We just had an acquisition fall through because we wanted to get the right returns for us and our investors. Funding is rough in our market, so we may be forced to close doors in months. Shaking off that what-if feeling is so fucking hard!

how big was the offer?

It's a Rocky-style boxing match. Endure the myriad head shots until you prevail.

Right returns ?

Something breaking even or giving back part of the investment is the "right return"

sure beats nothing and you won't tarnish you reputation with a full failure.

and if you accepted the offer, you'd be kicking yourself even harder

Bad move. The bubble will burst in a few months and you'll have "right returns" of zero.