Page 158 of Falling for the Enemy

“As you’ll note in your documents, NorthStar is built on principles also valued here at Hawthorne. They believe in trust over leverage, and while they may not yet have the reach of their elder competitors, there’s something to be said for a new generation that sees the need to restore honesty and integrity to American businesses. I can, in good faith, say that partnering with NorthStar will stabilize our company ethically and invite dependable, long-term growth over time. Because we are also a company of great integrity, and we refuse to work with anyone who compromises those core values.”

Soren’s gaze swept the table, deliberate and cutting. “You’re here, not because you’ve inherited a chair on this board, but because we believe your voice and opinion matters. My father ran this board for fifty-five years. We didn’t always see eye to eye as some of you may recall.”

A few soft laughs broke the silent pause.

“But I believe change is a positive thing. Unlike my predecessor, I want to hear your thoughts, and I invite you to come to me with ideas big and small. I encourage you to think differently. At the end of the day, good business isn’t always about revenue. It’s about morale, security, and trust. That’s the new Hawthorne way.”

He turned to his brothers. Greyson’s expression remained blank, but the slightest incline of his head was affirmation that Soren had said all that needed to be said. Logan’s hands were folded on the table, mirroring his own.

“My brothers and I are aligned, but we won’t move forward on a unilateral vote alone. We only move forward if there’s a supermajority, which requires a minimum two-thirds vote of approval. If that can’t be reached today, we table the discussion and return next week with alternatives. I won’t rest until we find a partnership the board feels confident in.” He sat back. “Questions? Comments?”

Mr. Yamato cleared his throat, his eyes on his portfolio notes. “Sir, is it correct to assume that NorthStar will prioritize obtaining contracts with European borders within the first hundred days?”

“That’s correct. I spoke to Mr. Wickham personally this weekend, and he assures me, as it states in the drafted contract which you can all review in your documents, that NorthStar will begin negotiations with seven European ports as early as January next year.”

Madeline Chen raised her hand. “And these projections are bi-annual?”

“Quarterly,” Soren corrected. “They may gross less than their competitors, but the return percentages are higher, which shows they’re scaling faster than the shipping companies that dominated the industry since the nineteenth century.”

Another sign that younger generations were capable of positive change.

She raised a brow. “Thank you for clarifying.”

“Just what the hell do you think you’re doing?” Warren snapped, tossing his pen on the table. “We had an understanding.”

Soren raised a silencing hand. “I mean no disrespect, Warren. This was a judgment call. I had to decide what was best for the company. Nothing personal.”

“Nothing personal, my ass.” He stood, jostling the water on the table and planting a fist on the portfolio he hadn’t opened. “I’m not voting for this. And you’re all fools if you agree to such an asinine move. Aldrich is a far superior company with an impeccable track record.”

“I’m sorry to hear we won’t have your support, but that’s your right as a standing board member. If there are no other questions or comments, I move that we vote.”

When no one objected, Soren looked at Greyson, who answered with a firm, “Aye.”

His attention circled the table, as Marie tracked every vote.

“Aye.”

“Aye.”

“Aye.”

“Nay,” Warren growled.

“Aye.”

“Nay.”

“Nay.”

He looked at Logan. “Aye.”

He grinned. They had it. Soren’s vote would seal the deal. “Aye.”

“The ayes have it,” Marie said.

He stood, immediately clasping his brothers in a congratulatory handshake.

“This is a mistake,” Warren erupted, bolting to his feet. “A catastrophic one. You’re throwing away a fortune, and for what? Integrity?”