Chapter 158
During the Team Gathering.
The office was buzzing with the chatter and laughter of the staff.
“Hey, Mr. Neal, come have a drink, will you? You’re about to be the vice president. You better not forget about us,” one colleague joked with a grin.
Neal sat at the head of the table, reveling in the attention he was getting.
“Ah, I’m not worthy,” Neal said with a laugh that didn’t quite reach his eyes.
“If you aren’t worthy, then the rest of us might as well get dismissed,” a few others chimed in, provoking laughter from around the table.
“Mr. Neal, word has it you’re the clear choice for vice president. The CEO has his eye on you and we all back you up. Mr. FitzGerald seems also pretty wary of you. If not you, who else has the chops for the job?”
“Exactly, if you don’t get the spot of vice president, we’re staging a protest!”
“We can’t have any of that, no stirring up trouble among the staff,” Neal said with a hand raised for quiet, still smiling.
His confidence only grew with the support from his peers.
Just then, Rhett walked in with Kristin and York.
‘Everyone was surprised to see Rhett. “Mr. FitzGerald? Do you come to our team–gathering
event?”
“Jesus, or is that Mr. FitzGerald?”
“It’s really Mr. FitzGerald! Did he come because of Mr. Neal’s promotion?”
“It seems like a done deal now, just waiting for the official announcement.”
“Quiet down, everyone. Mr. FitzGerald has a few words, then he’ll be on his way,” York said, trying to calm the crowd.
But no one listened to York, and the room remained a buzz of whispers and speculation.
Rhett, however, kept his cool, betraying no emotion beyond his usual indifference.
“Everyone, please!” Neal stood up and walked over with a significant smile. “Mr. FitzGerald, the floor is yours.”
When Neal spoke, the staff quieted down.
Clearly, they were snubbing York, the CEO’s assistant, but showing respect to their project
manager.
Neal was pleased, which was a subtle power play.
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Chapter 158
He knew that making the boss a little wary could work in his favor.
Rhett might be talented, but he was just a younger colleague in Neal’s eyes. Now was the time to build alliances, not confrontations.
“This project has been a real effort from the Investment Division, you’ve all worked hard,” Rhett said, his tone serious as he gave Neal a fleeting glance.
He had little patience for the self–satisfied.
But Kristin had asked him to play nice, so he grudgingly offered some praise. “Mr. Neal’s skills are something I aspire to. Let’s chat one–on–one when you have the time.”
Neal’s smile almost split his face. “You flatter me, Mr. FitzGerald. This is the fruit of everyone’s labor.”
Neal was a crafty one, knowing when to share credit to maintain his influence.
After all, there’s a world of difference between one person leaving a job and taking an entire team with them.
“Enjoy yourselves, I’ve got to get going,” Rhett said, eager to leave.
Once out of the hotel, his mood was palpable.
Kristin followed timidly, heart pounding with uncertainty.
This was Rhett breaking his routine for her…
“We should head back to the family estate,” Rhett instructed in a hushed tone.
Kristin leaned against the car door, sneaking a nervous glance at Rhett.
Visiting the FitzGerald family meant facing Vincent, Nicola, Holcomb, and Eve.
Rhett didn’t say a word the whole ride, just quietly held Kristin’s hand to reassure her.
She hoped York wouldn’t notice.
Rhett seemed indifferent to being seen, perhaps even wanting York to witness the gesture.
Luckily, York was focused on driving and never looked back.
Back at the hotel.
Neal excused himself to a quiet corner and called Nicola. “Madam, it’s me, Neal.”
“Yes, you’re right. Rhett came to see me and he’s trying to win me over, clearly feeling threatened.”
“Then congratulations in advance, President Neal,” Nicola said meaningfully.
“Madam, without your patronage, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Don’t worry, no matter what Rhett does, I’m on your side.” Neal reassured her eagerly.
11:30
Just remember to be grateful” Nicola reminded him with a laugh.
“Rest assured. I remember all that you’ve done for me. When my family had those troubles, I wouldn’t have made it through without you,” Neal said, reasserting his loyalty. “I’ll keep working on the CEO. When the time is right, Mr. Vincent will take the reins of the FitzGerald Group
“That’s what I’m counting on you for.” Nicola responded.
She had high hopes for Neal, a key player she’d positioned with care.
If Neal landed the vice president, she would have secured half of the FitzGerald Group for Vincent.
What would Rhett’s prowess matter then if his subordinates lacked execution? His days as CEO would be numbered.
At the kindergarten.
Mr. FitzGerald, Neal is Nicola’s right–hand man and your trusted confidant. Are you really okay with letting Kristin fool around like this?” Kristin had gone to pick up Summer, and York glanced back at Rhett with nervous eyes. “Mr. FitzGerald, you indulge Neal in forming cliques. Did you see his arrogance today? To an outsider, it might seem like Neal is the CEO. I’ve bent over backwards and still haven’t managed to get rid of Neal. Do you think Kristin can handle it?” York still had his reservations.
Even if Kristin had the chops, Mr. FitzGerald’s trust in her seemed a bit hasty.
“That’s why you should take a good look at yourself,” Rhett snorted.
“It’s not that…” York fumbled, anxious. “I’m just worried, okay? Neal is Nicola’s ace up the
sleeve.*
“Then you better keep your eyes peeled and watch closely.”
Huffing. York got out of the car and opened the door for Rhett.
As Rhett was about to step out, the taunting voices of brats echoed from the school gates.
‘Summer has no Daddy to attend Parent’s Day!”
‘Summer, the child born out of wedlock!”
“The unwanted child!”
Milo, the ringleader, was picking on Summer, leading the other kids in a cruel chant about Summer not having a father.
After being scared off by Melissa last time, Milo didn’t dare to physically bully Summer anymore and had resorted to verbal jabs instead.
Summer, with his little backpack on his shoulders, retorted angrily, “I do have a dad!”
er, where’s your dad then?” the other kids taunted.
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“Yeah, tell us another one, you fibber.”
Summer clenched his tiny fists and his eyes reddened, but he remained silent.
*Summer.” Rhett got out of the car and walked over to Kristin, calling out to Summer.
“Daddy!” Summer instantly brightened his eyes. With excitement, he ran out and flung himself into Rhett’s arms.
Milo froze for a second, instinctively taking a step back.
He was terrified of Rhett.
“Milo, why are you running?” Rhett’s voice was deep and stern, as if he was the bogeyman coming for naughty children…
