Chapter 162
At Rhett’s place.
Rhett powered down his phone the moment he stepped through the door, ignoring the frantic barrage of calls from Holcomb as if they were nothing more than a distant buzz.
“Mr. FitzGerald….” Kristin hesitated, biting her lip.
“Off the clock, Kristin.” Rhett said, glancing at his watch,
She looked down, gathering her courage. “Rhett… have you considered a fallback plan?”
“You got any bright ideas?” Rhett asked with a half–smile.
* Holcomb gets desperate and hands over the shares that rightly belong to you to Vincent” Kristin was trying to prepare him for the worst.
*The Fitzgerald Group is what it is because of me.” Rhett answered with unwavering confidence. If Holcomb doubted that, he was free to test the theory.
“As for a fallback plan…” Rhett paused, the silence stretching between them before he spoke again. *1 promised to keep you safe, and I won’t let you fall back into the mire.”
He’d keep the promises he made to Kristin, no matter what.
His rose would bloom again, and he had the means and the resolve to see it happen.
Kristin shook her head and wasn’t worried about herself. Seeing Rhett hold back, she knew he had his contingency plan. It just wasn’t the time to disclose it.
“Would you mind if I make some barbecued ribs for dinner?” she asked softly.
I’m not picky.” Rhett replied, setting his watch down and loosening his tie before heading to the study to check on Summer’s studies.
Kristin blinked in confusion. Not picky? York had spent the whole day explaining just how particular Mr. Fitzgerald could be with his food.
At the Fitzgerald Group.
Vincent stormed into his office, the air heavy with his displeasure.
“Mr. Fitzgerald,” Neal slipped into the office while it was quiet. “You wanted to see me?”
“You’ve seen the news about my mother?” Vincent asked, his tone an implicit threat.
“That’s not something you need to worry about. My father will handle it soon. You just need to focus on securing the vice president.” Vincent instructed him.
“Yes,” Neal nodded quickly, understanding the power play.
It was clear Nicola held something over Neal.
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11:09
Chapter 102
“Mr. Fitzgerald, when do you plan to make your move?” Neal inquired.
“Rhett thinks he’s untouchable, but he’s made too many enemies. Everyone is waiting for him to slip up.” Vincent leaned back against his desk. “The desert project is crucial. If Rhett’s plans leak before the base in the northwest gets approved…”
“Do you mean to hack Mr. Fitzgerald’s computer?” Neal took a deep breath, understanding the implications.
Hacking Rhett’s computer and stealing trade secrets was no problem.
“Mr. FitzGerald, it’s illegal to steal trade secrets.” Neal warned Vincent not to overdo it.
“That’s not your concern,” Vincent assured him, a hacker ace up his sleeve.
Stealing corporate secrets was just a matter of time.
Neal nodded. “The immediate concern is the vice president. I’ve got the support of the Project Division and Investment Division. Rhett can’t touch me.”
“Once you’re vice president and our alliances are in place, we’ll push Rhett out,” Vincent said coldly. “He thinks exposing my mother’s scandal will make me feel guilty? He’s only distancing himself further from Holcomb. Once I convince Holcomb to take back his shares, what’s Rhett then?”
“You’re right,” Neal agreed, eager to please. “I’ve always believed in you. If you were in Rhett’s position, you’d be just as good, if not better. It’s only because he’s held you back that you haven’t had the chance to shine.”
Vincent scoffed, “What’s mine will be reclaimed.”
That included the shares and Kristin.
After Neal left, a call from James came through.
Vincent, already on edge, answered with a heavy sigh.
“Nicola added sulfuric acid to the water to harm Kristin?” James‘ deep and questioning voice held a threat. “Does she have a death wish?”
“Mr. Bryce, this is a misunderstanding,” Vincent replied, his face darkening.
“A misunderstanding?” James laughed coldly. “Do you take me for a fool?”
“Vincent… tell Nicola to stop playing games. If she touches Kristin again, she’ll regret it,”
James warned.
Vincent massaged his temples. “Rhett took Kristin home, claiming she’s his girlfriend.”
“And that’s all you’ve got?” James was laced with suppressed anger.
“Kristin’s birth mother is about to be released,” Vincent said. “I know her weak spot.”
“Just don’t make me wait too long,” James pressed. He needed Vincent to drive Kristin into a
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11:09
corner again. When she sought James‘ help for the second time, she’d have no choice but to stay by his side.
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