I addressed the room. “Sinclair Pharmaceuticals isn’t our competition. Big Pharma is. By bringing together a coalition of privately owned small companies, allowing each company to maintain its autonomy yet share resources, we can be a greater force in lobbying, working with insurance companies, and governmental reimbursement.” I looked at Lena and smiled. I was about to say the words she recommended. “There is no need for a secret vote. This is the time to be honest with one another. Raise your hand if you are willing to negotiate with Biogen and Sinclair, if you want to see Wade succeed.”
Skylar’s hand was the first to rise, followed by everyone around the room, including Logan. The only holdout was Anastasia McGrath.
“Are you a nay, Mother?”
She shook her head and lifted her hand.
“We have unanimous agreement. Mr. Sherman and I are headed back to Ashland today, but I will be in contact with each of you and keep you up to date on negotiations. If we require an in-person meeting, we will return to Chicago. I plan to do most of my work from Ashland. Evaluating the expense of this office space is on the agenda. Are there any other comments for the record?”
Dad’s gaze beamed toward me. “I want to go on record. I’m proud of my little girl who has grown into a fierce advocate for this company.”
“Thank you, Dad. This meeting is adjourned.”
As people began to stand, Skylar came up to me. “Damn, I’m impressed.” Before I could comment, he added, “Thank you.”
“I don’t know what’s going on.”
“Ms. Montgomery said it was you.”
A smile came to my lips. “You spoke with Lena?”
“She called and offered me one percentage of Wade. She said that despite your and my past—she meant what I did—youdidn’t want me to lose out on what we’ve both worked toward. She also said my job here could continue.”
“What about your parents?”
He shook his head.
I tilted my head toward Lena. “Do you know who Lena—Ms. Montgomery—is?”
Skylar grinned as he lowered his voice. “At this point, I don’t give a shit if she fucked my dad. I’m just glad to know you still want me here.”
Well, it wasn’t his dad…but I wasn’t going to pursue that train of thought.
“I do, Skylar. You and I shouldn’t suffer for our parents’ poor decisions.”
“Beth would really like to talk to you.”
“Oh.” My eyes opened wide, looking down at the band on his finger and back to his blue stare. “I forgot. Congratulations.”
Skylar nodded. “You too, Mrs. Sherman.”
As if his surname caused him to appear, Van was at my side. “Skylar.”
I grinned at Van’s use of Skylar’s first name.
“Mr. Sherman.”
“Van. Thank you for stepping up. Julia needed a large enough board with progressive ideas to share her vision.”
Skylar turned to me. “It’s good to see you and to be working together again.” Before he stepped away, he made one more plea for his wife. “Beth?”
“Yeah, I’ll give her a call.” I looked up at Van and around the room. Everyone else had left. I looked at the long table and shook my head. “I can’t believe it.”
The gold flecks in his eyes glistened. “I never had any doubt.”
“It’s going to be a lot of work and so much to learn.”
Van smirked. “You, my dear, are a fast learner.”