Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 75553 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 378(@200wpm)___ 302(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75553 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 378(@200wpm)___ 302(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
“Do you really think that’s necessary, Kelly?” Isaac asked.
“It might be and it might not be,” she answered. “However, I would like to make certain that our corporate values are made clear to everyone here. Not only is family important to the Anderson Group, but also honesty and trust.” She was certain to direct a look of suspicion my way before glancing back at Remy as well.
Shit, shit, shit, I cursed again internally. Her tone and her words clearly conveyed her suspicion. I supposed the story was a little strange and Kelly had heard from her sources that I was single. She’ll need much more convincing from here on out and that meant I’d dragged Remy under with me.
“Are you sure that’s a good idea?” Isaac persisted as he pulled his cellphone from his pocket. “We are expected in the southern branch tomorrow afternoon. We already have a pre booked flight for the morning and--”
“Trust me, Isaac,” Kelly interrupted with a sinister smile. “I have been given authority over these visits by Mr. Anderson himself. As such, every visit is conducted at my sole discretion. If I need more time at any branch, Mr. Anderson will be happy to grant me that wish.”
My expression soured at the sound of that. It seemed like Kelly was an extremely important member of the Anderson Group. If her words held as much sway as I believed they did with the new boss then even one slip-up could mean I’m demoted instantly. The thought alone was enough to make my hands clench into fists under the table. The injustice was unbearable.
“So, Isaac, we’re going to have a change of plans,” Kelly continued as she stood up and collected her purse. “We’ll stick around here for a few more days to see how the branch operates and I’ll be certain to make a full report of everything I see to Mr. Anderson.”
“It just seems a little unnecessary, Kelly,” Isaac protested as he stood.
Kelly, however, had already made up her mind. She turned to look at Remy then and my heart stopped. I was worried that she might have sussed us out already or that Remy might change her mind and confess the truth, but thankfully, neither of those things happened. Instead, the redhead smiled over at Remy and flicked her hair back over her shoulder.
“Now, Remy, if you’d be so kind as to email me a copy of Griff’s calendar for the week, that would be fantastic,” she instructed. “In addition to that, I’d like to be kept informed of any scheduled staff meetings or any client visits that you’re aware of or that may come up during my stay.” She turned her head to glance back at me and I could see the determination clear as day in her eyes.
Yes, she was a fearsome opponent indeed and I’d have to work hard to fool her. It wasn’t something I was looking forward to at all, but I’d never been beaten before and I wasn’t going to roll over and let it happen now.
“I won’t attend everything, don’t you worry, Griff,” she told me. “I’ll peruse the list once I get it and decide which I feel I should be present in order to monitor your behavior and take accurate feedback to Mr. Anderson.” Her eyes flicked back to Remy then and I could see that my secretary was diligently making notes while Kelly spoke. “Oh and Remy, don’t forget to keep me informed of any last minute changes. It was nice meeting you both!”
Her smile was still radiant while her eyes were clinical and assessing. Kelly looked between the two of us once more before turning on her heel and heading for the door of my office. She motioned for Isaac to follow her as she passed him and he reluctantly seemed to follow.
“I’m sorry,” Isaac mouthed silently in my direction before finally closing the door behind him and leaving Remy and I alone for the first time. As soon as they were gone, I couldn’t help but finally close my eyes and let the breath I’d been holding rush out of my lungs in a long sigh. I couldn’t believe so much had happened in such a short period of time. It felt like some sort of strange fever dream for a moment.
I leaned back in my seat and relaxed as I mulled over my options going forward. Since Remy had been so silent, I had almost completely forgotten she was present. I rubbed my hands over my face and groaned before I heard footsteps. I opened my eyes and turned in my chair to see that Remy was standing close behind me.
“I don’t remember seeing ‘girlfriend’ listed in the job description,” she commented in a low whisper.
Fuck. What am I supposed to do now?