Chapter 58 - The Counter-Offer
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Sienna’s office became a war room. For three days, she, Victoria, and Julian poured over financial ledgers, tax codes, and property evaluations. They needed an immediate, massive capital injection to pay off the farmers' debts and secure the land permanently, completely cutting Vanguard out of the equation.
"No domestic bank will grant us a commercial loan of this magnitude within thirty days," Julian stated, tossing his pen onto the desk in frustration. "Evelyn has effectively blacklisted the St. Moritz trust from traditional lending by floating rumors of our insolvency."
"Then we don't use traditional lending," Sienna replied, staring at a framed photograph on her wall. It was a picture of Queen Helene of Monaco, smiling warmly during her stay at the St. Moritz.
Victoria followed Sienna's gaze, her eyes widening in realization. "Sienna... you can't be serious. You want to ask a sovereign royal family for a loan?"
"Not a loan. An investment," Sienna corrected, pulling out her personal, encrypted stationary. "Queen Helene told me that she values authenticity and history above all else. She hates corporate monopolies. She offered her assistance if I ever needed it. I am going to call in that favor."
"It is a massive diplomatic risk," Julian warned. "If she declines, word will leak that the St. Moritz is begging for international bailouts. Evelyn will use that to destroy our reputation completely."
"It is a risk I am willing to take," Sienna said firmly, picking up her pen.
She spent the next two hours drafting a meticulously worded letter to the royal house of Monaco. She didn't beg. She presented a visionary business proposal: an opportunity for the royal family to become silent, minority partners in the Willow Creek agricultural cooperative, preserving the historic land from corporate destruction while securing exclusive rights to the finest organic produce in America.
She sealed the letter and handed it to Victoria.
"Have this couriered directly to the consulate," Sienna ordered. "Hand-deliver it to Monsieur Dupont."
The waiting was agonizing. For four days, there was absolute silence from the consulate. Evelyn’s thirty-day deadline loomed closer, casting a shadow of anxiety over the entire staff.
On the fifth morning, Sienna was sitting in her office when her private, direct line rang. It was a secure international number.
Sienna took a deep breath and picked up the receiver.
"Ms. Vance," the crisp, familiar voice of Queen Helene echoed through the phone. "I received your proposal. I must say, it is quite bold to ask a monarch to buy a potato farm."
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"They are very exceptional potatoes, Your Highness," Sienna replied, a small, hopeful smile touching her lips.
The Queen laughed, a rich, warm sound. "I despise corporate bullies, Sienna. And I adore your chef's diver scallops. The royal treasury will transfer the funds by tomorrow morning. Save your valley."
