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Bastian sets his shoulders back and tries to compose his shame. “I can only apologize for my behavior. It wasn’t my intention to make the company look bad.”
“Our name always brings media’s attention. You should have known better than to get involved with that girl. We're only lucky that Teddy Jamison isn't one of our shareholders, or investors, and the people we have who are affiliated with him have more loyalty to us.”
Thatis exactly what made this plan so perfect. It’s why I did what I did.
I would never put the company in jeopardy. Not like I did before. That was a genuine mistake.
Months ago, I hooked up with a woman I never knew was married to one of the most popular gospel leaders in New York. Unfortunately for me, he also happened to be one of our biggest investors.
That was how I ended up with this marriage stipulation I’m still calling a punishment. I'm also certain it was Bastian who sent the paparazzi to follow me that night, but I had no proof.
“What is your decision on the matter?” Father asks, cutting to the chase.
“The board have all voted to remove Bastian from the company. However, I overruled the decision.” Grandfather keeps his eyes on Father. “The decision I've come to instead is to send Bastian to Hong Kong for the next three years.”
Knight and I exchange surprised glances.
“Three years. Are you serious?” Bastian's face flushes red, and he balls his hand into a fist.
“Of course, I'm serious.”
Father’s eyes widen with a mixture of rage and annoyance. “Is there nothing better you can do?”
“That is my offer. This is still my company, and I get the final word.” Grandfather sits straighter and returns his focus to Bastian. “Take the offer or leave it, but if you decline it, I’m afraid I’ll be asking you to leave the company.”
“I’m not leaving,” Bastian speaks up.
“A wise choice. The remaining ten months of my stay here will be focused on making sure that the company is running smoothly.” That means he's going to give them hell.
I get the feeling that if Grandfather weren’t retiring, he’d fire Bastian. This is him being compassionate.
“This new change means you can no longer be considered for the CFO position at Park Avenue. I’m sure that’s understandable.”
Bastian nods, but it’s with defeat in his eyes. “I understand.”
Good. Mission accomplished.Neither of them can get in my way anymore.
Grandfather continues talking about the plans he has for the company before his retirement. The meeting takes up over two hours and ends on the same ominous note as it began with a warning.
Bastian and Father are the first to leave. Once they’re gone, Grandfather focuses on me.
“It’s all up to you now,” he says with a slight dip of his head.
“Don’t worry. I won’t let you down.” I sound a little too confident.
“I hope to meet the lucky lady soon.”
“Me too,” Knight cuts in, but he doesn't look like he believes there’s a lucky lady to meet.
I have him believing the same thing I told my grandfather—that I’m dating.
Thank God I have Luc sworn to secrecy, or I’d have Knight on my ass for lying and scheming around with something so important to us.
“You’ll both meet her soon.” I feel like I’m walking on the edge of a plank by promising something like that, but at least I have a date with the Megan Fox look-alike in a few days. That should hopefully give me enough time to get River out of my head.
“Good. That's really good to hear.” Grandfather smiles, seeming more at ease.
“Thanks.”
