Brandon’s POV
June wanted to keep a low profile at work, so she turned down my offer to drive her.
James was already waiting when I arrived at Stark Tower.
“Mr. Stark,” he began, “Leo Schmidt sent an email to Mrs. Stark yesterday.”
“She’s coming in today,” I replied, stepping into the elevator. I waited for James to join me before pressing the button for the executive floor. “Tell Leo not to give her any special treatment. Treat her like any other employee.”
I considered for a moment, then added, “Schedule a meeting with all department heads at nine.”
“Yes, Mr. Stark,” James confirmed, making a note on his tablet.
As the elevator doors opened, I spotted Monica at her desk. James paused briefly to relay my instructions, and I noticed the barely concealed curiosity in her eyes when Summer’s name was mentioned. She wouldn’t dare ask questions directly, but the office grapevine was already buzzing with speculation about the new hire who had caught my attention.
I shrugged off my suit jacket and settled behind my desk, opening my laptop to scan through the morning’s emails. James entered a few minutes later, clearing his throat slightly before speaking.
“Mr. Stark, regarding the Manhattan West Side development project.
I gestured for him to continue, not looking up from my screen.
“Mr. William Stark has requested that we allocate a portion to Fortune Corp.” His tone was careful, neutral–he knew this was delicate territory.
I closed my email slowly, a cold feeling settling in my chest. My fingers tapped rhythmically against the polished surface of my desk as I considered this information. William going behind my back again, trying to play puppet master with Stark Group resources. Typical.
“So,” I said finally, my voice dangerously soft, “they want a piece of the Manhattan West Side project.” A humorless smile pulled at my lips. “Well, they’re welcome to try, but they’ll need to prove they can handle it. That’s not a small bite to swallow.”
James nodded, his expression carefully blank. “Should I prepare a response to Mr. William Stark?”
“Not yet.” I leaned back in my chair. “How are things progressing with Victoria at Stark Entertainment?”
“Her film begins shooting in a few days. The other projects are still under evaluation.”
James hesitated. “Shall we… arrange for some difficulties?”
“Difficulties?” I echoed, a slight smile playing on my lips. “No, James. Let’s give her some sweeteners first.”
James looked puzzled. “Sir?”
“Have you ever watched a cat play with a mouse?” I asked, my tone conversational. “The cat doesn’t immediately kill its prey. It plays with it–letting it escape, catching it again, exhausting it completely before the final strike. We’ll feed her well first.
took out a folder. “Start working on this immediately. That’s how well handle Victoria… and Fortune Corp.”
Chapter 154
‘Of course, Mr. Stark.” James accepted the folder I handed him. “I’ll take care of it right away.
The conference room was tense when I entered precisely at nine. The department heads had clearly been caught off guard by the sudden meeting–some still clutching coffee cups, others frantically reviewing notes.
“Good morning,” I began, taking my seat at the head of the table. I ust you’re all prepared to discuss the status of your departments.”
The Finance Director cleared his throat nervously. “Mr. Stark, we weren’t given much notice for this meeting-
“And that’s precisely the problem,” I cut in, my voice level but sharp. If your department is running efficiently, you should be able to provide a status report at any time, without advance warning.”
I turned to the Investment Director. “Where do we stand on the Manhattan West Side development plan?”
“We’re… still in the preliminary stages,” he stammered. “The area presents significant challenges-
“I want a comprehensive development proposal on my desk by the end of the week,” I interrupted. “Not preliminary thoughts, not considerations–a detailed plan ready for execution.”
For the next hour, I systematically worked my way through each department, identifying weaknesses, demanding solutions, and setting aggressive deadlines. By the time I concluded the meeting, there wasn’t a relaxed face in the room. Everyone fled with a renewed sense of urgency, except for Leo Schmidt, whom I asked to stay behind.
“Leo,” I said once we were alone. “What’s your assessment of the Manhattan West Side project?”
Leo straightened his glasses, gathering his thoughts. “The risks are extremely high, Mr. Stark. The location is on the urban periphery, with several abandoned properties. There’s a psychiatric hospital and a rehabilitation center nearby. It’s generally been considered unsuitable for development.”
I held up a hand, stopping him. “The city has indicated those facilities might be relocated. The exact boundaries haven’t been finalized yet, so we don’t know if those institutions will even be within our development zone.”
I leaned forward, making my position clear. “We need to prepare appropriate safety measures, but I intend to acquire and develop that land. This will be one of Stark Group’s most significant real estate projects in recent years.”
Leo nodded, making notes. After a moment of hesitation, he looked up. “Mr. Stark, may I ask something… personal?”
I raised an eyebrow. “Go ahead.”
“That Summer Taylor woman–your new hire.” He paused, choosing his words carefully. “May I ask what she is to you? I don’t mean to overstep, but I’ve never known you to show favoritism in business matters. Can’t say that I think highly of Fortune Corp or its employee.”
“You think this is favoritism?” I asked, my tone neutral.
Leo glanced nervously at James, who suddenly found the view from the window fascinating.
“I… well…” Leo fumbled for words.
“If you believe it’s favoritism, then that’s what it is,” I said with a slight shrug. “And I might as well go all the way with it.”
stood, signaling the conversation was ending. “Take good care of her. Assign her to promising projects. She has previous experience in project management, but her exposure has been limited. Since you’ve already accused me of favoritism, let’s embrace
Chapter 154
it fully.”
I straightened my tie, making my final point crystal clear. “Give her the best resources. Help her get up to speed quickly. And include her in the Manhattan West Side development team.”
Leo’s expression was a mixture of confusion and resignation. “Yes, M. Stark.”
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