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“Almost two months ago, I emailed my attorney, directing Atwood Industries to create a partnership with the Be
The board cast uncertain glances to Darius, but he could no longer help them. They were already ruined.
“We joined with great publicity,” I said. “I released a press packet, and my a
Silence.
I gri
“So, imagine what would happen if I have one bad harvest.”
Their rapt attention was better than any spray of blood or cry of pain.
The board stared, tensed and horrified.
Helpless.
I continued, pretending the thoughts hadn’t already crossed my mind. Weren’t already in play.
“Imagine how tragic it would be if a mistake were made, or if a defective product treated my fields?” I let the question linger. “An entire harvest could be lost. The soil contaminated. My crops ruined.”
The words terrified me, even in a hypothetical context, but I was prepared to see it become a reality. If it destroyed me, I would force the Be
“I would lose millions of dollars. Billions in potential sales and future revenue. One bad mixture. One misplaced chemical from your own workers—who we contracted specifically to handle the treatment of my farms—would be…horrible for us all.” I hesitated. “Though I’d imagine it’d be more devastating to the reputation of the Be
“And how would something like that happen?” Bryant gritted his teeth. “We could deny it. Accuse you of tampering with the product. Corporate sabotage.”
“Me?” I widened my eyes. “The i
“Everyone would see through it,” he warned.
“No. Not when I’m just trying to do what’s best for my family—both the Atwoods and Be
Bryant silenced. They all did. I liked the board better when they choked on their own fear.
“This is my offer. Resign, sell your stocks to my step-brothers, make a profit. Do this, and we won’t need to consider how one little whisper about the quality of your product would impact your bottom line.” I paused. “So many of my associates’ farms are eager to view my new yields.”
I waited. The board stilled, considering an offer that was more knife to the throat than business proposition.
Darius spoke first, amused. “My dear, you don’t have the power to destroy this company. Especially with only a few gossiped, unsubstantiated rumors. You’ll lose everything in the libel suit.”
Nicholas’s confident caramel hum purged his father’s amusement. “Not necessarily. Atwood farms represent a new path for the Be
Nicholas placed a hand on my shoulder. The heat surged through me.
“In fact.” He didn’t break his father’s stare. “You were very eager to purchase her research. You saw the potential long before any other, including Mark Atwood.”
I nodded. “I own the patents for certain genes, modifications to the plant genomes which, with additional research and trials, will allow us to grow crops capable of surviving and thriving without chemical treatment. I can create new seeds, drought-resistant plants, natural pest-resistant crops.” And now they saw the power I wielded. I gri
Darius didn’t react, but the pallor cast over his cheeks hinted at the poison which still ravaged his system.
“I foresee two scenarios,” I said. “If you refuse my offer, I will ensure the complete and total destruction of my entire fall harvest. Not a single root will be viable once I’m finished, and I would swear to the world your product’s chemical reactions diseased my fields.”
I paused only to prepare myself for that horrible possibility.
“Should this happen, in my sorrow and desperation, I’ll have only one choice to protect my family and farm from future harm—the creation of a new company, specializing in genetically modified, herbicide, pesticide, and fertilizer free crops. And believe me, presented with the choice? Why would anyone risk their farms, their health, or the health of their baby if there were an alternative to those chemicals?”
Stanley sighed, planting a wrinkled hand against the table. “I’ve heard enough. What do you want from us, Ms. Atwood?”
“Resign, take your payouts, and leave this room wealthier than you entered. Do this, and my research will remain within the Be
Darius questioned me. “My dear, you wouldn’t dare jeopardize your family’s precious farm. This is your livelihood, your father and brothers’ legacy. You won’t bargain with it.”
Yes, I would.
In a heartbeat.
No—in the wub-bub flutter of Bumper’s heartbeat.
“She’s insane,” Bryant said. “It’s as if Mark Atwood sits before us. She’s fucking dangerous. We should have put her down when we had the chance.”
Stanley silenced him with a wave of his claw. “Ms. Atwood, surely you realize what you propose is illegal, unethical, and immoral.”
“All is fair in vengeance,” I said. “Be grateful I’m offering you the chance to live.”
Peter Ha
“You’re mistaken,” I said. “I’m not doing this for the Atwoods. I’m doing this for a Be
Stanley shook his head. “Ruthless child.”
“You created me.”
“I much preferred the gentle Sarah Atwood,” he murmured. “At least then you were a creature to be pitied. Your father would be proud of the monster you’ve become.”
“It’s an honor to bear that insult.”
“It shouldn’t be, Ms. Atwood. It shouldn’t be.”
But it was. Their surrender crashed in waves, first in frustrated frowns, then anger, and finally a haphazard acquiescence threatened within insult. Stanley was the first to bow his head and agree. Clyde, Jacob, and Peter followed immediately.
Only Darius and Bryant scowled with defiance.
I loved it.
Their helplessness. The rage.
The bitter defeat crumbled everything they built at their feet. It was my chance to steal what they’d created and offer it to the ones who deserved it.