“Remember?” He narrowed his eyes. “You did make her sign the non-partnership CFO clause when you promoted her, correct?”
“I might’ve overlooked that part.”
“In that case, I should sueyoufor utter incompetence.” He glared at me. “How do you forget to protect a near-billion-dollar company from someone who didn’t help you purchase it?”
I didn’t answer him, and he rubbed his temple.
“You weren’t planning on her ever leaving, were you?” he asked.
“Let’s stick to the ‘suing’ conversation.” I tried to change the subject. “Or maybe making her a hostile witness.”
“Please stop using legal terms you don’t understand.” He stood up.
“Look,” he said. “I’m going to be nice and offer one of my side services to you, and then you’re going to promise to never call me for this type of nonsense again.”
“If you don’t help me do what I tell you to do—” I paused. “I’m firing you and your firm as representation.”
“Give me two hours, and I’ll tell you exactly where she’ll be tomorrow, and you can try to talk to her like a normal lovesick boyfriend.”
“I never said we were in a relationship.”
“You didn’t have to.”
I didn’t waste my time denying it.
“My security hasn’t been able to find her at all,” I said. “What makes you think you can?”
“Because I’m the best at what I do.” He pulled a check from his pocket and scribbled on it before sliding it to me. “Once I call you with the address, you can wire that amount to me as a bonus.”
“You want two hundred and fifty thousand for this simple task?”
“Take it or leave it.” He started to pick up the check, but I snatched it away.
“You’ll have the information in two hours?”
“Guaranteed.” He smiled. “Oh, and I still expect to be paid for my usual emergency appearance fee, on top of a small courtesy fee for having to listen to something emotional, as well as a fee for?—”
“Get the hell out of my office, Damien.”
FIFTY
ANDREA
Meet Harrison Cross’s New Executive Assistant: It’s a Team of Five & a Robot
Harrison Cross Spotted Waiting in Line at Café After Hours
Rumor Mill: Sweet Seasons Is Still Chatting with Investors, IPO Announcement Seems Imminent
Ifailed to stop googling Harrison for the umpteenth day in a row, and I deeply regretted it.
Putting my phone away, I paced backstage at Lily’s Ice Cream headquarters and tried to focus on my public interview ahead.
The glow of stage lights bled through the velvet curtains, and the faint hum of conversation from the theater beyond made my stomach twist.
“I’m so honored to have you here as our potential new CFO, Miss Stone.” The CEO smiled at me, extending his hand.
“It’s an honor to be considered, Mr. Sharp,” I said.
