All the rest is just noise.
So I smile and tell her the truth. “I wouldn’t have let you get far. I would have followed you. I love you, Iris.”
She leans back against me. “I love you too, Max.”
Those words and this feeling are all that matters.
I am richer than I have ever been in my life, and it’s all because of her.
Chapter
Thirty
IRIS
I’m tryingto finish up some work before my next meeting, but my nerves are getting the best of me.
Today’s meeting is unlike any we’ve ever had before.
We’re telling our employees that we’re dating. That Max and I are a couple.
I know that for the most part everyone will be supportive, but there will always be those assholes that say I slept my way to the top. Little do they know, I don’t even want to be at the top.
My phone rings, and I answer it without looking at the screen.
“This is Iris,” I say as I answer.
“Iris, love, this is Julius. I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to get back to you.”
I lean back in my seat and begin to twirl my pen between my fingers.
It’s only been two weeks, but I figured he got the message when I never called. I never truly thought I would hear from them again.
“Julius, it’s good to hear from you. How was your vacation, excuse me, holiday?” I say, making him laugh.
“Nice catch. It was glorious. I didn’t want to come back. That’s why I’m calling late. I stayed an extra week.”
I smile, looking out my office window at the city. “I don’t blame you.”
“So, you know why I’m calling.”
“I do.”
“I hope you have a different answer for me than you did last time,” he confesses.
“Unfortunately, I do not. While I am extremely flattered you guys considered me, I’m going to have to turn you down. I want to stay with The Williamson Group. This is where I started my career, and, to be honest, this is where I want to end it.”
Julius sighs. “I was afraid you would say that. Especially after your boss called. There’s nothing I can do to change your mind?”
“Max called you?” I ask.
He hadn’t told me that. Not that I’m upset.
“Yes, the lad seemed quite desperate to keep you. I don’t blame you for wanting to stay when you have the CEO scared to lose you. You must be one hell of a girl. One we want on our team.”
“I’m flattered. Really, but I’m staying. I appreciate the offer, though. I hope you find someone who clicks well within the company,” I tell him.
“It will be our loss then. I’m sorry we couldn’t make it work. I wish you the best with your future. Don’t hesitate to call if you ever decide you want to switch things up.”
