Eclipse of the Heart - By Carly Carson Page 0,20

had a squiggle of concern between her eyebrows.

"I'll check with Jack," Logan said. "Let's assume it's something we can do."

Amanda nodded while Bill Molloy typed in some notes on his Blackberry. Then Molloy looked up and met Logan's gaze with a hard stare. "After seeing our operations," Molloy said, "I'm sure you'll agree that the price you're offering for the company is ridiculously low."

Logan's mind was jerked back to business. "It's a fair price."

"No, it's not. You're taking advantage of the fact that we have to sell in a bad market due to my wife's condition."

"A bad economy reduces the value of all assets," Logan replied evenly. "That's not my fault. I can't and won't pay more than the company is worth to me." He leaned back in his chair. "You are always free to reject my offer."

"You bastard. You know we can't find another buyer."

Logan pressed his lips together to force back the words he wanted to say. No buyer ever thought a purchase price was high enough. Despite Mrs. Molloy's illness, Winter Enterprises was not a charity. Logan had to price every deal with the expectation of making a profit. Even then, some deals never made money, and he simply had to swallow the loss. But he couldn't go in planning to lose money.

He thought this company might be perfect for Amanda and, when his relationship with her ended, it would be an easy move to transfer her from his main company to Daily Eats.

"We haven't finalized any terms yet," he said to Molloy.

Molloy pointed a finger at him. "You cheat me, and there will be hell to pay."

He grabbed the handles of Mrs. Molloy's chair and wheeled her out of the room.

Logan called room service to remove dinner. Then he returned to the dining table and sat down. "What's your opinion of the deal?"

"Naturally, they've overpriced the company." Amanda glanced down at some notes she'd made on a paper pad. "There are also red flags other than the price."

"Such as?"

"They only want to sell a minority stake. You don't do minority stakes."

He raised his brows. She'd done some homework.

"They would be undercapitalized, even with the stake they're putting up for sale."

Logan nodded. "I figure they need twice as much money as they think, minimum."

"Right. If they don't spend more on marketing, it doesn't matter how good their product is."

He liked the way her mind worked. "What other concerns do you have?"

"Mr. Molloy seems quite hostile. Although his desire to remain Chief Executive Officer is reasonable on the surface, I wonder if his presence would doom the deal if he can't reconcile himself to the terms."

"For all the reasons you've outlined, the deal will only work if I invest more money, buy a majority stake, and force Molloy out."

"I don't think he'd go quietly."

"Money always talks."

"I wouldn't want the job at the expense of someone else."

"That's your choice, of course. But if I were to make this investment, I would need someone loyal to me to run the business. If you're not interested, I won't do the deal."

She sighed. "I didn't say I'm not interested. But why do I get the feeling that you're already planning my departure? How many other exes do you have running subsidiaries of your company?"

He had to press back a smile. "I have several protégés running small companies I've acquired." He met her gaze. "None of them could be considered exes."

"Fine." Her tone said it was anything but. "I'd like to take a closer look at the business before making any decision."

"I agree. That's why I planned the visit tomorrow to their offices. Though the Molloys work at home, their employees are based in a small building nearby."

Amanda nodded. "Okay. What time?"

He'd never get a better exit opportunity. He logged off his computer, pushed back his chair and stood up. "I'm going out. Shall we meet here for breakfast at 8?" The surprise on her face made it worth the effort he had to make to leave the suite.

The next day, since they'd postponed their departure in order to meet with the Molloys' accountant, they'd be spending the night in Philadelphia again. After a full day of meetings at the offices of Daily Eats, Logan felt entitled to claim a reward.

"The Philadelphia Symphony is playing tonight," he said casually, as they entered the suite. "Would you care to join me?"

Confusion chased surprise across her face. Excellent. She wanted to go, but was nervous about his intentions. He didn't mind keeping her guessing.

"Okay," she