When the Boss’ Lady Became His Sister-in-law

Chapter 158

During the Team Gathering.

The office was buzzing with the chatter and laughter of the staff.

“Hey, Mr. Neal, come have a drink, will you? You’re about to be the vice president. You better not forget about us,” one colleague joked with a grin.

Neal sat at the head of the table, reveling in the attention he was getting.

“Ah, I’m not worthy,” Neal said with a laugh that didn’t quite reach his eyes.

“If you aren’t worthy, then the rest of us might as well get dismissed,” a few others chimed in, provoking laughter from around the table.

“Mr. Neal, word has it you’re the clear choice for vice president. The CEO has his eye on you and we all back you up. Mr. FitzGerald seems also pretty wary of you. If not you, who else has the chops for the job?”

“Exactly, if you don’t get the spot of vice president, we’re staging a protest!”

“We can’t have any of that, no stirring up trouble among the staff,” Neal said with a hand raised for quiet, still smiling.

His confidence only grew with the support from his peers.

Just then, Rhett walked in with Kristin and York.

‘Everyone was surprised to see Rhett. “Mr. FitzGerald? Do you come to our team–gathering

event?”

“Jesus, or is that Mr. FitzGerald?”

“It’s really Mr. FitzGerald! Did he come because of Mr. Neal’s promotion?”

“It seems like a done deal now, just waiting for the official announcement.”

“Quiet down, everyone. Mr. FitzGerald has a few words, then he’ll be on his way,” York said, trying to calm the crowd.

But no one listened to York, and the room remained a buzz of whispers and speculation.

Rhett, however, kept his cool, betraying no emotion beyond his usual indifference.

“Everyone, please!” Neal stood up and walked over with a significant smile. “Mr. FitzGerald, the floor is yours.”

When Neal spoke, the staff quieted down.

Clearly, they were snubbing York, the CEO’s assistant, but showing respect to their project

manager.

was pleased, which was a subtle power play.

1/4

11:30

Chapter 158

knew that making the boss a little wary could work in his favor.

but he was just a younger colleague in Neal’s eyes. Now

worked hard,” Rhett said, his

had little patience for the

asked him to play nice, so he grudgingly offered some praise. “Mr. Neal’s skills are something I aspire to. Let’s chat one–on–one when you have

me, Mr. FitzGerald. This is the

crafty one, knowing when to share

world of difference between one person leaving a job

yourselves, I’ve got to get going,” Rhett

out of the hotel,

followed timidly, heart pounding

Rhett breaking his routine

family estate,”

car door, sneaking a nervous

meant facing Vincent, Nicola, Holcomb, and

the whole ride, just quietly held

York wouldn’t notice.

seemed indifferent to being seen, perhaps even

on driving and

the hotel.

and called

Rhett came to see me and he’s trying to win me over, clearly

President Neal,” Nicola said meaningfully.

without your patronage, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Don’t worry, no matter what Rhett does, I’m on your side.” Neal reassured her eagerly.

11:30

remember to be grateful” Nicola reminded him with a

for me. When my family had those troubles, I wouldn’t have made it through without you,” Neal said, reasserting his loyalty. “I’ll keep working on the CEO. When the time

what I’m counting on you

had high hopes for Neal, a key

president, she would have secured half of the FitzGerald Group

matter then if his subordinates lacked execution? His days as CEO would

At the kindergarten.

man and your trusted confidant. Are you really okay with letting Kristin fool around like this?” Kristin had gone to pick up Summer, and York glanced back at Rhett with nervous eyes. “Mr. FitzGerald, you indulge Neal in forming cliques. Did you