Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 77220 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 386(@200wpm)___ 309(@250wpm)___ 257(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77220 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 386(@200wpm)___ 309(@250wpm)___ 257(@300wpm)
It was a short trip to my office building.
I gave my name to the parking garage attendant who stared at my car in an awed daze, and entered the underground parking space. I easily found the section assigned to BB Tech and could not help but chuckle at the banner marking the CEO’s spot.
Welcome back Max!!!
I watched as the numbers on the elevator panel climbed to the twenty-second floor. The doors opened and I stepped into a plush reception area. To my surprise I was greeted with loud cheers.
Every member of staff was waiting in the lobby. Rick came forward and pushed a glass of champagne into my hand. He raised his glass as did everyone else.
“Welcome back. Hip hip!”
“Hoorayyyyyyyyyy!!!” my staff yelled.
My face split into a grin as I raised my glass and clinked it with Rick’s. I looked around at the staff who were all beaming at me. With Rick’s help in recruitment, I had interviewed each of them via video call and felt as though I knew them all. Even staff meetings had been conducted with me on video.
“It’s nice to finally meet you all in the flesh,” I said.
“You’re much taller!” someone shouted from the back.
“And more handsome too!” a woman from the accounts team joined in cheekily.
That had everyone rolling for a few moments. There was some hand-shaking and I made a little speech to express my appreciation for all they had done for the company. Afterwards, they disappeared to their own places of work and Rick showed me to my office. Once he left, I sat for a few minutes silently enjoying the view of the city skyline.
Life was good. Even without her.
There was a faint knock on my door, and I called, “come in.” The door opened as I swiveled around to face it. In walked Rick and his assistant.
“I wanted to introduce you to Paul,” he said.
Paul grinned. “Settling in okay, boss?”
I got the distinct impression of a brown-noser, like the Tom Wambsgans character in Succession. Well, I was no Kendall Roy. “Just Max will do. I’m fine. Take a seat, gentlemen.”
When I’d been brought up to date with the different projects they were working on, they rose to leave, but I beckoned for Rick to remain. Paul shot us a brief look, a frown creasing his brow, before he masked it and left. I waited a few moments until he had closed the door before I turned to Rick and spoke again.
So, how’s the asshole doing?”
“His ass is in a bit of a bind right now with losing the Chase account last week.”
“Does he know who won it?”
“I made sure of it.”
I nodded. “Good. I guess he knows BB Tech is my company.”
“Max, it’s not something I have to plaster on a billboard or hire a skywriter for him to know. He knows exactly who the brains are behind BB Tech.”
“Good. He needs to know he fucked with the wrong guy, friend or not. Do you think he knows I’m out?”
“Again, no need for a billboard or skywriter. It’s been all over the news. If he’s living in this city, which he is, he knows.”
“Good.” I went silent.
Rick continued, “I’m sure she does too.” He stared at me.
I shifted uncomfortably. “Don’t mention her to me.”
He hid his amusement. “I didn’t mention anyone in particular. There are many ‘shes’ in this city.”
“You know damn well you’re talking about Savannah.”
“Now that you mention it, I’m sure she knows you’re out as well.”
“It is of no importance to me whether she knows or doesn’t.”
“Liar. Michelle always said your right eyebrow twitches when you lie. It’s a pity the jury didn’t know your little tell. You know you damn well care if Savannah knows.”
I felt suddenly bitter. “Only enough to exact my revenge the same way I’m taking my revenge on Robert.”
“To be fair she didn’t actually do anything bad to you.”
“She did not even give me the benefit of the doubt. Simply judged me and deserted me when I needed her most.” I didn’t tell him my suspicion that she then took up with Robert, which was the real sin I held against her.
“Michelle thinks, and I agree with her that it was not like Savannah to do that. There must be an explanation.”
“You’re welcome to it when you find it. As far as I’m concerned, she’s history,” I said coldly.
“Come on, Max. Give her a chance.”
“No.”
“But-”
“End of discussion, Rick.” My voice was harsh.
He held his hands up defensively and stepped back.
“Okay. There will be nothing else said about Savannah Maitland from me.”
“And tell Michelle I don’t want to hear her theories about Savannah either.”
“She’s your sister. You should know better than me that she is going to speak her piece whether you want to hear it or not. We agree with you about Robert. But Savannah-”