My husband’s family spent the whole reunion insulting me — they laughed at my clothes, mocked my business, called me a burden, and said I’d never amount to anything without him. Then my jet landed…

A stunning piece by a Lagos designer I’d discovered while visiting the market with Fumni. Beautiful dress, Christopher commented as he sat beside me. Very… ethnic.

Thank you, I replied, ignoring the microaggression. Naledi is becoming quite renowned in international fashion circles. Beyonce wore one of her designs last month.

He nodded with feigned interest. So tell me about this platform of yours. I understand it’s doing quite well with certain… demographics.

The way he said demographics made my skin crawl, but I maintained my smile. Our user base is actually remarkably diverse. We’ve seen particular growth among young professionals, regardless of background.

Fascinating, he murmured, swirling his wine. Though I wonder about long-term sustainability. These niche markets can be so volatile.

Ah, there it was. The dismissal dressed up as concern. Our retention rates suggest otherwise, I replied coolly.

But I’m sure you’ve studied our quarterly reports, given your interest in synergies. Across the table, a cousin’s wife leaned forward. Is it true you’re buying a house in the Hamptons? Bethany mentioned something about you looking at properties.

I glanced down the table at Bethany, who suddenly became very interested in her salad. No, we’re quite happy with our place in the city. Though we did recently purchase land in Lagos for our new office campus.

Lagos again, Vivian sighed. Really, dear, there are so many more civilized locations for expansion. London, perhaps? Or at least Dubai.

I took a sip of water, reminding myself why I was here. Not to change their minds, but to free myself from caring about their opinions. Lagos makes perfect strategic sense for us, I said simply.

And it has personal significance. For me. Yes, Marcus mentioned something about your grandmother, Vivian said with a dismissive wave.

But surely sentiment shouldn’t drive business decisions. Marcus’s father cleared his throat. Actually, Vivian, Africa represents significant, untapped market potential.

Aisha’s connection there could be quite advantageous. He turned to me with newfound respect. Forward thinking move.

The table fell silent. In all our years of interaction, William Thompson had never once validated a decision of mine. Thank you, I replied, genuinely surprised.

I’ve been following your company’s trajectory, he continued. Impressive growth model reminds me of my early days before we became more conservative. Christopher stiffened beside me.

Conservative approaches have their merits will, particularly in uncertain markets. Perhaps, William agreed. But innovation drives true growth.

Something I fear we’ve forgotten at Thompson Financial. The subtext was clear. My success was forcing him to reconsider principles he’d held for decades.

Not a complete transformation, but a crack in the foundation. Conversation shifted to safer topics. Bethany’s children, an uncle’s new yacht, the spring charity gala.

I felt Christopher watching me throughout dinner, calculating something behind his practiced smile. As dessert was served, he leaned closer. I should be direct, Aisha.

Preston Investment Group is interested in acquiring a significant stake in your company. I nearly choked on my creme brulee. Excuse me? We’re prepared to make a very generous offer, he continued smoothly.

Your platform has valuable applications within our portfolio. Of course, you’d maintain a nominal role, public face of the company, community outreach, that sort of thing. The room seemed to contract around me.

This was why I’d been seated. Beside him, why Vivian had suddenly decided to welcome me back. They hadn’t accepted me.

They wanted to absorb and neutralize me. Are you suggesting I step down as CEO? I asked, keeping my voice steady. Not immediately, he assured me.

But over time, naturally, as the integration progresses, you’ve built something impressive, but scaling requires different leadership. I looked across the table, catching Vivian watching our conversation with barely concealed anticipation. This had been her plan all along.

Bring the wayward daughter-in-law back into the fold by having Christopher subsume my company. Christopher, I said carefully. I appreciate your interest, but my company isn’t for sale to anyone at any price.

His smile tightened. Everyone has a price, Aisha. And frankly, the alternative might be challenging.

We’ve acquired your largest competitor last month. Economy of scale will make it difficult for you to compete long term. My blood ran cold.

Horizon Financial, our biggest rival in the retail investment space. I’d heard rumors of their acquisition, but hadn’t confirmed the buyer. That was you.

That was you. We move quietly when necessary, he said, dropping all pretense of warmth. The offer stands for 30 days.

After that, market forces take their course. The threat hung between us, clear and unmistakable. I glanced down the table at Marcus, who was watching with concern, clearly sensing the tension even without hearing the conversation.

I should check with my husband, I said, rising from my seat. Excuse me. Christopher caught my wrist, his grip just tight enough to be inappropriate.

Marcus doesn’t control your company, does he? I thought you were the feminist success story. I slowly removed his hand from my arm. I am.

Which is why I make business decisions based on what’s right for my users, not what’s convenient for men who threaten me at dinner parties. I walked calmly to Marcus, whispered in his ear, and watched his expression darken as I explained Christopher’s threat. We’re leaving, he said immediately, standing up.

No, I countered, an idea forming. I need to make a call first. Cover for me? While Marcus created a diversion asking his father about recent renovations, I slipped into William’s study and pulled out my phone.

Rhea answered on the first ring. Please tell me you’re not still at that dinner, she said, instead of hello. I need you to pull up everything we have on Preston Investment Group’s recent acquisitions, I said, skipping pleasantries, specifically their purchase of Horizon Financial…