The St Patrick Series Book #1: The St Patrick Bride

Chapter Seventy Eight: Schooled

Courtney's POV
The presence of a pissed off Helena Bale in my office is a big sign of sweet victory. I smiled at her as I swayed in my chair. "Stop frowning dear. It takes more facial muscles to frown than to smile." I threw her words back in her face.

"What have you done?"

"Can't you read between the lines?" Another one of her words. She dropped her black purse on the table holding her hands at her waist. "It's not fun when you're the one with something to lose, is it? But I will it is fun to take what is yours."

"That company has nothing to do with what is going on here!"

"And how is it any different? I employed your tactics." I rested my feet on the table. "I went behind your back and I got the company. What is it you said again? You like sparkly things with potential? I am starting to like sparkly things too and that company has potential."

"I don't understand how he sold to you."

"I had an ace up my sleeve." I smirked. "Are you passionate over philanthropy or more zeroes in your bank account? Because the company I acquired is passionate about philanthropy."

"How much do you want for the company? I'm prepared to match your price."

I have been waiting for this moment since Frank and I came back from Spain. Hours after the man sold, Castle called me to confirm if indeed I'm behind the buy. I answered with an emphatic yes. I can ask for any amount. I can take advantage of her and get more than the company is worth.

"I don't want your money. I want all the shares of the St Patrick Group back."

She smiled at me and even took a seat. "No."

"Then we don't have a deal."

"Little girl, don't mess with me. I'll pull the rug from under your feet. I'll leave you with nothing not even the chair you're sitting on."

"Be careful about throwing threats around Helena. You don't have any power in this room, I do. Give back what you took Helena."

We had a fierce stare off for a long moment. If she raised Nate I understand why he turned out unfriendly. The hostility in this woman can start a new world war and she won't even need to say anything.

"Half."

"What?"

"I'll give back half of what I own in the St Patrick Group. I will sell it back to you."

"I want all of it for free."

"I will sell you half Courtney. Take it or leave it."

"I am not giving you the Pharmaceutical company. Take it or leave it."

Nate was right about this company meaning something to her. She tapped her fingers on the table rather impatiently. "Let's start over. Fine, I want the St Patrick Group and the end game was to frustrate the St Patricks out. But I also want the pharmaceutical company. It has sentimental value to me. I will you sell you half of what I bought at the exact price I bought them if you allow me to buy the pharmaceutical company from you."

"Why is it sentimental?"

"I used to be married to a man who was passionate about philanthropy. He owned the Christos Foundation. Alexander's goal was to find ways to provide for the needy and he had plans for the pharmaceutical company. He was going to get into a partnership with the owner and they would supply medication at a very low price to the poor. He is not here anymore but I want his dreams to come true. As the Christos Foundation, I am asking nicely that you sell the company to me."

Unfortunately, her words have moved me. Unfortunately.

"I want three quarters of what you bought. I will sell the company to you for double the price. That is my final offer, take it or leave it."