A/N Again thanks so much for the encouraging reviews ;) As always, constructive criticisms are very much welcomed and appreciated. Laura, thanks for being a great beta.
A/N: Sorry this took forever, every time I tried to upload this, the site wasn't working. Anyway, here it is...
*Part 3*
"So Logan, are we?" Sebastian was weary with expectations as Logan paced around the room.
Would they or would they not take on the government of the most powerful country in the world? Logan's basic survival instincts, sharpened by millions of years of evolution, screamed a loud *NO!*. However, the reporter instinct he had developed and often indulged - or was it arrogance and naivete?- had lead him to the contrary.
Logan paused and leaned against the wall with his clasped hands under his forehead. Which path would he take? Both ways may lead to devastating consequences, it was just a matter of which one he would rather deal with. Letting out a breath, he straightened out and confidently masked all reservations.
"Yes, we are" He declared.
Sebastian nodded with understanding and quickly tried to wheel himself out before Logan changed his mind. He had known Logan since high school. Long enough to know when Logan was truly committed towards a cause or whether he was only doing what he thought was right. Right then, he knew that it was Logan's sense of duty to righteousness that made him decide as he did.
Oh, but Sebastian didn't wheel himself fast enough. Blocking his exit was Max Guevara. With papers on one hand and a not-so-content demeanor suggested by her fight-like stand and fiery eyes, Sebastian was glad he was not on the receiving end of her glare.
Nevertheless, he managed to say, "Hello Ms. Guevara."
Max absent-mindedly looked at Sebastian, for a moment, she hadn't realized that she and Logan were not alone. Recovering quickly, "Oh, hello...", she went through the list of names she memorized from her welcome party and matched one to the face in front of her, "...Sebastian".
"I'm surprised you remembered." He wasn't, but he smiled politely anyway.
"I have a good memory." Max's reply was curt, meaning to send the message that she wanted to attack, no, talk to Logan alone.
Sebastian was happy to comply, "Excuse me, I was on my way out." He continued wheeling himself out as Max made room for him to pass.
Logan, being the sensitive male that he was, got the feeling that Max was very upset. That had only meant one thing, she had read and understood the implications of Clause 100 in their working arrangements.
"Hi Max, I thought we said we'd meet at the press room."
With natural grace, Max took her time to sit comfortably, prolonging the tension that was starting to cloud the room. She crossed her legs and pointed on the piece of paper that she laid on the desk. "Mind explaining to me what that means?"
Innocently, Logan leaned over to read the statement and replied. "It means that we share decisional powers over the classic 5." These were the original 5 journals that their parents started with and until recently, were the only ones under the Biotech umbrella.
Max smirked, "Wrong Logan, that means I don't get to have a say in EO". EO was the newest addition to Biotech, and in which Logan was both the founder and the Editor in Chief.
"Well, not exactly." Logan shifted his weight, getting a little uncomfortable.
"Oh yeah? Well, how is it exactly? Please do enlighten me." She demanded mockingly.
"Ummm...." Logan searched his right brain for something creative to say. "Well, Max, it's always been that way." He tried to explain. "Even my dad allowed me full control over EO."
She nodded in agreement, "Yes, that's true, and that's about to change."
"But..."
"Have Bling change that little clause, won't you?" Max rose from her seat and gave Logan a dismissive wave.
"Max reason with me here." Logan caught up with Max and he touched her elbow, urging her to face him.
Max looked at the hand touching her, it felt weird yet familiar at the same time. She brushed it off. "I'll give him one week or I'll have my lawyers draft it for him" She said with a sweet generous smile.
"You can't do that" Logan couldn't believe Max was actually thinking about replacing Bling. Has she changed that much?
"What Logan? I've only been here for two days and you're already undermining my authority?" Her eyebrow inched a tad closer to the ceiling.
"No, that's not what I meant. Bling's family has been working for us for the longest time..."
"For the longest time did you say? Well, I'm sure he'll enjoy the idea of an early retirement." Her smile had gotten unbelievably closer to the saccharine side of sweet.
"Max wait, hear me out." Logan pleaded, he didn't understand why Max was acting this way.
Max, although she enjoyed the sight of a grown man almost begging, decided she had enough of her little game. "Fine, talk."
"You'll get the first copy of each addition" So, Logan hadn't changed that much, always the negotiator.
"Not good enough."
Logan tried again, "Okay, I'll relinquish control over one of the five."
"Please Logan, don't do me any favours." She crossed her arms and dared Logan to ask her THE question.
Logan was afraid it would come to this, "Okay Max, what would it take for you to drop this?"
"I want a say in EO."
With a serious tone in his voice, Logan said, "Except for that."
"Why?"
Logan couldn't exactly say that not everything they were doing at EO was technically legal. "It's irrelevant."
Oh touchy! "Alright Logan, I want Psych Review, Genetics Today and Neurophysiology. You get consultation powers, but I get to turn it into whatever I please. How's that?"
~~~FLASHBACK~~~
"Logan!!!!!!" Max knocked on his arm cast for the hundredth time.
"Hellllllllllo!!!!!!" Max leaned over, putting her ear over the cast and knocked again. "Anyyyyyybody theeeere?" She giggled. For some reason that Logan couldn't fathom, that amused her.
"Max what are you doing?" This little repetitive play was starting to annoy him. It was cute the first few times, but after a while, it had lost all its appeal.
"Knocking!" She stated with a *Duh!* expression on her face.
"I'm trying to write an essay, go knock someplace else. Like a door, where *normal* people knock." Logan turned away so Max wouldn't be able to reach the left arm he had injured while playing basketball.
Max stood still with arms on both sides and seriously contemplated whether she would comply or not.
As if a light bulb turned on over her head, she smiled deviously. This was a girl with a plan! "Only if I get a piggy back ride. With no short cuts this time!"
"No way Maxie!" Logan's back was still hurting from his accident on the basketball court.
Max took baby steps towards Logan and threatened to knock again. Each of her shoulder bopped in coordination with her steps.
"Alright, alright!" Logan laughed and raised his free arm to surrender.
Max squealed with childish delight and hurriedly hopped onto Logan's back.
~~~END OF FLASHBACK~~~
Max always knew how to manipulate her way. Logan couldn't believe he hadn't realized her intent sooner. Too late, he just lost a battle he didn't even know he was fighting. So this was her game. He'd be more prepared just in case there was a next time. "I don't like it Max."
To Max's satisfaction, Logan reacted in her favour. She wasn't sure how Logan would take her threats and she wanted to know early on who had the upper hand in their business partnership. The day before, with Logan's almost excessive politeness, she never figured out if he wanted her to be a part of the company or if he was just waiting for a chance to get her out. With Logan reacting this way, it seemed that he had already accepted that their business relationship was permanent. Anticipated future interaction always did make people easier to manipulate, they were nicer and more willing to please.
So, it looked like Max would stay at Biotech for good. But most importantly, Logan would know not to try any tricks to buy her out. Her performance was just a little reminder, in case Logan had forgotten, that she knew how to get her way. What better way to advertise to Logan that the trusting child he knew her to be had disappeared into the smart-mouthed b!tch that she became? He would know better than to mess with her.
Max leveled her brows and victory danced in her eyes. "The press is waiting Logan, would you like to announce the changes or should I."
Logan said coolly, regaining his pride back, "I'm sure you already have a speech prepared, why don't you do the honours?"
"I'd be glad to."
A/N: Sorry this took forever, every time I tried to upload this, the site wasn't working. Anyway, here it is...
*Part 3*
"So Logan, are we?" Sebastian was weary with expectations as Logan paced around the room.
Would they or would they not take on the government of the most powerful country in the world? Logan's basic survival instincts, sharpened by millions of years of evolution, screamed a loud *NO!*. However, the reporter instinct he had developed and often indulged - or was it arrogance and naivete?- had lead him to the contrary.
Logan paused and leaned against the wall with his clasped hands under his forehead. Which path would he take? Both ways may lead to devastating consequences, it was just a matter of which one he would rather deal with. Letting out a breath, he straightened out and confidently masked all reservations.
"Yes, we are" He declared.
Sebastian nodded with understanding and quickly tried to wheel himself out before Logan changed his mind. He had known Logan since high school. Long enough to know when Logan was truly committed towards a cause or whether he was only doing what he thought was right. Right then, he knew that it was Logan's sense of duty to righteousness that made him decide as he did.
Oh, but Sebastian didn't wheel himself fast enough. Blocking his exit was Max Guevara. With papers on one hand and a not-so-content demeanor suggested by her fight-like stand and fiery eyes, Sebastian was glad he was not on the receiving end of her glare.
Nevertheless, he managed to say, "Hello Ms. Guevara."
Max absent-mindedly looked at Sebastian, for a moment, she hadn't realized that she and Logan were not alone. Recovering quickly, "Oh, hello...", she went through the list of names she memorized from her welcome party and matched one to the face in front of her, "...Sebastian".
"I'm surprised you remembered." He wasn't, but he smiled politely anyway.
"I have a good memory." Max's reply was curt, meaning to send the message that she wanted to attack, no, talk to Logan alone.
Sebastian was happy to comply, "Excuse me, I was on my way out." He continued wheeling himself out as Max made room for him to pass.
Logan, being the sensitive male that he was, got the feeling that Max was very upset. That had only meant one thing, she had read and understood the implications of Clause 100 in their working arrangements.
"Hi Max, I thought we said we'd meet at the press room."
With natural grace, Max took her time to sit comfortably, prolonging the tension that was starting to cloud the room. She crossed her legs and pointed on the piece of paper that she laid on the desk. "Mind explaining to me what that means?"
Innocently, Logan leaned over to read the statement and replied. "It means that we share decisional powers over the classic 5." These were the original 5 journals that their parents started with and until recently, were the only ones under the Biotech umbrella.
Max smirked, "Wrong Logan, that means I don't get to have a say in EO". EO was the newest addition to Biotech, and in which Logan was both the founder and the Editor in Chief.
"Well, not exactly." Logan shifted his weight, getting a little uncomfortable.
"Oh yeah? Well, how is it exactly? Please do enlighten me." She demanded mockingly.
"Ummm...." Logan searched his right brain for something creative to say. "Well, Max, it's always been that way." He tried to explain. "Even my dad allowed me full control over EO."
She nodded in agreement, "Yes, that's true, and that's about to change."
"But..."
"Have Bling change that little clause, won't you?" Max rose from her seat and gave Logan a dismissive wave.
"Max reason with me here." Logan caught up with Max and he touched her elbow, urging her to face him.
Max looked at the hand touching her, it felt weird yet familiar at the same time. She brushed it off. "I'll give him one week or I'll have my lawyers draft it for him" She said with a sweet generous smile.
"You can't do that" Logan couldn't believe Max was actually thinking about replacing Bling. Has she changed that much?
"What Logan? I've only been here for two days and you're already undermining my authority?" Her eyebrow inched a tad closer to the ceiling.
"No, that's not what I meant. Bling's family has been working for us for the longest time..."
"For the longest time did you say? Well, I'm sure he'll enjoy the idea of an early retirement." Her smile had gotten unbelievably closer to the saccharine side of sweet.
"Max wait, hear me out." Logan pleaded, he didn't understand why Max was acting this way.
Max, although she enjoyed the sight of a grown man almost begging, decided she had enough of her little game. "Fine, talk."
"You'll get the first copy of each addition" So, Logan hadn't changed that much, always the negotiator.
"Not good enough."
Logan tried again, "Okay, I'll relinquish control over one of the five."
"Please Logan, don't do me any favours." She crossed her arms and dared Logan to ask her THE question.
Logan was afraid it would come to this, "Okay Max, what would it take for you to drop this?"
"I want a say in EO."
With a serious tone in his voice, Logan said, "Except for that."
"Why?"
Logan couldn't exactly say that not everything they were doing at EO was technically legal. "It's irrelevant."
Oh touchy! "Alright Logan, I want Psych Review, Genetics Today and Neurophysiology. You get consultation powers, but I get to turn it into whatever I please. How's that?"
~~~FLASHBACK~~~
"Logan!!!!!!" Max knocked on his arm cast for the hundredth time.
"Hellllllllllo!!!!!!" Max leaned over, putting her ear over the cast and knocked again. "Anyyyyyybody theeeere?" She giggled. For some reason that Logan couldn't fathom, that amused her.
"Max what are you doing?" This little repetitive play was starting to annoy him. It was cute the first few times, but after a while, it had lost all its appeal.
"Knocking!" She stated with a *Duh!* expression on her face.
"I'm trying to write an essay, go knock someplace else. Like a door, where *normal* people knock." Logan turned away so Max wouldn't be able to reach the left arm he had injured while playing basketball.
Max stood still with arms on both sides and seriously contemplated whether she would comply or not.
As if a light bulb turned on over her head, she smiled deviously. This was a girl with a plan! "Only if I get a piggy back ride. With no short cuts this time!"
"No way Maxie!" Logan's back was still hurting from his accident on the basketball court.
Max took baby steps towards Logan and threatened to knock again. Each of her shoulder bopped in coordination with her steps.
"Alright, alright!" Logan laughed and raised his free arm to surrender.
Max squealed with childish delight and hurriedly hopped onto Logan's back.
~~~END OF FLASHBACK~~~
Max always knew how to manipulate her way. Logan couldn't believe he hadn't realized her intent sooner. Too late, he just lost a battle he didn't even know he was fighting. So this was her game. He'd be more prepared just in case there was a next time. "I don't like it Max."
To Max's satisfaction, Logan reacted in her favour. She wasn't sure how Logan would take her threats and she wanted to know early on who had the upper hand in their business partnership. The day before, with Logan's almost excessive politeness, she never figured out if he wanted her to be a part of the company or if he was just waiting for a chance to get her out. With Logan reacting this way, it seemed that he had already accepted that their business relationship was permanent. Anticipated future interaction always did make people easier to manipulate, they were nicer and more willing to please.
So, it looked like Max would stay at Biotech for good. But most importantly, Logan would know not to try any tricks to buy her out. Her performance was just a little reminder, in case Logan had forgotten, that she knew how to get her way. What better way to advertise to Logan that the trusting child he knew her to be had disappeared into the smart-mouthed b!tch that she became? He would know better than to mess with her.
Max leveled her brows and victory danced in her eyes. "The press is waiting Logan, would you like to announce the changes or should I."
Logan said coolly, regaining his pride back, "I'm sure you already have a speech prepared, why don't you do the honours?"
"I'd be glad to."