Chapter 22

Alexander

Scarlett’s smile faltered for a split second. “Fine. Let’s talk business.” She pulled out a tablet from her designer bag. “I’ve been looking at expansion opportunities in Europe and Asia. The markets are ripe for—”

“No.” I turned back to my laptop.

“You didn’t even look at the projections.”

“Don’t need to. The board’s already made their position clear.”

She huffed, sliding off my desk. “The board is full of old men stuck in their ways. With your support—”

“The board,” I cut her off, “consists of experienced investors who’ve been in this game longer than you’ve been alive. And they’re right—your expansion plan is too aggressive.”

“Our profits are up 300% from last year!”

“And instead of paying dividends, you’re burning through cash like it’s going out of style.” I leaned back in my chair. “What happens when one of your gambles doesn’t pay off? When a market crashes or a competitor undercuts you?”

“That won’t happe