Total pages in book: 81
Estimated words: 75592 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 378(@200wpm)___ 302(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75592 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 378(@200wpm)___ 302(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
It’s funny, though. I’ve decided that I’ll have to lean on Gabe’s business savvy to make any decisions, and it has never once crossed my mind that I shouldn’t trust him where the business is concerned. It appears that even though he’s a Mardraggon and he’s hurt me in the past, it hasn’t turned me against him completely.
Gabe’s interrupted by a phone call and I’m startled that he actually gets cell coverage at thirty thousand feet. I presume that’s one of the benefits of flying privately. I try not to eavesdrop but he doesn’t make any effort to hide his conversation as I’m sitting right beside him. I surf my phone, which is connected to the plane’s Wi-Fi, but as I listen, it doesn’t take me long to realize the call has something to do with his capacity as the head of Mardraggon Enterprises. There’s a lot of high-level talk that I don’t understand, once again reiterating my lack of business experience and the mounting pressure upon me to make sure I understand things. Regardless, it’s fascinating… and admittedly a little sexy to see him in his element.
His tone is decidedly formal, each word reflecting the weight of the decisions on his shoulders. “We need a thorough analysis of the current tariff impacts and potential market disruptions in the next quarter. It’s imperative we align our production forecasts accordingly,” he states, his voice a mixture of command and contemplation. “Also, let’s expedite the review of our aging inventory. Optimal turnover is crucial, especially with the upcoming summer demands. Ensure that the finance team prepares a detailed forecast by next week.”
Gabe pauses, listening intently as his gaze focuses out the window. “Regarding the partnership with the UK distributors, ensure all contractual agreements are vetted for compliance with both our standards and local regulations. We can’t afford to overlook anything there. And yes, please schedule a follow-up with the branding team. It’s time we pushed forward with the new marketing strategies we discussed.”
My head spins at how he keeps all of this straight. Gabe’s voice fades slightly as he shifts topics. “Lastly, update me tomorrow on the status of the water sourcing issue. I want that resolved before it affects production. Keep me in the loop with any developments.”
When Gabe hangs up, he looks at me with apology. “Sorry about that. I’m going to have to conduct some Mardraggon business here and there while we’re on this trip.”
“So… chairman of the board now, huh?” I try to sound casual. “You’ve kind of been thrown into the deep end, especially considering why you had to take over.”
Gabe’s eyes glitter with confidence. “Make no doubt, I ousted my father because that was what was best for the company, but I’m not thrashing around in the deep end. I know exactly what I’m doing.”
I have no doubt he means that, but I am curious. “No regrets about removing Lionel from the board?”
“It had to be done, Kat. I had to protect the company.”
“Just like you had to protect Sylvie,” I murmur, a flush of gratitude surging through me at the reminder of how Gabe’s life has changed in many ways because of what his father did. But one way that’s rarely acknowledged is that Gabe was a hero when it mattered.
I’m surprised when he turns the table on me and asks, “And you? How are you handling everything on your plate? I know you have your own duties at the farm, but taking on the winery business with me has got to be stretching you thin.”
I exhale, his question causing the weight to feel a tiny bit heavier. “It’s never-ending. And in addition to my regular job and the winery, I’m also handling all the medical oversight for the horses. Everyone in the family has pulled something off Ethan’s shoulders to give him breathing room. It’s like juggling knives.”
Gabe chuckles and with a look of genuine interest on his face says, “I’m not sure I really understand everything that you or your family does. Educate me.”
“Yeah, I guess we never talked about that stuff back when we were together.” The words come out of my mouth unbidden and for a fearful moment, I’m concerned that Sylvie heard that. My gaze snaps to her but she’s engrossed in her movie. I move far away from that subject and launch into answering his question. “Blackburn Farms is the largest breeding and training facility for American saddlebreds in the country.”
Gabe’s eyes flare in surprise and I’m honestly confused how he doesn’t know that. We have business interests in the same small slice of Shelby County, but I guess when you mutually hate one another for decades upon decades, families don’t tend to get into the important details.
“We have over a thousand acres of land, two hundred brood mares, almost seventy retired horses, nine studs and plenty of foals and yearlings that rotate through. I have no clue how many staff total and it fluctuates seasonally, but I’d guess we average anywhere from fifty to seventy-five people at a time.”