Page 82 of Hating the Boss

“It is most definitely something. Security alerted me of some sort of a breach,” he said, stepping into the room and scanning the large monitors. The security guards backed up and gave him space.

“I’m handling it,” I said firmly.

The security guards watched, probably enjoying this little showdown between father and son.

CEO and COO.

“Is that…?” asked my father curiously as he walked over and leaned in to study the image on the monitor. His eyes landed on Angela frozen in time, walking down the hallway of the office.

“Angela, yes.”

“What the hell is she doing here?” he asked. “I thought you took care of that last night.”

“I did,” I said adamantly.

“Clearly not because she has shown up here. What part of getting your shit together do you not understand?” asked my father, his gaze sharp as he turned to me.

The security guards shuffled their feet awkwardly, not knowing what to do. I placed my hand on my father’s shoulder and led him out of the room, shutting the door to the security office behind me for privacy.

“Look, I know we had it out last night, but you have to understand that I have nothing to do with Angela or her antics,” I said with a shake of my head. “She’s out of my control.”

“Well, you need to get her in control. Howard Knight called me this morning. He was embarrassed by the show he witnessed last night. We have a meeting with him in an hour to clear everything up.”

God, I was so tired of hearing Howard Knight’s name and feeling the pressure of him trying to dictate my life. I could do without his demands. I could do without his money, too, but I knew my father and the board wouldn’t see it that way. It would be a huge loss for the company, but at least I could get on with my life without it being under a microscope.

“Screw Howard Knight,” I spat.

My father raised his brows in surprise before his face flushed with color.

“Screw Howard Knight.” He laughed angrily. “Screw Howard Knight? Sure, let’s lose our biggest client all because you can’t keep your life in order.”

“My personal life shouldn’t have anything to do with Stellar Industries.”

“But it does. It’s the life you signed up for by following in my footsteps. Every little move you make is up for discussion. Up for debate. And right now, your actions have the board questioning you as a leader.”

“My leadership skills shouldn’t be questioned simply because I’m not married or have children,” I said with a roll of my eyes. “You know me, Dad. You know I can do this, but you seem to find every little reason to discredit me.”

My father remained silent, but kept his eyes on me.

“Why won’t you vouch for me?” I asked.

Ignoring my question, he simply said, “Howard Knight will be here at eleven. I expect you to be ready.”

“He’s not worth all this,” I said.

“He is when it’s hundreds of millions on the line.”

“So, the money is more important to you than your son?”

“You’re not just my son. You are my partner. This is my company. I built it from the ground up. So yes, excuse me if I don’t want to lose this deal.”

I didn’t want to argue anymore. We were just running in circles. My father had made his stance clear, and I didn’t want to waste another breath trying to make him see things differently. Not when Sarah could be in danger.

I wouldn’t let my father keep me from protecting her again.

“I have to go,” I said dismissively, striding past him.

“Like hell you do,” my father said angrily, following after me, his footsteps close behind. I could feel him practically seething at my heels. “You will stay here and we will do damage control.”