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.

which was a

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11:30

Chapter 158

a little wary could

be talented, but he was just a younger colleague in Neal’s eyes. Now was the time to build alliances, not confrontations.

been a real effort from the Investment Division, you’ve all worked hard,” Rhett

little patience for the self–satisfied.

him to play nice, so he grudgingly offered some praise. “Mr. Neal’s skills are something I aspire to. Let’s chat

flatter me, Mr. FitzGerald. This is the fruit of

to share credit

world of difference between one person leaving

to get going,” Rhett said, eager to leave.

the hotel, his mood

followed timidly, heart pounding

Rhett breaking his

should head back to the family estate,”

car door, sneaking a nervous

facing Vincent, Nicola, Holcomb,

the whole ride, just quietly held Kristin’s hand to reassure

hoped York wouldn’t notice.

even wanting York

York was focused on driving

at the

to a quiet corner and called Nicola. “Madam, it’s me, Neal.”

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

congratulations in advance, President Neal,” Nicola said

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

11:30

be grateful” Nicola reminded him with a laugh.

had those troubles, I wouldn’t have made it through without you,” Neal said, reasserting his loyalty. “I’ll keep working

I’m counting on you for.” Nicola

hopes for Neal, a key player she’d positioned with care.

have secured half of the FitzGerald Group for Vincent.

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

At the kindergarten.

back at Rhett 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 the