Chapter 152
Kristin fumbled with the fork, her anxiety stretching into a prolonged silence before she finally spoke up. “No… it’s not good.”
Rhett stood up, fetching a clean fork for Kristin. “Don’t overthink it.”
“Mr. FitzGerald, don’t go head–to–head with James. He’s the CEO of Aurora Tech. The partnership between FitzGerald Group and Aurora Tech is too intertwined. Both massive collaborations are benefiting mutually. Their fortunes are tied,” Kristin knew Rhett understood these stakes better than anyone.
Yet she still felt compelled to speak.
Rhett remained silent, contemplating the pros and cons on his own.
The company’s interests were paramount, and his current situation was far from optimistic.
But when it came to choosing sides, it was a matter of weighing what was more critical.
Never had Rhett considered himself a man led by emotions..
In the past, everyone around him criticized him for being too rational, so much so that it bordered on cold–blooded.
But now, he felt off–kilter, his instincts betraying his usual demeanor.
After taking a bite of her spaghetti, Kristin changed the subject. “About Neal in the Investment Division, have you made any arrangements?”
“There are internal meetings scheduled at the company while I’m away at Harborside Haven, about appointing the new vice president.” Rhett nodded, sliding his tablet across the table to Kristin.
“Looking at the current voting results, Neal is in the lead.” Kristin frowned. This was not conducive to future strategies. “The company values a cutthroat culture and competition. As Nicola’s trump card, Neal is hell–bent on securing the vice president position.
Currently, there were four vice presidents. One was Rhett’s appointee, two were chosen by Holcomb. If the last spot went to one of Nicola’s, Rhett would be at a disadvantage.
Rhett had been instrumental in the company for years, his contributions to its profits and value were undeniable. It was his rightful place.
Unfortunately, Holcomb was far from a supportive father.
“What do you think?” Rhett asked Kristin.
“Is Micah one of your alliances?” Kristin inquired.
Micah was second in line but lagging far behind Neal.
Rhett
irmed with a nod.
11:19
Kristin was sharp, clearly seeing the internal dynamics of the company.
“The difference is thirty–four votes. While the final decision is up to the president, if the gap is too wide and you’re too overt in your support, it could provoke the collective ire.
“We can have York work the numbers under the radar,” Rhett reassured her. In three days, Micah’s votes would surpass Neal’s.
“With the votes nearly matched, we just wait for Neal to make a mistake.” Kristin pondered quietly. “With such high support, Neal must be campaigning behind the scenes. The staff hold him in high regard, which means he’s been set up. They believe you wouldn’t dare go against the will of the people and you’d follow his lead, which would be disadvantageous to you.”
It was a setup for a fall
“Tomorrow, York and I will have a talk with Neal, hinting that you’re secretly courting him. We’ll hype up his capabilities throughout the company and make everyone believe he’s the destined. one. Let him think that you couldn’t go against the public opinion and you’d choose no other,” Kristin strategized.
Rhett chuckled. “Where did you learn these tricks?”
*Just… psychology.” Kristin stammered, flustered.
“Indeed. We can set him up internally, let him fall from grace, and seize the opportunity.” Rhett nodded. “But it’ll test your skills to execute it just right.”
Kristin bit her lip. “Don’t worry, I’ve got this.”
Wanting to reassure Rhett of her capabilities, she insisted, “I really can do it.”
“If you handle Neal, you’ll be the hero,” Rhett said with a suggestive smile. “You might want to think about what reward you’d like.”
The promise of a reward was Rhett’s way of showing unconditional trust in Kristin.
She blushed, her ears tinged red, focusing on her spaghetti. “No, it’s not necessary. It’s my duty.”
That night, Rhett broke his strict rules and indulged in a carb–heavy meal, something he never did, especially at such a late hour.
But since Kristin entered his life, he found she could break all his taboos.
It wasn’t a bad thing but was quite exhilarating, actually.
He wondered just how far he could go.
The night was tinged with the opulence of a high–end club.
James had been drinking heavily, his complexion sour.
“Mr. Bryce, what’s got you so rattled?” a friend joked with a laugh.
11:19
Chapter 152
James remained silent. When he saw Vincent approach, he nodded, signaling for everyone else to leave.
Sensing the tense atmosphere, the others excused themselves.
“Mr. Bryce, you wanted to see me?” Vincent asked, his brows knitted as he took a seat.
“Word has it that there’s a vice president race going on at the FitzGerald Group, right?” James asked nonchalantly.
“You seem to be quite interested in the FitzGerald Group,” Vincent replied, wary.
James leaned back into the sofa, eyeing Vincent. “You and Rhett couldn’t be more different. Should I call you naive, or just plain stupid?”
Vincent grew darker. “What do you want, Mr. Bryce?”
“Aurora Tech’s partnership with FitzGerald Group isn’t wedded to Rhett. We work with whoever sits at the top,” James hinted with a meaningful glance.
“Since when did you ever think highly of me?” Vincent was no fool and understood James” implication.
“Look, it doesn’t mean you aren’t a solid partner in crime,” James said casually, lifting his glass of bourbon with a practiced ease. “I can help you get everything you’re after.”
*James, since when are you playing Santa Claus?” Vincent eyed him skeptically. What was this guy after?
“I need someone who can follow orders, not someone like Rhett who’s always trying to one–up me.” James tapped his fingers rhythmically against the glass. “Driving a wedge between Kristin and Rhett should be child’s play for you, right?”
Vincent frowned. “James, after all these years, you’re still hung up on Kristin?”
“She’s the one I want,” James‘ possessiveness was palpable.
“Six years ago, you went to great lengths to snatch her from me,” Vincent tightened his grip. “But you’ve got ties with the wood family, and even if you don’t marry Adrienne, there would
be another arranged match. You can’t offer Kristin the status she deserves.”
“She’ll have everything else but that,” James‘ voice was a low growl.
“Rhett is the type who never puts a woman first. He’s just using Kristin to flex at our parents, nothing more. She’ll be disposable to Rhett soon enough,” Vincent scoffed.
In his view, Rhett’s interest in Kristin wouldn’t last.
Kristin would be tossed aside like yesterday’s news.
“I don’t have the patience to wait, and neither does your mother,” James reminded him pointedly.
“There
are many ways of getting rid of Kristin,” Vincent said, his brow creased as he clenched.
11:19
his fist
Right now, he needed James‘ help to cement his position within the FitzGerald Group.
