Author's note: this is from Jonathan's point of view

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I knew that Magda was up to something, and it seemed that father took the bait this time.

Father is elated when Magda behaves like an obedient daughter and he lowers his guard, allowing her to manipulate him.

I did my best to sound calm, knowing that if I start an argument, it can backfire.

"Magda has a suggestion for a company we should acquire?", I wanted to make sure I understood our father correctly.

"Mhm…", father confirmed with a hum. "She was praising the latest collection from Notte Pharmaceuticals, and she believes that they have a bright future. Having them under our umbrella might be a good move…"

Bright future my ass!

I was wondering what Magda was up to and I was confident that this unexpected bright idea from Magda was the result of the news I gave her last night.

She tried to manipulate me to do her bidding, and when she failed, she changed her target to our father.

The snobby Miss wasn't over the fact that Seraphina Mezzanotte was with Drago Orsini.

Why Magda is so set on Drago, is beyond me. Sure, he is objectively handsome and he built his company on his own, but he doesn't care about Magda while there are many other decent-looking guys with fat bank accounts, ready to serve as Magda's doormat.

I knew that Magda doesn't know what it means to leave things be, but I didn't think that she would go to the lengths of implicating our father.

I would brush this off as another Magda's episode I don't want to involve myself in, but this time she is using our company! How can I let it be?

If it's up to Magda, she would squander every penny we have in order to play her petty games.

Doesn't she know how much hard work is involved in managing our company and that her stupid stunts can ruin us? Of course, she doesn't… Magda didn't work a day in her life.

I wanted to expose her, but then I would need to reveal how I know things. Father doesn't approve when I use the company's resources for my personal things so if I speak up, I will incriminate myself as well.

Based on Magda's smug smile, it seems that she counted on this. I can't expose her.

I forgot that Magda is the queen of scheming.

Well, she is good at scheming, but she can't hold a candle for me in the business area.

I waited for my father to finish talking before responding, "I'm not sure that acquisition of Notte Pharmaceuticals is a good idea."

I've got my father's attention.

"Continue."

I didn't need to make up anything. I'm armed with facts. "Notte Pharmaceuticals is in business for a very long time, leading in unique products of exceptional quality. As such, they have loyal customers and partners. If we try anything aggressive against them, we will risk negative publicity and we will face difficulties in making progress in that market. We are already struggling in the market of pharmaceuticals, trying to acquire them has a big possibility of backfiring."

Magda's eyes flashed in outrage. "They are so small compared to us. How can they…?" Magda's words were cut off when our father raised his hand.

"Magda, don't meddle when we talk about business.", he said in an icy tone and focused on me. "I agree that their products are exceptional and adding them to our offerings would allow us to establish ourselves in that market. What do you suggest?"

Magda glared daggers at me, but I didn't care.

"Collaboration.", I said to what my father raised an eyebrow questionably.

I elaborated, "If we can get them to work with us amicably, their customers and partners will accept us as well. Once we establish a certain amount of trust, we can consider our next steps."

Father pursed his lips while thinking about my words. "We tried inviting representatives of Notte Pharmaceuticals numerous times, but they didn't show up at our events. Do you have a plan on how to establish that collaboration?"

"We invited them so far as guests, and not as partners.", I paused, and I saw that my father's eyes widened in realization. I continued, "They have a history of supporting new products. Our cosmetic department is struggling with finalizing the formula for a new lotion that would attract top-tier demographics. We could get it done given enough time, but this could also be a good opportunity to reach out to Notte Pharmaceuticals. If we get this right, it will open the door for future partnerships that will be more beneficial for us."

My father liked the idea. "I will leave that in your hands."

"Thank you, father."

I threw a victorious smile at sulking Magda and focused on my toast with jam.

This can work in more than one way. Other than expanding and solidifying our business, I will get a chance to approach the mysterious Seraphina Mezzanotte.

I heard that she refused flowers and jewelry that were sent her way. I must think of something to get her attention.

...

Later that day, Magda stormed into my room.

"Do you need to meddle?", she glared at me.

"Are you talking about your stunt related Notte Pharmaceuticals?", I asked mockingly even though I knew the answer.

"Magda, don't play with the company's assets."

"I only suggested a good idea.", she lied with a straight face.

I snorted. "Do you think I will believe that? You only wanted us to acquire Notte Pharmaceuticals so that you can strut into the office of Seraphina Mezzanotte and announce your victory."

Magda's fury was visible on her face, but it only got me worked up.

I stood up and stalked toward Magda, stopping only when we were half a step away.

"Magda, Giantshade Industries is not yours to play with. If you dare do such a thing again, I will make sure father sends you away to a place where you will learn some humility."

She sneered at me. "You wouldn't dare."

"Oh, I would. Did you forget who will inherit father's position? Once he retires, you will depend on me completely. Maybe you can make him your pawn with a few sweet words, but I am different. I advise you to behave and treat me with respect, unless you plan to find a job and provide for yourself. I have no intention of supporting dead weight like you."

I enjoyed the horror on her face. I was tired of these games, why do I need to remind Magda of her situation every month? Does she have memory issues?

"Of course, there is another option...", I drawled. "You could find yourself a husband who will tolerate you. Good luck with that."

Magda's chin trembled for a second and then she stormed out of my room, with more haste than when she entered.

Good riddance. Now, where was I?

Oh, yes... I will assemble a team to create a contract proposition for Notte Pharmaceuticals. It needs to be beneficial for both sides, but more for them.

I'm not counting that they will take the offer right away. My goal is to get their attention enough so that they approach the negotiating table.

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