Chapter 55 - Board Meeting

It is now a few hours later, after Lena's meeting with Sam. Lena's meeting with the board members at L-Corp is now coming to an end. The first hour of the meeting was all about updates on L-Corp's various projects, introducing Sam to the board formerly, and talking about the next quarter's projected profit margins. After all of that was out of the way, Lena spent the last half an hour pitching for the company to buy CatCo. It all felt very weird to Lena, as she is the CEO she never has to actually pitch ideas to her board, and admittedly she does have some concerns that by doing this, as in the future the board may expect the same treatment. However, Lena is willing to do this now, and deal with those potential issues later, after all, this is for Kara, and Lena would do anything for her.

"So, to summarise" Lena says, ending her pitch to the board, "I believe that by L-Corp purchasing CatCo, it will be of great benefit to our company, both from a financial perspective, and from a perspective when we take into account the resources L-Corp will gain, and thereby be able to use, as a result of this purchase. Like I said, this is a.... unique situation.... as it will be branching L-Corp's business interests outside our existing area, so that is why I am putting this to a vote. I of course could buy CatCo with L-Corp's existing monetary assets, due to my majority share in this company, but I have decided for this decision only, I will put it to a vote, and respect the board's decision, no matter the outcome."

Once Lena finishes the board members all look at each other, all trying to gauge each other's views on the matter without actually saying anything out loud. In total, including Lena and Sam, there are 7 members who currently sit on the L-Corp board, meaning that Lena needs only 2 further board members to agree with her decision to have a majority, seeing as she already has Sam's support.

"Well....." The oldest member of the L-Corp board says, "I will go first and say, I will NOT be voting for this. L-Corp has always been a company devoted to science. Originally, under your father and then your brother, we worked mostly in the weapons field, but you changed that when the company fell to you. You have already changed enough; this is a step too far."

Lena expected as much from this board member, he is just an old man, set in his ways, and he has never liked the fact that Lena is now the CEO. In fact, when Lena told the board of her decision to change the company's name from Luthor Corp to L-Corp he stormed into her office telling her she doesn't respect the company's history. In actuality, Lena thinks that the old man is just a massive sexist, and absolutely despises the fact that a woman is in charge. Lena would have already got rid of him, if she could, but unfortunately, after her, the old man is the second largest shareholder in L-Corp; he apparently was one of Lionel's right hand men.

"Very well. Anyone else?" Lena asks, looking at the rest of the board.

"I have to say..." One of the younger board members begins, "I think that while this is a different business than what L-Corp usually deals in, the potentials for CatCo's use to us could be very interesting."

"I agree." Another board member says, "As you mentioned Miss Luthor, the relationships L-Corp could form by having CatCo write articles on a variety of scientific subjects would be a great asset."

"I am unsure...." A four member of the board begins, "This all is... risky.... There are several ifs and buts... The only saving grace for me.... is that it should be easy for the share prices to recover quickly... after you publish the editorial you mentioned..."

After everyone has spoken, it leaves only one board member, other than Sam, who has not voiced his opinion one way or the other. Lena just waits a few seconds, looking at the board member. However, after about 10 seconds of uncomfortable silence, the board member doesn't speak.

"Very well. I am putting it to a vote then." Lena says.

"Aye." Sam says, being the first to vote and support her friend.

"Ney." The older board member says, not unexpected.

"Aye."

"Ney."

"Aye."

"Aye."

Thankfully, with that last vote of approval, that leaves the vote at 4 – 2, meaning the motion passes even without Lena having to give her vote. Lena is happy about this result because she was concerned that if the vote was closer, and her vote was the tiebreaker, then the board members that voted no might end up being very unhappy with her, and could make her life more difficult. But fortunately, that is not the case.

"Very well. That means with my vote included, the motion to buy CatCo passes 5 – 2. Thank you." Lena says.

As Lena announces the motion the older board member grumbles under his breath, saying something about how Lena is running this company into the ground, but Lena ignores him. Lena is just extremely happy right now and can't wait to tell Kara the good news.

"Okay everyone. Unless anyone else wants to bring up something else, we can adjourn this meeting." Lena says, happily.

None of the board members bring anything else up, so everyone then gets up and leaves the conference room. Lena and Sam are the last two to leave, and they both head upstairs to Lena's office.

"How did it go?" Jess asks, as Sam and Lena walk by.

Lena looks at Jess and smiles.

"They approved it." Lena says.

"Well congratulations... Mi.... Lena.." Jess says, correcting herself, realising that it is just her, Lena and Sam present.

"Thank you Jess." Lena smiles, and then walks into her office, followed by Sam.

As soon as Lena's office door closes behind her, she breaks out into an even bigger smile, so happy that she is going to be able to make Kara happy, and save CatCo.

"Someone is happy." Sam smirks, with a slight chuckle.

"Yes... it's just.... I was worried for a moment.... about the board not approving it... and what that would mean for Kara and CatCo.... I was even worried that you wouldn't agree earlier.... So, with the vote passing... it is just like a weight has been lifted from my shoulders... I feel a lot of relief..." Lena smiles.

"Well, I'm glad." Sam says, "Are you going to tell Kara?"

"Yeah. I'm going to text her right now." Lena smiles.

"Okay then. Well, I'm going to go to my office and get some work done. Call me if you need me to go over any of the financial data about CatCo when you are about to buy the shares." Sam says.

"I will, thank you Sam." Lena says, with a nod.

"I'll see you later." Sam smiles, and then turns around and leaves Lena's office.

******

Meanwhile, back at CatCo, Kara's day at work has not been great, everything is kind of crazy. Well, kind of is an understatement. Yesterday, Kara felt like there was a real sense of dread in the air between all the CatCo employees, but now, even though no official announcement has been made, there is a complete sense of despair, and just overall misery. It all just makes CatCo a very unpleasant environment to work at currently. Kara really just hopes that Lena can convince her board to buy the company, as if she doesn't, then so many people will be out of jobs.

Today, one of the worst people at CatCo, as usual, has been Snapper Carl. Snapper has been yelling at everyone, and berating most of the reporters throughout the entire day, clearly taking out his annoyance and angry on them. Kara has just tried to keep to herself and avoid the head journalist's wrath. Kara does think that if Lena does buy CatCo, then maybe she will suggest that Lena tries to find a replacement for Snapper, someone nicer, and more pleasant to be around.