Chapter 176
“Kristin, I need to pull a couple of aces up my sleeve now that I’ve snagged the
vice–president spot.
Neal said with a chant navigate these waters without a couple of trusty lieutenants,”
Kristin nodded in agreement, “Piece of cake. Just let me know who you’re eyeing, and I’ll relay it to Mr. FitzGerald.”
“I’ve got my eye on Abby from Hospitality and Talbot from Project Management. They’ve both got the chops for a promotion.”
Neal’s grin was sly as a fox, and he playfully tousled Kristin’s hair, “And of course, once I’m firmly in the VP seat if you ever want to join my team, I can have a word with Mr.
FitzGerald for you.”
Kristin returned the smile, “Consider it done. I’ll bring you good news soon.”
Clutching her fingers tightly, Kristin turned away, her smile freezing on her face.
Abby from Hospitality, Talbot from Project Management, and one was Neal’s current fling, the other was Nicola and Vincent’s right–hand person.
Neal’s ‘loyalty‘ to Nicola and Vincent was unquestionable.
It appeared Nicola had something on Neal.
No wonder Rhett had said Neal was a liability. His situation was entirely different from that of Lisa.
Lost in thought, Kristin didn’t notice Rhett. He deliberately positioned himself for Kristin to bump into.
“Lost in a daydream?” Rhett whispered.
Kristin’s ears pricked up, and she looked at Rhett in astonishment, “Mr. FitzGerald?”
He was back.
“Yeah, got something for you.” On his way back, Rhett had picked up a coconut fruit parfait for Kristin.
Kristin stuttered, reaching for the parfait, “For me?”
Rhett glanced around, “Do you see anyone else here?”
York, who had come to find Rhett, stood there puzzled and thought, “What, am I invisible?” After years of loyalty, he’d never received a parfait from Rhett. This was unfair.
“Mr. FitzGerald, Mr. Holcomb has been trying to reach you,” York said, somewhat
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helplessly. Holcomb had been calling non–stop, “With everything going on with Nicola, he’s been preoccupied, but…”
York was worried, “Nicola’s going to be out on bail soon, and the VP selection is just around the corner. We need to act fast, and as for Kristin…”
York glanced at Kristin and hesitated, “We can’t put all our eggs in one basket.”
He wasn’t doubting Kristin’s abilities, but they were running out of time.
“York, I need dirt on two people: Abby from Hospitality and Talbot from Project Management. I want something solid, grounds for immediate dismissal,” Kristin said quietly.
“I’ve done some digging already. They’re definitely Nicola and Neal’s pawns, but just foot soldiers. Kris, our priority is to oust Neal. If he stays, we all go,” York urged, his anxiety palpable, “Hoping to leverage their little missteps to dismiss Neal is a long shot.”
“We don’t need to fire him. “Kristin glanced cautiously at Rhett, “We’ll wait for him to resign on his own.”
If Neal submitted his resignation, Mr. FitzGerald would have him out before he knew what hit him.
Rhett simply smiled, clearly understanding Kristin’s plan.
“You think you can get Neal to resign over a few minor slips? Kristin, did you the wrong side of the bed?” York was near panic.
wake up on
This was no laughing matter. If they couldn’t fire Neal, how could they wait for him to resign?
Kristin looked at Rhett and explained in a low voice, “Neal’s gotten cocky lately, thinking the company can’t function without him, that Mr. FitzGerald can’t succeed without him. Everyone’s wary of him threatening to take the whole Project Management team with him. That’s why he’s bold enough to bring his mistress and Nicola’s right–hand person into his inner circle.”
Kristin knew that Neal’s increasing audacity meant their moment was approaching.
York still didn’t get it. How did this relate to his resigning voluntarily?
“By Tomorrow at the latest, Mr. FitzGerald will receive his resignation threat, so we need to be prepared in advance, to prevent the Project Management team from actually following him. We have to expose Neal’s ‘evidence‘ and make an example of those who need to be made an example of,” Kristin said earnestly.
Rhett listened intently.
Once in the office, he helped Kristin open her parfait and poured her a warm glass of
water.
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Chapter 176
York pointed in shock at the glass. Even the most oblivious could see, “Mr. FitzGerald, since when did Kristin start using the same mug as you?”
It was then Kristin noticed, Rhett had bought her a water mug, identical to his, looking like a matching set.
“Do you
threat.
have a problem with that? Want me to get you one too?” Rhett asked with a mock
York shook his head vigorously, “No, that’s not necessary.”
Using the same mug was terrifying. What if he accidentally switched them one day? Rhett might just go berserk.
“Go on,” Rhett prompted Kristin to continue.
“Mr. FitzGerald, I need to remind you…” Kristin paused, then spoke again, “If you move against the Haywood family, you’re sure to rile up Mr. Holcomb. Once Nicola is out, giving her such a ‘gift‘ is like a slap in her face. I’m worried she might play dirty if she can’t win outright.”
Kristin was concerned that Nicola could persuade Holcomb to go after Rhett’s shares.
Even if Rhett successfully ousted Neal, if his own position was unstable, the danger would be even greater.
Kristin gazed at Rhett, perplexed as to why a man of his caliber would willingly tread paths riddled with danger.
He could have easily laid low, steering clear of the Haywood family and not stirring the pot with Holcomb until he was in a stronger position.
Rhett reassured Kristin with a gentle smile, “Don’t worry about it, and I’ve got this under control.”
“Besides, we haven’t even dealt with Neal yet. You’re getting ahead of yourself,” York interjected with an exasperated look. Kristin was just a young girl, after all, her head in the clouds.
Did she really think Neal would be easy to handle?
Aware of York’s skepticism, Kristin chose not to elaborate further.
As she handed Rhett some documents to sign, Kristin simultaneously enjoyed a fruit parfait while scheduling his week, “Mr. FitzGerald, you’ve been invited to the Influx heiress‘ wedding reception Tomorrow afternoon. Will you be sending a gift, or shall you grace the event with your presence?”
“Mr. FitzGerald doesn’t usually attend weddings,” York muttered under his breath, trying to remind Kristin. But Kristin’s inquiry was a hopeful nudge for Rhett to make an appearance.
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With a realgned smile, Rhett responded, “It’s your call.”
Kristin beamed with a nod, “Alright, Mr. FitzGerald.”
The heiress of Influx Enterprise was part of Silvergrove City’s elite socialites, and her wedding was sure to be attended by the crème de la crème. Although Rhett held little regard for such gatherings, these were extraordinary times, and he needed to build his reputation and network to counterbalance Holcomb.
In essence, Kristin’s push for Rhett to attend this high–profile social event was a strategic display for Holcomb and Nicola.
The chairman of Influx had extended invites solely to Holcomb and Rhett, leaving out the rest of the FitzGerald Group, including Nicola and Vincent, who lacked the stature to even consider attendance.
Rhett’s presence would be a subtle show of dominance over Nicola and Vincent. His years of networking and credibility in the business world weren’t something Nicola and Vincent could usurp with their petty schemes.
After all, pettiness never won a spotlight on the grand stage.
York, feeling somewhat redundant as Rhett’s right–hand man, looked around before addressing the elephant in the room, “Mr. FitzGerald, what about Neal? Do I need to come up with another plan?”
The urgency in York’s voice was palpable. He was on tenterhooks, questioning whether Kristin’s approach was reliable.
