Hudson, alone, is unreadable.
I wait for the room to settle before going on. “Accelecom has the technology to bring about a cable network that would compete with Google Fiber, but neither they nor Werner Media have the money to fund such an endeavor. That’s where Pierce Industries would enter the picture. I’ve already begun the groundwork for opening a new division, one devoted completely to the expansion of hardware across the country. With our resources, Accelecom’s technology, and Werner Media’s programming, we’re looking at the potential of creating an empire that dominates the industry.”
The presentation goes on for another hour. Nathan Murphy delivers his ideas for Werner Media, Genny speaks to how an alliance will benefit Accelecom, and I dive deeper into what I see as Pierce Industries’ role.
By the time we’ve finished, a lot of information has been presented, and I expect Warren will need time to think it over. “Why don’t we schedule a follow-up meeting to—”
Warren interrupts me, turning to his son-in-law. “Edward, this is a pretty appealing scenario.”
“It is. One I’m happy to support if you’re on board.”
A layer of tension drops away with one potential opponent out of the way.
Warren looks next to my brother. “Hudson, I’ve got to say, Pierce Industries as media players—quite a bold move. I like it.”
“We try to be innovative whenever we can,” Hudson says, and I’d like to believe that means he’s not going to kill me later in private, but he’s still not giving anything away, so it’s hard to know for sure.
Warren stands. “I’d like to study these numbers more closely, boys. But if everything checks out, I think we have ourselves a solid strategy.”
Oh my god.
Nothing’s been set in stone, but I feel like I’ve won the lottery. I presented a major idea to major players, and not only did I not get laughed at, but I also seem to have closed the deal.
I’ve never felt so on trend. So on top of my game. So kickass.
Is this what it feels like every day to be Hudson?
With the promise of being in touch soon, Warren and his advisors make their exits. The next several minutes are spent cleaning up and going over details with Hagan and Norma.
Edward approaches his daughter, and I’m a douche because I totally eavesdrop.
“Genevieve. You had a hand in this proposal?”
I hate how guilty she looks. Wish I could step in and take the blame.
She, however, handles the encounter with dignity. “I’m sorry, Daddy. I’m sure this feels like a betrayal. I know you wanted to run Werner Media yourself.”
Surprisingly, Edward seems not all that pissed. “I did want to run Werner Media. Until this morning when Celia broke into tears and told me she really wishes we could stay in London. I wasn’t looking forward to telling her father that I wasn’t going to take his position. This solves that dilemma.”
Manipulative on his wife’s part? Possibly. But it sure works out for us. She did say she’d do what she could to influence the decision.
Genny’s eyes widen with hope. “Then you’re not mad?”
“I’m not mad.” He takes a beat to seemingly evaluate his feelings. “I’m surprised. I’m also quite impressed. A lot of work went into this. Lots of those ideas I recognize as yours. It’s first-rate.”
“You think so, even though you don’t want me working in the business?”
“The only reason I haven’t wanted you working in this business was because I truly thought you’d be happier elsewhere. You’ve had ambitious goals for Accelecom, and I feared you’d never be able to achieve what you wanted if you stayed with us, but it seems you’ve found a way to make them possible. I’m proud of you, princess.”
My breathing slows. I know how badly Genny wanted her father’s approval, and I feel it now for her as deeply as if he were praising me.
I turn away as he pulls her into his embrace, wanting to give them their privacy. As I do, I bump into Hudson.
Oh, right—Hudson.
He’s the one whose praise I’m most desperate to receive.
“Are these numbers good?” he asks, holding up the projections Genny and I have laid out. They’re the most attractive part of our presentation, so it’s understandable he’d want to make sure the facts check out.
Still, I’m nervous when I answer. “I ran them through financials and had Norma triple check them.”
I sort of expect him to whip out a calculator and do the math himself. But he doesn’t. “That’s excellent news.” He pats me on the back. “Good work.”
I cough in surprise. “You approve?”
“It’s a sound strategic move. One that looks to make us a lot of money. Why wouldn’t I approve?”
I’m shocked. Literally shocked. I nod for five full seconds, speechless. Then, on impulse, I pull him in for a hug. Bro style, of course. Nothing too mushy ‘cause I’m cool and he’s, well, he’s Hudson.
We talk for a few minutes more while everyone else disperses, and I agree to a more in-depth meeting with him later in the day. It will be grueling, but at least I know he’s on my side.
Finally, he leaves.
And then it’s just Genny and me left in the room.
Our eyes lock. Then she’s running to me, giving me a giant celebratory hug. Every overtone says this embrace comes from exuberance and there’s no reason to believe it’s more, but I cling to her a little too long, sniffing at her hair, breathing in her very essence.