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

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11:30

Chapter 158

making the boss a little wary

but he was just a younger colleague in Neal’s

worked hard,” Rhett said, his tone serious as he gave Neal a fleeting

little patience

Kristin had 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 the time.”

his face. “You flatter me, Mr. FitzGerald. This is the fruit of

when to

of difference between one person leaving a job and taking an entire

I’ve got to get going,” Rhett said, eager to

the hotel, his mood

followed timidly, heart pounding with

his routine

the family estate,”

the car door, sneaking a nervous glance at Rhett.

FitzGerald family meant facing Vincent, Nicola, Holcomb, and

a word the whole ride, just quietly held Kristin’s hand to reassure her.

hoped York wouldn’t notice.

indifferent to being seen, perhaps even wanting York to

was focused on driving and never looked back.

the

excused himself to a quiet corner and called Nicola. “Madam,

me and he’s trying to win me over, clearly feeling

President Neal,”

no matter what Rhett does, I’m on your side.” Neal reassured her eagerly.

11:30

be grateful” Nicola reminded him with a

assured. I remember all that you’ve done 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 is right,

what I’m counting on you for.” Nicola responded.

for Neal, a key player she’d

the vice president, she would have secured half of the FitzGerald

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

At the kindergarten.

with nervous eyes. “Mr. FitzGerald, you indulge Neal in forming cliques. Did you see his arrogance today? To an outsider, it might seem like Neal is

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