Read Online Rebound by Nikki Mathis Thompson - Free Book Online Page A

friendly acquisition. It was going to be advantageous for both companies involved. Some of the business elements were a bit out of her realm of knowledge, but she understood enough to get the job done.  
    Katrine had feared she might be sluggish at first, but  it all came back to her quite quickly. She had a great eye for detail and numbers had always come easy to her.  Katrine felt exhilarated as her brain poured over the figures. She was in the zone. But as the second hour passed, she ran across something that caught her attention. 
    “Hmmm, that doesn’t look right.”
    She pulled up all of the previous files and went over every number and detail with a fine-toothed comb, including the charts, graphs, and spread sheets provided.
    “There, right there.”
    She found that the numbers in the international equity section of one of the reports provided to AG had been grossly overestimated. That would over value Smith Oil, therefore over inflating the purchase price. So in other words, she just found an error that would save the company over 5 million dollars!!  She ran right into Mr. Abbot’s office. He looked up from his computer, seemingly annoyed to be seeing her again so soon.
    “Yes, Ms. Macnamara.”
    “Mr. Abbot, I have found something that I know you will want to see immediately.”
    She put the evidence in front of him and explained her findings in detail. 
    He glanced at her and then looked over the reports.
    “Are you certain this is accurate?”
    “Yes. Mr Abbot. I checked and triple checked the data. I was quite thorough and I would not have approached you otherwise. See for yourself, sir.”
    He took his time going over what she placed in front of him for a second time.
    “Excuse me please.” he said, as he picked up the phone. She left his office feeling triumphant. She wanted to distinguish herself and make an impression. If she proved to be correct on this, which she was, it would be a momentous coup.
    She was a little nervous because this was a pretty big deal. She heard him yelling from his office.
    “Well it had better be an oversight, because if it is not and you were padding your figures to get more money out of my company, we will pull out immediately and the deal is off. You will be held accountable for all fees and expenses AG has incurred up to this point, not to mention a potential law suit. Yes, see that you do, and within the hour.”
    He hung up the phone and shook his head. He could not believe what had just happened. His new assistant had made a very significant save. He started to feel a little guilty about how he had been treating her. He hated feeling guilty. Obviously she was intelligent and professional. She seemed tenacious and had a positive attitude. He felt that he should make amends in some way though. She deserved it after today’s accomplishment. He would have to think on it for a little while.
    Katrine was updating the fourth quarter flow charts, when Mr. Abbot asked her into his office about an hour later.
    “Ms. MacNamara, it seems that I have unfairly underestimated your abilities. Your diligence and attention to detail have saved me a substantial amount of money today. That, I do not take lightly, nor do I overlook. Please accept my deepest gratitude on behalf of AG Industries. You have proven to be an asset in an extremely short amount of time. With that said, I would like to propose to you a business opportunity… There is a charity event at the opera house downtown, this Saturday. Most of the collaborators on this merger will be in attendance. Hal Smith, the president of Smith Oil Corp., is on the board of this children’s charity and I am expected to make an appearance. It would be beneficial for you to be there. You have proven yourself today, and as part of the team it is only customary that our associates become familiar with you. I assume you can take care of any conflicts? It is a formal occasion. I am sure you can find something suitable?” he