Chapter 186
Kristin nestled Into Rhett’s embrace, a sense of Inexplicable comfort washing over her. But she couldn’t shake off the unease from her recent exchange with Vincent. Rhett must have heard their conversation. Had he misunderstood?
Vincent’s eyes met Rhett’s, a silent battle raging between them in the confines of the elevator.
“Kristin’s my ex, brother. Aren’t you worried about the gossip? That people will laugh at you?” Vincent’s taunt was clear, a reminder for Rhett to protect his reputation.
Rhett scoffed coldly. “You’re engaged to someone else and still obsessing over your brother’s girl. If word gets out, whose reputation do you think will suffer?”
Vincent clenched his fists. “Who doesn’t know Kristin and I have a history?”
“Who doesn’t make mistakes in love?” Rhett’s icy gaze drilled into Vincent.
As tension mounted, Kristin instinctively wrapped her arms around Rhett, whispering softly, “I… I’ve learned from my mistake.”
Vincent’s grip tightened, his face turning stormy with anger.
Kristin, are you trying to provoke me?
“Rhett, you hate me so much that you must compete with me at every turn. Kristin was the one I discarded, yet you treasure her,” Vincent sneered as he stepped out of the elevator.
“The way you scrounge for dignity is just pitiful,” Rhett retorted, holding Kristin’s hand tightly.
Vincent’s knuckles whitened with tension. After a moment’s pause, he stormed off.
Soon enough, Rhett would get his comeuppance.
Neal was stirring up trouble with the project team, and Rhett would have to explain the mess to the board.
After Vincent’s departure, Kristin tried to wriggle free from Rhett’s grasp, but he held her wrist firmly, pulling her into his office. Rhett’s anger was palpable, and Kristin was frightened.
Her heart rose to her throat.
She was scared of Rhett’s wrath, the thought that he might not want to have anything to do with her
anymore…
“Are you still in love with Vincent? Hoping he’ll break off his engagement to Ruby?” Rhett’s anger was evident.
Kristin looked at him, trembling and at a loss for words.
“I… no…” Kristin started to cry. “I didn’t mean that.” She’d only been sarcastic to Vincent.
Rhett snorted. “Can’t you see I’m angry?”
Kristin’s tears sparkled as they fell, and she nodded vigorously. She could see it.
Rhett felt a twinge of regret, seeing the fear in Kristin’s eyes.
Lifting her chin gently, he cleaned her tears. “You’re mine…”
Kristin looked up at Rhett, too scared to speak.
In his eyes, she saw an intense possessiveness, more daunting than anything she’d seen in James. It made
her uneasy.
What will you do to make things right? Rhett asked.
Kristin bit her lip, shaking her head, “What do you want me to do… to make up for it?”
Rhett moved closer to Kristin, a strong urge to kiss her overwhelming him.
Kristin froze, her anxious heart practically leaping out of her chest.
Why did Rhett elways want to kiss her lately…
“Summer’s heading over to Garner’s tonight… Rhett reminded her in a husky voice.
Kristin, belatedly catching on, nodded. “Right, right…
“I want to sleep with you tonight,” Rhett cornered Kristin against the wall.
Kristin stammered, “Haven’t we always slept together?”
“You know what I mean,” Rhett raised an eyebrow.
Kristin’s face flushed..
This man… how could he be like this? Who had spread the rumor that Rhett was indifferent to women? He was anything but indifferent.
*Mr. FitzGerald, Neal and the project team are waiting in the conference room,” York called from outside the door.
Kristin hurriedly composed herself and followed Rhett out of the office, clutching her documents.
“How’s it going?” Rhett asked York as they walked.
York nodded, handing over some files. “I’ve managed to convince a few of them.”
Rhett took the files. “Good job.”
York, with dark circles under his eyes, chuckled, flattered by the praise. He hadn’t slept all night.
Kristin followed York and Rhett into the conference room, where Neal glowered at her arrival, barely containing his fury.
Lowering her head, she stepped behind Rhett for cover.
“Mr. FitzGerald, our team is considering resigning alongside me,” Neal postured, expecting Rhett to beg him to stay.
Rhett leaned back in his chair, eyeing Neal before surveying the room. “Who else is resigning? Stand up, let
me see.”
The team exchanged wary glances, none daring to be the first to stand.
Neal’s fingers tightened into a fist as he rose to his feet.
Rhett nodded. “So, just Neal wants to leave?”
Seeing Neal stand, those with something to lose hesitantly got to their feet.
Rhett glanced at York. “Notify HR to process their resignations.”
Neal stared at Rhett in shock. Was he really willing to let go of the entire project team? “Mr. FitzGerald, the board won’t be pleased with this.”
Neal seemed confident, knowing Nicola was on her way, likely with Holcomb.
The arrival of the chairman would surely turn the tide.
“Neal looks like he can’t wait to leave. Let’s fast–track his resignation. After all, he was the one the in voluntarily yesterday, Rhett Instructed York.
ork nodded and quickly arranged Neal’s departure with HR before Nicola and Holcomb arrived,
Rhett… that’s putting the cart before the horse,” Neal slan.med his fist on the table, Incensed.
“Neal, that’s not how it works,” Rhett’s voice rumbled with authority. “You asked to quit. As the CEO of FitzGerald Group, am I not entitled to grant an employee’s resignation?”
Kristín exchanged a glance with York before hoisting a banner they had prepared in advance.
It read: Farewell Party for Neal.
A collective gasp rippled through the project team members, each one too scared to utter a word.
“As for the rest of you,” Rhett continued, “none of you have submitted your resignations, so I’ll assume it’s because you’re going to miss Neal. Understandable. But with Neal leaving, his position is now vacant, and we’ll need to promote from within. I have a few candidates in mind that I’m quite satisfied with.” Rhett then displayed a list of names–those who had been working diligently the night before.
This move effectively began to break their unity from the inside.
Several team members turned to Neal with a look of distress, reluctantly speaking up. “Mr. Neal, we’re really sorry. It’s just not easy to land a job at FitzGerald Group, and following you might not guarantee the stable salary we need to support our families. We truly apologize.”
Neal’s face darkened, and he ground his teeth in frustration.
“I’d like to see who dares to fire Neal.” The door swung open, and Nicola strode in with Vincent, her anger palpable.
It was clear she was here to wrestle control of the company from Rhett.
Rhett narrowed his eyes. Holcomb hadn’t shown his face… interesting. He had given Nicola quite the
confidence boost.
“What a bold statement, Nicola,” Rhett said with a sarcastic chuckle. “But you’re too late.”
He projected onto the screen the message that Neal had already successfully resigned. “I didn’t want to give Neal the boot; he chose to bail on his own terms. Big difference.”
“Rhett!” Nicola trembled with rage, her complexion turning from red to pale. “Your father said you’ve been overworking yourself. He’s assigned Vincent to take over your duties temporarily so you can get some rest. at home!”
It was an outright challenge to Rhett’s position as CEO.
Kristin watched anxiously; such a bold move from Nicola could only mean that Holcomb had given his word. Otherwise, she wouldn’t dare to be so confident.
Inside the walls of FitzGerald Group, it seemed the real storm was about to begin.
