Chapter 110
In the executive office, Kristin’s phone was buzzing incessantly.
Rhett’s displeasure was evident as Kristin fumbled to silence her phone.
He didn’t force Kristin to turn off her phone, knowing James would be left hanging if she didn’t
answer.
York had texted earlier, saying that James‘ car was parked downstairs, clearly there to pick up
Kristin.
“Copy this document a hundred times,” Rhett said, giving Kristin a task.
Kristin glanced at the document, which was a set of employee guidelines. A hundred copies? “Mr. FitzGerald, are these for distribution to the entire staff?” she asked.
“Yep,” Rhett replied indifferently.
“But wouldn’t it be more efficient to send a group text to the department heads and have them pass it down?” Kristin questioned the need for such an arduous task.
Rhett looked up from his papers and fixed her with a gaze.
He said nothing, but Kristin caved.
“Right away, boss,” she said, heading to the copy area with the document in hand, making copies with diligence.
Back in the office, Kristin’s phone continued to vibrate. James‘ call was still unanswered. Rhett stood up, glanced at the phone, smirked, and walked over to the window.
He wouldn’t touch Kristin’s phone, but the thought of James growing increasingly irate downstairs brought him a twisted sense of satisfaction.
He remembered he called Kristin that day in Crescendo Town, and James had audaciously hung up on him. Rhett always appreciated a bit of tit–for–tat
Downstairs, James was fuming with impatience.
After several unanswered calls, he knew Rhett was to blame.
When he tried calling Rhett directly, there was no answer.
Furrowing his brow, James massaged his temples.
Knowing Rhett as he did, there must be a reason he was engaging in such pettiness over a
woman.
If Rhett acted this way, he was trying to warn James that Kristin was fair game.
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– Chapter 110
James knew that Rhett knew about his secret dealings with Vincent and that the Bryce family had even hosted Nicola at the Harborside Haven banquet to bid on a project.
Rhett was determined to win the Harborside Haven project, but Vincent was also in the running. After a police incident and a trending scandal, Vincent’s reputation within the FitzGerald Group was hit, leaving him vulnerable to Rhett’s maneuverings. He had to secure this project to regain his standing in the company.
Did Rhett know the Bryce family was backing Vincent? Was he using Kristin to send a warning? Stepping out of his car, James headed straight for the FitzGerald Group’s building. He needed to remind Rhett that not everything was up for grabs or manipulation.
At least, he hoped Rhett could stop using Kristin as a pawn in the sibling rivalry between Rhett and Vincent.
“Mr.. um. Mr. Bryce, good to see you. Are you here to meet Mr. FitzGerald?” the receptionist stammered. “Right this way, please.”
As the strategic partner of the FitzGerald Group, Aurora Tech couldn’t turn James away. They had to escort him to the elevator instead.
Meanwhile, Rhett approached Kristin at the copier.
“How many have you done?”
“Just thirty so far,” Kristin replied hastily.
“Forget it. York will be back soon. Come with me.” Rhett said, heading for the elevator.
“Mr. FitzGerald, do we have an engagement?” Kristin asked, checking her notes. There was no dinner or event scheduled for that evening.
Rhett said nothing and led Kristin down to the underground parking garage.
As Kristin and Rhett’s elevator doors closed, James emerged from another.
“Sorry, Mr. Bryce, Mr. FitzGerald has left the building,” the flustered manager informed him. Growing impatient, James spun around and began furiously pressing the elevator button.
Was Rhett playing games with him? Perhaps he had been too lenient with Rhett over the years.
In the parking garage.
“Mr. FitzGerald, are you driving yourself?” Kristin looked around, noticing the absence of a driver and York.
“Can you drive?” Rhett asked flatly.
Kristin shook her head nervously. “No, I can’t.”
Chapter 110
Noticing Kristin heading to the backseat, Rhell’s expression darkened, “Sit up front!”
Kristin hurriedly closed the door and took the passenger seat.
*Mr. FitzGerald, where are we going?” she asked, wanting to prepare if they were meeting a
client.
Rhett remained silent as he floored the accelerator.
“Mr. FitzGerald!” At the elevator exit, the manager called out to James in a panic, but it was too
late.
Rhett had calculated his moves precisely, ensuring James stepped on every landmine laid out for him.
While standing there with a heavy air. James‘ expression soured.
“Rhett, you’re meddling more than you should.” he thought to himself.
“Is Mr. FitzGerald particularly busy lately?” James asked coldly, his mood unreadable.
The manager nodded anxiously. “Mr. Bryce, I apologize. Mr. FitzGerald has indeed been busy.”
“Hmph…” James glanced at the clock on the wall. “If he’s that busy, ring up Vincent for me, will you? Tell him I’m interested in discussing the Harborside Haven project.”
The manager hesitated, stuttering as he started to speak, then stopped.
It was clear as day that James was pissed off.
hett and Vincent, the half–brothers from the FitzGerald family, were notoriously known for
their discord.
“Mr. Bryce, how ‘bout,l give Mr. FitzGerald another call?” The manager’s hand trembled as he fumbled for his phone to call Rhett.
James didn’t stop him. He wanted to gauge Rhett’s reaction.
If Rhett played his cards too obviously, James wouldn’t have to play coy either.
Vincent was much easier to handle than Rhett by a long shot.
At Melissa’s villa,
“Oh, for heaven’s sake, look what you’ve done! My dress is ruined,” Melissa complained, stepping out of her luxury car in sky–high heels, her slender legs flawless as she descended. She had expected Garner, waiting outside, to instinctively reach out to help her down or at least hold her dress up. Instead, he stood there, straight as an arrow, the very picture of stoicism.
“Come over here and hold up my dress!” Melissa was stunned by Garner’s lack of response. What was his deal? Was he not into women?
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Chapter 110
Despite her alluring legs that could make any man take a second glance, he remained unmoved.
His eyes were clear but tinged with impatience. As if he was saying, “Hurry up and let me clock
out…”
“Boss, can I call it a day?” Garner stepped forward, bunching up the hem of Melissa’s dress in his hand, glancing at his watch.
He had to take Summer to the hospital to see the doctor.
Melissa’s legs, as exquisite as sculptures, were exposed for all to see, and Garner felt it was inappropriate. He loosened the grip on the dress, covering her thighs.
Melissa looked at Garner’s puzzling actions, her expression amusement and disbelief. “This. dress is a one–of–a–kind, haute couture piece worth a million. You can’t just handle it like that.” Garner looked down at the bunched–up fabric in his hand, then quickly let go.
He suspected Melissa was setting him up.
But she wasn’t wrong. The dress couldn’t be held roughly, and where Garner had grabbed was visibly creased.
Taking a deep breath, Garner spoke in a low voice, “Did someone… pull a fast one on you?”
A million for this dress? Was it a stick–up?
Melissa’s gaze bore into Garner, unguarded and meaningful.
“Stay with me tonight, and we’ll forget about the dress,” she said, her tone laced with an offer he’d have to consider.
