Chapter 42
“Good morning,” Dante said to Savannah and Tennyson. He’d called them into his office along with Desmond for an impromptu meeting.
“Good morning,” Savannah said.
“Mornin’,” Tennyson drawled.
“Sorry to call a meeting so early in the morning. I know you’re not a morning person, Tennyson.”
“I got my coffee,” Tennyson said then yawned. “Apparently, it hasn’t kicked in yet.”
Savannah smiled.
“The reason I called this meeting is to discuss Blackstone Financial Services Group. Desmond met with Blackstone Financial Services a while ago. Their company is suffering a major financial blow due to the loss of their top client, The Blakeney Agency.”
“I remember that,” Tennyson said. “What does that have to do with TCC?”
“Good question,” Dante said sitting up in his chair, bringing his hands to a steeple. “We offered Blackstone Financial a deal to make them a part of TCC, but now I’m curious about the client they lost. I think something shady went down and I need you two to look into it for me. I want to know if any merger or acquisition laws have been broken.”
“Okay,” Savannah said, writing some notes. “I’m up for the challenge.”
“Wait,” Tennyson said. “I don’t understand. TCC stands to make a killing with a company like Blackstone Financial. Why are you trying to help them out?”
“Because right is right and wrong is wrong,” Dante said. “I wouldn’t mind acquiring BFSG as an entity, but at the same time, I’m not in business to short-change people and if I feel like somebody is being wronged, I want to do something about it.”
“Dante is right,” Desmond said. “I had a bad feeling about it when I read the article on the company that acquired Blakeney. They’ve been known for shady deals and subpar business practices.”
Tennyson nodded. “Well, Savannah is up for the challenge so I’m sure we can tackle it.”
“Yeah,” Savannah said. “We got this.”
“Glad to hear it,” Dante said. “That was all I had.”
“All right,” Tennyson said, standing and heading for the door.
Desmond stood up and said, “Thanks, bro.”
“Yep,” Dante said. “Savannah, can you hang back for a minute?”
“Sure,” she said. “What’s up?”
“How have the first couple of days been?”
“Good. I’m not overwhelmed if that’s what you’re thinking. I’m used to this workload and looking forward to working on the Blackstone case.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. I am. Why do you ask?”
“I know you and Harding have been going through some things and—”
“You thought it would be a distraction.”
“I did.”
“Well, it won’t be. Besides, Harding and I are back together.”
Dante had to condense his excitement down to a meager smile. “That’s wonderful.”
“It is. I’m happy about it.”
“And what about your living arrangements? You’re not moving back to Wilmington are you?”
“I offered to do that for Harding since his business is there and all, but he wants to stay here in Asheville…says it’ll be a new start for us.”
“Then sounds like the both of you will be house hunting soon.”
“Um…something like that,” she said, “But I’m leaning more towards renting instead of buying.”
“Well, I’m glad to hear you’re both staying. I know the women will be excited to have a newbie joining their circle. Have you told anyone the news yet?”
“No.”
“Then how about you tell everyone the good news over dinner at my house on Saturday?”
“Okay. I’ll check with Harding to see if he’s down with it.”
“All right. I’m looking forward to it.”
Savannah stood up and said, “Guess I’ll get to work now.”
“I’ll be here all day if you run into any issues.”
“Okay. Thank you.”
“No problem.”
Once she left his office, Dante composed an email to his brothers:
From: Dante Champion
To: Dimitrius Champion; Desmond Champion
Subject: Harding
Guys,
Meet me in my office at 12:45. It’ll be a brief discussion about Harding.
Thanks,
Dante Champion | Chief Executive Officer
The Champion Corporation
_________