Chapter 99
Summer’s POV
My morning at Fortune Corp started with disaster. I’d barely set my coffee down when Lawrence appeared at my door, his face rigid with anger.
“The Harrington bid was leaked, Board meeting. Now,”
In the conference room, I found myself facing a firing squad of executives. They wasted no time getting to the point: the confidential bid documents I was responsible for had somehow ended up in our competitor’s hands, costing us a major project.
“I secured those files personally, I insisted, but my protests fell on deaf ears.
The timing couldn’t have been worse. Fortune Corp was already struggling since Stark Group had reduced their investment projects – our main source of revenue. They needed a scapegoat, and I was the perfect target.
After an hour of thinly veiled accusations, Richard delivered the final blow: “We’re reassigning your projects. Alexander will takę over the Johnston account effective immediately.”
I left the meeting with my dignity intact but my position effectively gutted. As I mechanically packed up the Johnston files, a strange feeling washed over me.
should be devastated, I thought. So why do I feel almost… relieved?
My phone’s vibration broke through my daze. Brandon’s name flashed on the screen, bringing an instant wave of comfort.
“Hey,” I answered, my voice softer than intended.
“Busy?” His deep voice immediately eased some of the tension from my shoulders.
“Not really. What’s up?”
“What’s wrong?” he asked immediately, catching the strain in my tone.
‘I sighed, leaning back in my chair. “Just… work stuff. The company had a bid leaked to competitors, and guess who they’re
blaming?”
“What happened exactly?” Brandon’s voice sharpened with interest.
I quickly explained the situation – the leaked documents, the accusations, being stripped of my projects.
“They’re basically pushing me out without firing me,” I concluded. “Typical corporate politics.”
Brandon’s low, derisive snort carried clearly through the phone. “Why keep doing something that makes you miserable?”
The blunt question caught me off guard, then made me smile despite everything. So perfectly Brandon – cutting straig heart of the matter.
the
“Honestly, I’ve been thinking the same thing,” I admitted. “Even before this happened, I was… I was pretty much ready to hand in
my resignation.”
“I’ll come pick you up.” he said.
‘Pick me up? For what? Don’t you have work?”
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Chapter 99
“To take you somewhere. You’ve got nothing better to do at Fortune Corp now anyway, right?
I glanced at my empty inbox, at the Johnston files boxed and ready for Alexander. He was right I’d been effectively sidelined, with no real work left to do.
“You know what? You’re right. Come get me
After hanging up, I started gathering my personal items the framed photo of Grandpa George, my favorite pen, the small cactus Ruby had given me last Christmas. Amy rushed in, her eyes wide with alarm.
で
“Miss Taylor, what are you doing?” she gasped, looking horrified. “You can’t leave now! They’ll say you’re guilty for sure!”
I set down the small box and gave her a reassuring smile. “I’m not quitting, Amy. I just don’t have anything to do right now, so I’m heading out early.”
“But…” she began, wringing her hands anxiously.
I reached out, gently squeezing her shoulder. “Amy, thank you for believing in me. But… you should focus on your own work. I’ll be fine.”
She didn’t look convinced, but nodded reluctantly. I could feel her confused gaze following me as I headed toward the elevators.
Outside Fortune Corp’s towering glass facade, I spotted Brandon’s sleek car parked across the street. My phone buzzed with his incoming call, but instead of answering, I waved and jogged over, feeling oddly light despite the morning’s drama.
I opened the passenger door, then paused when I saw James behind the wheel.
“James, hello.” I greeted, quickly sliding into the back seat instead.
“Yes, Mrs. Stark. Hello!” James’s greeting was perfectly professional, though I caught the slight smile in his eyes through the
rearview mirror.
Brandon turned to him with a pointed look. “Are we going to sit here all day?”
“No, Mr. Stark!” James immediately straightened, putting the car in drive.
I couldn’t help staring at Brandon’s profile, admiring the sharp line of his jaw, the quiet confidence in his bearing. Even in casual
clothes, he radiated authority.
He caught me watching and his lips curved into that dangerous half smile. “How do you think my look?”
I said honestly. “Mmm, very handsome.”
Brandon reached back, taking my hand and placing it on his knee. The casual possessiveness of the gesture sent warmth through
- me.
“Taking you to Stark Entertainment for a bit,” he said, his, thumb tracing circles on my palm.
Stark Entertainment? Why-” Understanding dawned. “Victoria’s audition is today?”
Brandon nodded. “Since you’ve got nothing better to do, thought you might enjoy seeing your sister’s acting skills in action.”
“Good point. Not like I have anything else on my plate right now.”
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As we drove through Manhattan’s crowded streets, I found myself sharing more about the Fortune Corp situation.
“It’s pretty
obvious they want me to quit voluntarily,” I said, watching the city blur past the window. “Easier than firing me.
“Are you upset about it?” Brandon asked, still playing with my fingers
When I didn’t answer immediately, distracted by his touch, he gently tugged my hand. The small gesture brought me back to the present.
“Honestly? Not really,” I admitted. “I was planning to resign anyway. This just makes it easier. I’ll go in tomorrow and make it official.”
I frowned slightly. “Though I guess this doesn’t look great on my resume.”
Brandon made a dismissive sound. “You’re worried about that?”
“Aren’t you? I mean, doesn’t reputation matter in our world?”
“If you’ve got skills, there’s always someone willing to hire you,” he stated with absolute certainty.
I was about to respond when I noticed he was drawing something on my palm, the light touch sending tingles up my arm. His dark eyes held mine as his finger traced patterns across my sensitive skin.
“Come work at Stark Group,” he said suddenly.
I blinked, sure I’d misheard. “What?”
Brandon’s expression turned serious. “Come to Stark Group. I know what you’re capable of. Come work with us.”
My face heated as I gently pulled my hand away. “I don’t know if that’s a good idea…”
I instinctively glanced at James, wondering what he thought of this obviously nepotistic offer.
Brandon’s brow furrowed. “Why are you looking at him?”
.James immediately stiffened, focusing intently on the road ahead.
“I just don’t want special treatment,” I mumbled, feeling my cheeks flush hotter.
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