Daryn looked into her eyes. "I am serious, baby. In fact I will add another ten million dollars to the offer that your client has made. They are taking it for fifteen million. I will take it for twenty five million." He picked up a glass of wine and sipped the sparkly liquid.

"Daryn, I don't want your charity!" she sounded annoyed.

​​

"Why do you think it's charity Dawn?" he asked with all seriousness. "It is purely a business decision. I like your company, got it evaluated by my people and they feel that The Neo Software is going to rise pretty well."

Dawn frowned. Why was he in such a mood? "Daryn, don't patronize me. I don't like the feeling."

"I am not dear. I am talking to you just like a businessman would. This is a calculated offer. If you have the grit, then match me up and tell me why I shouldn't take over your company? Because I am roaring to do that. It is showing excellent returns."

To say that Dawn was shocked was an understatement. She was stunned and for a moment her mind stuttered. What was he planning to do? She collected her thoughts. "You mean you want to do a hostile takeover of my company?"

"I will if you plan on selling it to anyone else," he said with determination of a cold businessman. This is how he dealt with others too.

"Now that's a threat Daryn," she said, narrowing her eyes.

"Yes dear, it is. Deal with it. You are in the market with your company and against a shark like me baby. What are you gonna do? Huh?" he smiled and sipped more of his wine.

The waiters came to spread the table with food. Dawn became quiet until they were there. As soon as they left she snarled at him, "Is this some kind of a joke?"

Daryn jerked his head. "No it isn't! You are sitting in front of the most ruthless businessman of the country. Why wouldn't I think of my profit? And when a company is in the market, there is no way anyone can grab it from me. I am the king here and you better understand that."

Add perplex to shock—that's what Dawn was experiencing. Her husband did talk like a ruthless businessman. Was he really like that? She felt like a newb in front of him. She rubbed her neck and looked away. She had no answer to his offer. He was so serious and he talked like a shark. What would she do? This was like complete dominance. If she chose not to sell the company, he threatened her that he would go for hostile takeover and if she sold, he would give her twenty five million dollars. It was definitely a win-win situation for her, but her ego was taking a hit.

She picked up her juice and said, "I choose not to sell."

"Interesting," said Daryn in a heavy voice. "Then you have to bear the consequences darling."

"What consequences?" she said mulishly ready for the challenge. Anger was rising in her chest and she felt like her muscles were quivering in fury. Lava was rising inside her that was about to erupt. In the garb of celebrating anniversary, Daryn at first booked the entire hotel to cut her off completely from others and now he was offering her a deal in which he was cornering her.

"The moment the company comes on the market, I will get a whiff of it and I will take it over. Then I won't offer you this generous money, I will offer you its actual worth. Apart from that I will eliminate every competition that would try to buy it."

The ruthless Daryn spoke.

"That sounds like domination. I don't like it Daryn," she warned. But she knew that right now he wasn't talking to her like her husband, but more like a businessman he was. And why did it feel like he was mentoring her? Kind of making her ready for the sharks. Suddenly things became clear to her. He was actually readying her up to strike business deals with all coldness, with objectivity and with logic. He was teaching her how to deal with cold business people like him.

"No my dear," he replied. "This is pure business talk." He leaned forward on the table and smirked. "If you have the guts to counter me, please do it. I would like to see what is there in your kitty." He felt challenged and his wolf became excited at the way his mate was not submitting to him. He had to show dominance. However, he was completely thrown off balance when Dawn started laughing. "What is so funny?"

"I will let you know my decision after we finish the dinner. After all we are celebrating our six month wedding anniversary," she replied as she picked up a lobster from the bowl.

Daryn moved his head back. "Sounds good."

His wife had kept him on a hold. His anticipation went to an all time high within five minutes. He was trying to make her uncomfortable, and now… he was fully restless. What would be her decision? Would she sell the company or would she meet his challenge? At least one thing was sure—the company is going to remain with the Silvers. So what if there was a tussle between husband and wife. He could barely concentrate for the next half an hour until the dinner was over and the waiter brought desserts. All the while, Dawn was talking about the flowers in their backyard and how she intended to grow rose ramblers.

"Oh, I have to go to visit Quetz this weekend. Did I mention that to you?" she asked softly.

"I think you did," but he didn't remember if she did. 'Come on Dawn what is your decision? Give me a cue.'

After they finished dinner, they walked out of the hotel giving heavy tips to every staff member on the way.

"Well what is your decision?" he asked finally when they were sitting in the car.

She tilted her head. Then she hopped in his lap and wrapped her hands around his neck. "Baby, I think I would be a fool not to accept this offer. Twenty five million dollars is something awesome. My company's worth is seven and half million in the market and if a rich businessman like you wants to buy it, then who am I to deny it." She pecked on his lips. "When and where do I sign the papers?"

And just like that Daryn was floored. He stared at his wife. She took the right decision. Acted like a newbie… but that was expected from her. Instead of being stubborn, she acted smartly. "I am proud of your decision baby," he said as his chest swelled with pride. His mate was a smart businesswoman. And most importantly the company stayed with them. The day couldn't turn out any better.

When they reached home, Daryn was desperate to shove himself deep in his intelligent little neotide.

Over the next two days Dawn received calls from Lily directly. She didn't pick them up but then out of annoyance she picked up one.

"Dawn… I want you to run the business…" said Lily as soon the call connected.