.
I was the lead on the deal. It was why I had to return to Chicago with my team.
The welcome dinner was held at a hotel downtown.
I stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows in a black velvet gown, champagne flute in hand, while my assistant, Marissa Hart, went over the guest list.
“Ms. Whitman, all the key partners are here. TerraGrid Energy is the primary target in this acquisition, and their representatives just arrived.”
“Who’s running TerraGrid now?”
“The founder and CEO is Travis Vale. He also serves as the Lakecrest council’s energy business representative. Evan Bennett runs their largest supplier, GridForge, and sits on the board.”
I set my glass on a passing tray.
Over the last three years, I had read TerraGrid’s reports as part of my due diligence. A series of failed expansions had drained the company’s cash reserves, and its territory energy license was under review. They needed Northstar’s capital and cross-pack credit to stay afloat.
The ballroom doors opened.
Travis walked in at the head of the group.
He was thinner than he had been three years ago. The lines of fatigue and anxiety had settled deep around his eyes.
Evan followed a step behind him, the easy confidence he once carried long gone.
I turned and walked toward them.
Marissa made the introductions.
“Mr. Vale, Mr. Bennett, this is Northstar’s Executive Vice President for North American Operations and the integration representative for the Thames Riverside pack, Natalie Whitman.”
The moment Travis saw my face, he stopped dead.
His wineglass jerked, and red wine splashed down the front of his suit.
“Nat… Natalie?”
I looked at him and gave a cool, polite nod.
“Mr. Vale. It’s been a long time.”