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“Agreed,” Lex interjects, his face tightening while he crosses his arms. I’ve worked with Lex long enough to know he’s frustrated with Richard’s excuses. When it comes to business, Lex does not tolerate incompetent employees. “Why are we not seeing the correct numbers here? Frankly, Richard, I’m not impressed and want to meet tomorrow. Show me a better result, or we’re going to make some significant cuts.”
Richard’s face turns beet red. The asshole better step
up his game rather than throw the blame onto everyone else and pretend like it’s not his fault. On more than one occasion, he’s gone straight to Lex to complain about my directives. He’s a chauvinistic caveman who hates reporting to a woman. His complaints hold no merit, and Lex doesn’t even question me knowing all too well I’ve done my job correctly.
I end our meeting, dismissing the team but not before a harsh warning on what I expect from them over the next week. As the final person closes the door, I let out the breath I’ve been holding in, rolling my neck from side to side to alleviate the knots forming.
It’s been an incredibly stressful week, and the weekend can’t come fast enough.
With just myself and Lex in the room, it gives us a chance to discuss more private matters without the remaining executive team present.
“I’m not happy with Richard's performance,” Lex says, placing his cell down for a brief moment. “This isn’t what I want to see.”
“I warned you, Lex. Month after month he’s focusing on the wrong numbers. This is costing us.”
“You’re right,” he agrees. “Let’s get HR in here. I want Richard out. In the interim, we offer Jonathan more money, and he can take over. We’ll overhaul our finance department and strengthen the team.”
I wasn’t new to this process, having fired many employees for performance. Richard is no exception. It’s been a long time coming, and I’m just glad Lex can finally see his true colors.
“So, I have something to discuss with you. Actually, two things.”
Beneath the table, I cross my legs. With a nervous tap of my foot against the floor, my gaze fixates on Lex’s expression. Most of the time, the man is unreadable with the exception of when he’s angry. Whenever Lex has something to discuss with me, it ends up with me working countless hours.
“I met with Anton Laurent last night.”
Anton Laurent is one of Europe’s wealthiest entrepreneurs. He’s the chairman of Western Europe’s largest media corporation. I’ve read about him, his business model, and the recent success of merging with a well-known production company based in Italy.
“Oh,” I mouth. “I can see your mind ticking already.”
The corners of Lex’s lips fight a smile, his eyebrows slightly raised.
“You know me well,” he admits, a sly grin following. “So, we’ve been in discussion for a while about expanding in Europe. There are several opportunities I’d love Lexed to pursue, but, of course, with Charlotte due in the next few months, I have no choice but to stay close to her.”
“Uh-huh.” I nod, folding my arms beneath my chest as I wait for the giant ball to drop. “I’m waiting for the big surprise.”
“I want you to run this project from the ground up. You’ve done so well with our Manhattan office, managed to keep London running smoothly, and frankly, I don’t trust anyone besides you.”
I pull in a deep breath, listening to him as he continues to talk about his plans to expand and precisely what he needs me to do. A sense of pride engulfs me. Lex wouldn’t ask if he didn’t think I was competent. He’s business-focused, making professional decisions, and never shows favoritism toward me because of our personal ties.
Though slowly, the more he speaks, my concerns grow, and doubt begins to creep in. There’s so much I need to learn, and although I’ve been accredited having completed my Masters in Business, my practical experience falls short. It’s been only four years versus Lex’s massive experience in the field.
“Europe is… wow,” I confess, my voice in disbelief. “I’m honored, but I don’t think I can—”
He raises his hand to stop me talking. “Don’t even finish that sentence. You know you can. If I’ve taught you anything, it should be self-confidence. Don’t plant failure in your mind without even trying.”
“Yes, I understand, but Europe?” I try to gather my thoughts. There are so many questions. Logistics, timing, and the list goes on. “So how? Where?”
“France. Paris, to be exact.” His stare fixates on me, a mixed looked of intimidation and compassion. He knows me well knowing I will doubt myself before even trying. Yet he also knows I perform well under pressure. “You’ll need to be there for at least three years.”
“Three years in Paris?” I question, tilting my head with confusion. “But what about this office?”
“I think George can manage it. He’s proven his worth, and honestly, Kate, you’re ready for that next step.”
“But… Paris,” I repeat, lowering my gaze toward the table. “I’d have to leave everyone behind.”
I think about Charlie, not seeing the girls grow up, and the new baby joining their family. Then there’s Eric. Despite his dramatic ways, his presence balances the corporate chaos in my head. There’s nothing quite like Eric bringing you back down to earth with a conversation revolving around circumcision. The words ‘meat jacket’ will forever be etched in my memory.
And Noah.
