Chapter 36 - The Vote That Could Divide The Family
The investigation created another problem.
Some shareholders still wanted the sale.
And one of them was Sienna.
She had inherited a small portion of my father's estate after the criminal proceedings were resolved.
She had never asked for control.
But now she owned enough shares to influence the vote.
She came to see me.
“I know what you're thinking.”
I smiled.
“You don't know what I'm thinking.”
“You think I'm going to sell.”
“Are you?”
She hesitated.
“I don't know.”
That answer was honest.
“Northstar's offer could change my life.”
“I know.”
“And yours.”
I nodded.
“But I don't want you to choose because of me.”
She looked at me.
“You really mean that?”
“Yes.”
“Even if I vote to sell?”
“Yes.”
She started crying.
“Why are you making this so difficult?”
“Because I don't want another family decision built on fear.”
She wiped her eyes.
“Mom always made everything about winning.”
“I know.”
“I don't want to be like her.”
“Then don't.”
Sienna looked down.
“What would Dad do?”
I smiled.
“That's the wrong question.”
She looked up.
“What?”
“What would Sienna do if nobody was watching?”
She didn't answer.
But when she left, I knew she was thinking about it.
Two days later, she called.
“I won't sell.”
I didn't celebrate.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Because I realized something.”
“What?”
“If I sell because I'm afraid of losing money, I'm still letting fear make my decisions.”
I smiled.
May you like
“That sounds like my sister.”
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