The Billionaire's Pretend Wife (Isabella) novel Chapter 64

Arnold paled at the chairman’s question. He hadn’t expected that he would know about his girlfriend’s involvement.

The only reason he had involved Naomi in the decision-making process at the company was to please her. He never would have expected that it would come back to bite him in the ass like this.

He couldn’t even deny it. Not after all the attention Naomi had brought to herself and her relationship with him. If Jason Del Mundo had told the chairman about her and he dared deny it, he would land in even more trouble.

“It’s true, sir,” he replied, sounding as remorseful as he could.

“I’m so disappointed in you,” the chairman spat. “Is that why you rejected the draft the Larson Group submitted to you in the beginning? I checked those drafts, and they were perfect for our project. I was waiting to hear that the project was underway, only to hear that the drafts had been replaced. The first draft was far better than the second one that you approved. Do you think this company is a joke?”

“No sir, I’m sorry, sir.”

“What were you thinking while delegating your responsibilities to your girlfriend? Is Green Leaf your family company that you can do with it what you please? Is she even qualified to be in that position you gave her? What business does she have telling Larson Group’s vice president that we’ll cancel the collaboration?”

Arnold muttered another apology and pressed his lips together. His free hand fisted at his side. He was at the mercy of the chairman, and it was in his best interest to act as repentant as possible.

The chairman sighed. “Do you know how rare the chance to collaborate with the Larson Group on a project is? Are you aware that our competitors would kill to be in our shoes right now?”

“I know, sir.”

“Green Leaf cannot afford to lose this opportunity because of your stupidity. I have told Larson group’s vice president that I’m demoting you for putting us in this situation. It’s the least I can do to show him that we are serious about this project and regret the poor handling so far.”

Arnold’s heart dropped to his heart at the news that he was going to be demoted. “Sir, please, give me a chance to rectify my mistake. I’ll not let the company down again. I’ll apologise to the Larson Group and oversee the project personally. Please, sir.”

“I’m not taking back my decision,” the chairman told him. “You had such an important responsibility to the company, but you showed that you’re not serious about your duties. You even dared to insult the quality of their designs. You should be grateful that you’re getting demoted, not fired.”

With those words, the Chairman hung up the phone.

Arnold cursed and threw the phone away. It hit the coffee table before cluttering to the carpeted floor, its screen sporting a web of cracks.

He was being demoted? From being the CEO of the company to what? All because he had wanted to please a woman!

From her position, Naomi had heard the Chairman’s screaming voice and known right away that her boyfriend was in trouble. She also heard the Chairman telling him that he was demoted because he had let her handle the project.

“It’s all your fault,” Arnold accused, turning to her. His face was red with anger. “This is all your fault and your obsession with ruining things for that sister of yours. What now? Huh? I’ve been demoted because of your stupidity!”

Naomi jumped to her feet. “My fault? You are the one who put me in charge of the project! How is it my fault that you’re not powerful enough to make decisions on your own? What kind of CEO are you?”