Stunned into a state of speechlessness, Ashley Jarrett absently thumbed through the pages of a hefty contract. While projecting a confident demeanor, she mentally scrambled to gather a few wits to reply to the billionaire business tycoon sitting across the table from her.
The proposal Jon Sinclair of Sinclair Industries just offered her held the possibility of making every one of her dreams come true. As the owner of her own publicity and promotional firm, Ashley knew securing an account with Sinclair Industries would be akin to coming into possession of a goose laying golden eggs.
And Jon Sinclair was one goose she didn’t intend to let slip away, no matter how many ridiculous hoops she had to jump through to earn his business.
The sum he’d rattled off as the monthly payment for her services was more than she made in the last year from all her other accounts combined. All she had to do was pull herself together long enough to finalize the deal.
“Of course, Mr. Sinclair.” Elated that she’d regained the ability to speak, she forced herself to make eye contact with the man who made her think of Santa Claus. From the white hair on his head to the twinkle in his blue eyes, Mr. Sinclair could easily pass as a jolly old elf. However, he had a shrewd mind, biting wit, and the ability to turn every business he touched into a wildly successful enterprise.
“Before you get too excited, let’s go over the details.” He grinned at her and turned the contract to the second page.
“Yes, sir.” Ashley smiled and drew in a deep breath, hoping the lightheaded sensation she’d experienced since he mentioned the monthly payment would soon pass.
He cleared his throat and leaned back in an expensive leather chair. “As you may be aware, Sinclair Industries owns Field & Forest Solutions.”
“That’s an agronomic business, isn’t it?” Ashley asked, glad she’d done her homework before this meeting. Up until she started researching Sinclair Industries, she had no idea what the term agronomic meant. She still wasn’t entirely clear on the topic, but she’d figure it out eventually.
“That’s correct. My grandfather started that particular company, offering help to farmers and forest specialists. Today, Field & Forest continues to do that as well as provide professional products and services to everything from landscape companies and golf courses to athletic fields and municipal properties.”
“That’s quite a broad-reaching range, sir,” Ashley said, jotting notes in the notebook she’d brought along. She’d much rather type them into her tablet, but she had a feeling Mr. Sinclair liked to do things old-school.
“Yes, it is. Grandpap had a grand vision for that company, and I’m proud to continue it.” He flipped a page and glanced at Ashley. “We also own Tundra, a company that makes insulated coolers, along with Iron Gears Equipment, which is a tractor and lawn mower business. You’ll also find our rope and tack line under the Maverick brand as well as custom-made boots with the Legend Boots label. Sunnyside Trailers is also our business as is the Rembrandt Rubber Company.” Mr. Sinclair gave her a long, studying look.
Ashley felt like squirming but remained unmoving, meeting his steady gaze.
He gave her one more glimpse, then flipped ahead through several pages. “This is not yet public knowledge, so the information I’m about to share will not leave this room. Understood?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Good.” He pointed to a bold logo on the top of the page. “As of last week, we own Lasso Eight apparel.”
“What?” Ashley gaped at the man, then hurried to turn to the page in the contract emblazoned with Lasso Eight’s emblem. She’d worked with the founder of the company and his staff the last few years, but he’d not mentioned any intention of selling the business. “How is that possible? I had no idea Elliott was planning to sell.”
“When he commented a few months ago that he was interested in trying something new, I made him an offer he couldn’t refuse.” Mr. Sinclair wore a pleased expression. “I hired the woman who’s secretly been creating the designs for him. I intend to keep the rest of the staff, including the independent contractors such as Jessie Jarrett. I believe she’s married to your cousin, isn’t she?”
Shocked that Mr. Sinclair knew so much about her as well as the news of the popular western clothing line changing ownership, Ashley floundered, unable to do more than nod her head.