Chapter 15: Bribery
Summer’s POV
“Summer,” his
Europe?”
s voice carried that practiced warmth I’d oner found spaternal. “It’s been over a year. How are you finding things after
I kept my expression professionally neutral, channeling every lesson
learned in Columbia’s negotiation classes. Deep breaths
Channel your inner for queen. “Everything’s fine, Mr. Stark. The European division’s performance speaks for itself.
His eyes narrowed slightly at my formal tone. A year ago, I would have called him ‘Uncle Alex the way he’d insisted when
Alexander first introduced us. God, I was so naive back then
“Yes, the numbers are… impressive.” He shuffled some papers on his desk, though I knew it was just for show. Old Mr. Stark never needed to check numbers he remembered everything. It was one of the first things Alexander had warned me about. Another red flag I chose to ignore. “But that’s not why I called you here.”
“Oh?” I kept my voice light, professional, even as my stomach twisted with dread. “Is there an issue with the quarterly reports?
He sighed, setting aside the pretense of paperwork. “Summer, we need to discuss
S YOU
and Alexander.”
Mr. Stark.” I cut him off before he could continue, my voice sharp enough to make him blink. The mere mention of Alexanders name sent a wave of nausea through me. “This is a work environment And I have nothing to discuss regarding Alexander.” Norking except how he and my sister stabbed me in the back, but somehow I doubt that’s what you want to hear
“Don’t
position.”
difficult. His tone hardened slightly. “You know Victoria and Alexander’s engagement has put us all
in an awkward
Awkward position? I had to bite back a bitter laugh. Is that what we’re calling it when your son betrays his fiancée with her own sister? When my entire We gets torn apart and rewritten without my consent?
The p
only awkward position,” I said carefully, gripping the arms of my chair to keep my hands from shaking, “is you trying to discuss personal matters during office hours.”
His expression darkened. “Have you even been back to the Taylor house since returning? Your family is worried.”
I had to hold back a bitter laugh. Now I understood his game. Victoria had always been the golden child after all, Father had given her a 15% stake in the company as her coming–of–age present. And me? I couldn’t even get a decent position in the company, let alone any shares. The unfairness of it all burned in my chest like acid.
Talk about double standards. When I graduated, Mother had insisted I find my own job, claiming it would build character and teach me independence. Everything I owned paled in comparison to Victoria’s possessions. Sometimes I couldn’t help but wonder if I was even truly a Taylor at all. Maybe I was switched at birth. That would explain so much.
kept my face straight. Sorry, Grandpa “My grandfather specifically asked me not to return yet.” The lie slipped out smoothly, but I George, but i need this excuse. My heart twisted a little at using my grandfather’s name this way, but desperate times called for desperate measures.
“George said tha17” Something calculated flickered in his eyes. “His birthday celebration is coming up soon. Next week, surely you’ll
attend?
1 frowned, my
y stomach tightening. If there was anyone in the Taylor family I truly cared about, it was my paternal Grandpa George. Old Mr. Stark’s sudden interest in my family reconciliation had nothing to do with concern for me he just wanted me to sweet–talk my grandfather into accepting Alexander and Victoria’s marriage. Nice try, but I’m not your puppet anymore.
“Of course I’ll attend my grandfather’s birthday. I kept my voice steady, professional, even as anger burned through my veins. “Was
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Chapter 15: Bribery.
there something specific about work you needed to discuss, Mr. Star
He leaned forward, his voice dropping to that conspiratorial tone hosed when offering particularly lucrative deals. The same tone he’d used when he first suggested 1 date Alexander. Fool me apre, thine in you… “Summer, be reasonable. This situation benefits no one. Just… put in a good word with George about Victoria and Alexander’s marriage. Make things smoother for everyone.” His smile. turned indulgent, like he was offering me a special treat. “I could ensure your promotion to Managing Director in return”
The blatant attempt at bribery made my stomach turn. So this is why worth to them a promotion in exchange for helping Victoria steal my life. The realization felt like swallowing broken glass. “Mr. Sirk, are you trying to buy my cooperation with a job title?
“Don’t be crude.” His mask slipped slightly, showing a flash of irritation that reminded me so much of Alexander it made my chest ache, “I’m offering you an opportunity. Victoria’s already received her 15% stake in Capital Corp. Surely you understand the importance of family unity in our circle? Fully unity is that what we’re calling betrayal these days?
“Mr. Stark.” I stood up, smoothing my skirt with hands that wanted to shake. “If there’s nothing else, I have reports waiting
“Sit down!” The command cracked through the air like a whip. “You’re being unreasonable. This attitude of yours- this is exactly why Elizabeth pushed for you to move out. You never could understand your place in the family.”
My place. Something cold and hard crystallized in my chest. Years of swallowed hurt and forced smiles solidified into diamond–hard resolve. My place, Mr. Stark? You mean the place where I watch my sister take everything that’s mine while smiling gratefully? The place where I trade my self–respect for a promotion? The place where I’m supposed to thank you all for treating me like dirt?
“You ungrateful-” He cut himself off, visibly trying to regain his composure. His face was turning an interesting shade of red.
mmer think carefully about your next moves, Fortune Corp isn’t just any company. Your position here…”
I was done listening to his bullshit. I turned and walked out, my heels clicking against the hardwood floors with military precision. Each step felt like a small victory, even as my heart hammered against my ribs. I made it all the way to my office before my hands started to shake.
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