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Are you sure you don’t need anything?Carter texts.
I frown. As much as I want to respond back, it’s for the best that I don’t. There’s no need to form attachments while I’m in this mess.
I drop my phone into my bag and start the engine, then pull onto the street to head home.
Chapter 22
Carter
“Yourofficeisrightthis way, Mr. Cogswell,” one of the secretaries at Studio 42 Entertainment says.
She leads me to an office located at the end of the hallway on the top floor that’s secluded from all the other offices. When she opens the door, we step into a room that’s about four hundred square feet, with a desk situated in front of a large window, a bookshelf filled with non-fiction books on screenwriting and the history of cinema, and a small conference table. It’s significantly smaller than my actual office, but I don’t plan to spend much time here anyway. I’m only here today for one purpose.
“Thanks,” I say, sliding my hands into the pockets of my khaki pants.
I peer around the furnished room. I can’t imagine it took the last owner that much time to clear out his stuff after the contracts were finalized. I’m actually amazed by how willingly he accepted my offer to buy the company. No questions asked on his end.
“Is there anything I can get for you?” she asks, clutching onto her clipboard.
I shake my head. “I won’t be here for long today. My personal assistant takes care of everything for me, so you can assist anyone who needs help today.”
She nods, doing her best to mask an excited expression on her youthful face. It’s almost as if she doesn’t even know where to begin with this new amount of freedom she’s been granted.
“Actually, you can do me one favor before I head out.” I run my hand over the smooth cherrywood desk. “Can you bring in Michael Albrecht and Kristen Stevens? Preferably at the same time.”
“Sure, Mr. Cogswell. I’ll bring them in now,” she says before disappearing into the hallway.
I cross my arms and lean against the desk while I wait, contemplating whether I should keep Studio 42 and Cogswell Productions separate or merge them to form an even bigger company. From the sounds of it, Studio 42 has acquired the rights to some pretty decent books and screenplays. The opportunities are endless at this point. It’s a relief to know my decision might actually prove to be more than an act of impulsion.
After only a few minutes, Michael and Kristen step into my office, confusion spread across both of their faces as they scan the furnished yet bare room.
Michael furrows his brows. As soon as his eyes fall on me, he shoots an intimidating glare in my direction. I break into a smile as I stand up straight. There’s nothing intimidating about him, though; I own him.
“You?” Michael says. He walks deeper into the office but maintains a safe distance from me. He must be worried I’m going to punch him again. As he should.
“Michael,” I say, giving him a single wave. “Fancy seeing you here.” I turn to Kristen. “And we haven’t met. My name is Carter Cogswell.”
I hold my hand out for her to shake. She simply sneers. “I know who you are,” she says. “Itisn’ta pleasure to meet you.”
I shrug, returning my hands to my pockets. “Trust me, I’m sick to my stomach at the mere sight of both of you, too, but at least I have manners.”
“What are you even doing in Mr. Iver’s office?” Michael asks. “I doubt he’d be thrilled to find you in here bothering his employees.”
My lips curl up into a smirk. “Have a seat.”
Despite their suspicion, they both take a seat in the two chairs in front of my desk. Michael scans the room, waiting for Mr. Iver to walk in so he can report me, I’m sure.
“I’m going to cut to the chase,” I start. “As of this morning, I own Studio 42 Entertainment. Your boss sold it to me half an hour ago. Here’s my copy of the contract.”
I grab the document from off the desk and hold it out so Michael and Kristen can take a look at it.
Michael practically cranks his neck so he can read the fine print. When he finally determines that the contract is legit, he sits up straight in his seat.
“So, what, we’re supposed to call you boss now?” he asks.
I shake my head. “There’s no need for that. Because both of you are fired.”
Their eyes widen. Kristen turns to Michael, placing a comforting hand on his arm, but he pulls away from her. There’s definitely trouble in paradise for these two if they’re even still a thing.
