Chapter 6
Vincent offered me Senior Director of Strategic Development.
Reporting directly to him.
First day on the job, he handed me a gift.
A comprehensive evaluation of our partnership with Crawford Communications.
got it.
This was Vincent’s way of giving me a blade-a blade aimed straight at Ryan’s heart.
Word traveled faster than wildfire.
‘irst time I walked through Crawford’s doors as the client, Ryan had the entire executive team waiting in the lobby.
Brittany was in the crowd too.
till wearing that smug expression.
‘yan practically sprinted over, bowing to an almost servile angle:
Director Sterling! Welcome to Crawford Communications for your evaluation!”
le extended his hand, hanging in mid-air.
didn’t take it. My eyes swept past him, lingered on Brittany’s face for a beat, then returned to him. Voice flat: “Thanks.”
n the conference room, I naturally took the head seat.
yan smiled nervously throughout, presenting his PowerPoint. Every slide change, he’d steal glances at me, trying to read my xpression.
Midway through, the conference room door opened.
rittany walked in with coffee: “Everyone, I brought coffee for the team.”
didn’t touch the cup, just looked up at Ryan:
Ryan, since when does Wellington allow unauthorized personnel in our meetings?”
yan’s smile froze, then shifted to exposed irritation.
le whipped around, snapping at Brittany:
Get out! Who said you could come in here!”
Brittany’s eyes instantly welled up with tears.
She shot me a vicious glare before stumbling out.
Finally, my preliminary evaluation report had one conclusion: Internal management chaos, severe talent hemorrhaging. Do not
recommend contract renewal.
After I sent the report to Vincent, he replied with three words: “Understood.”
That evening, Ryan called.
He wanted dinner at an extremely private club.
‘rivate room, just the two of us.
one was his daytime composure. He personally poured my tea, posture completely submissive: “Jade, for old time’s sake, give me ne more chance.”
You know Crawford is my life’s work.”
lifted the teacup without speaking.
team blurred his anxious face.
le grew more desperate, leaning forward:
Just say yes-name your terms! Come back as VP! Or… whatever you need me to do at Wellington, I’m all in!”
efore he finished, the door burst open.
rittany stormed in, eyes red and swollen, pointing at my face:
ade, have you no shame! You left the company and you’re still trying to seduce my husband!”
yan’s anxious expression went ghost-white.
set down my teacup, looking up at Ryan:
I suggest you get your house in order before trying to talk about the business.”
he color drained completely from his face. He stood frozen, looking like death.
s I left the tea room, I added:
Oh, and Ryan? You still owe me that severance package.”
