Page 76 of The Client
“I’ve fallen in love,” I say neutrally.
“So? That’s no reason to walk away from your career,” Reg says sensibly.
“It is, though.” I sink into the chair he offered, struggling to come up with the best explanation for what’s going on. “This woman…she’s been trafficked. By her employer, who promised her a career and a future here in America. That career turned into sex work, which she entered into unwillingly. I didn’t know all of this when I met her, but now that I do know, I can’t, no, Iwon’tback out. I intend to buy her freedom.”
He stares at me for a moment, his eyebrows arching as he slowly leans back in his chair. “You are in a precarious situation.”
“No,weare in a precarious situation,” I say firmly. “All thanks to my father. He didn’t mention the…extenuating circumstances…when he introduced me to this woman, even though he knew. Now, he’s dangling a video recording over my head and threatening to take it to the press if I don’t resign. And he’s going to tell you that my relationship is going to ruin this company, and yes, that might very well be true. But Izabela has been my salvation, and I won’t give her up. Not for the business, not for money, not for you, not for anything.”
“I see.”
“I’m ready and willing to resign,” I say, meeting his gaze. “But not because I’m afraid of my father destroying me in the media. I’m not even sure he really will leak the video, to be honest. But if this whole thing does go public, I don’t want to risk taking down McConnell Enterprises with me.”
He doesn’t say anything, his fingers steepled in front of him on the desk.
“Grandpa, I am so sorry that my actions have put you—put all of us—in this impossible situation. But I want you to know that I will do everything I can to protect you and the family legacy. That starts with distancing myself from the company, so the fallout will only hurt me.”
Still nothing. A beat of silence passes. My pulse is pounding in my ears, my stomach clenching with nerves. Finally, he shakes his head and draws in a long breath. Here it comes.
“Rhys, dear boy. Did I ever tell you that my hair began turning gray the day after your grandmother died?”
His change of topic throws me. “Ah. No, sir.”
“She was the only thing that kept me on a good path, when I could have taken so many other avenues. In some ways, she’s more responsible for the success of McConnell Enterprises than I am. Are you following, Rhys? True love is always salvation. I’d very much like to meet the woman who has captured your heart.”
“I’m not sure you understand—”
“I do not accept your resignation; however, I would very much like to meet this woman who has captured your heart. You see, I chose you as my predecessor preciselybecauseyou always do the right thing, not the easy thing. And because you won’t be influenced by profit alone. When I dream about the future of the company, I dream of you at the helm, maintaining our values even as you modernize our goals. So. If there is fallout, we’ll handle it together.”
My knees suddenly feel weak. “You’re not serious. Grandpa—”
“I believe in you, my boy. I always have. Now, what would you say to us having dinner tomorrow night so I can meet this young lady?”
“Tomorrow…won’t work,” I say, faltering. “I’d love for you to meet her, eventually, of course, but…I need some time. See, the thing is, I’ve decided to—”
The office door pops open, and my father bustles into the room.
“Dad, we need to talk about…oh, Rhys! Goodness. I didn’t mean to interrupt.”
His eyes light up as he drinks in my disheveled appearance, the grave look on my grandfather’s face. The tension in the room is palpable, but I’m sure he’s interpreting it in all the wrong ways.
“Shall I just…step outside and let you finish quitting your job, son?” he gloats.
“No need.” My grandfather gets up and comes around his desk, patting my shoulder as he passes me. “I’ve decided to promote Rhys to CEO, effective immediately.”
“What?” Dad gasps, his face going pale. “But you can’t do that! He’s involved in a sex scandal! He’s been dating a prostitute, a common whore!”
“How dare you,” I thunder, rising from my chair.
My father goes on, “Jesus, Dad, I came here to warn you that shit is about to hit the fan! We have to call the lawyers, hire a PR firm, figure out how we’re going to spin this! There’s still time to do damage control, get a head start on—”
“Rhys and I have discussed the situation in full, and I have no interest in your thoughts on the matter,” my grandpa says coldly. “Furthermore, I suggest you go pack up your office at once. Security will be here to escort you out momentarily.”
“Me? What? Why?” Dad sputters.
“Because I’m finally doing something I should have done ages ago. You, Rupert, are officially fired.”
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