Total pages in book: 107
Estimated words: 105850 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 529(@200wpm)___ 423(@250wpm)___ 353(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 105850 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 529(@200wpm)___ 423(@250wpm)___ 353(@300wpm)
“Yes, of course. After the death of the CEO ten years ago, his son took over and didn’t manage the funds properly. A lot of the properties are in disrepair, and the new ones he bought at auction for renovation are sitting there untouched because he lacks capital. He was hoping to have the lease fees on the older properties reduced in the hope he could sell them, but you purchased the whole business instead.”
“Indeed. It was the new properties that made it so attractive—they’re cottages surrounding a large lake, and each one has privacy as well as their own dock. However, like you said, they’re run down, and he ran into issues with the previous landowner,” Alastair explained. “He wasn’t able to purchase the patch of land either, but that wasn’t an issue for us. We closed on it last week, and the fifty acres of land the lake and cottages sit on now belong to us. We can begin renovating as soon as the acquisition is complete next week.”
“Should I be writing this down?” I asked, looking between all three men.
They all shook their heads.
“No. You’re here because we’ve decided to put Theo in charge of this project,” the duke said. “There are some directors still making noise about him becoming the Vice-President so soon, and the best way to shut people up is with results. Theo will be taking over as the Director of Adair Travel and will be tasked with turning it around within the next two years.”
“I told you I only need a year,” he said, folding his arms across his chest. “As soon as the lake cottages are done, I only need a year from then.”
This was exactly why people thought he was arrogant.
He was.
He was likely also correct.
“Then they’ll be even more shocked if we tell them two years,” the duke continued without bothering to look at him. “However, Chloe, getting this up and running will require Theo to temporarily relocate to the Lake District to oversee the renovations and set up the holiday letting offices. He’ll also be overseeing the opening of real estate offices in the area.”
Oh.
A temporary relocation?
Was this… was this my chance? Was this my escape route?
“And, Chloe, I’d like you to go with him.”
CHAPTER FIVE – CHLOE
Escape Route
He… what?
He wanted me to go with Theodore? To the Lake District?
Of course. How silly of me to think this was my opportunity to finally resign.
I should have realised by now that it wouldn’t be that easy.
“You want me to… what?” I asked after a moment of blinking incoherently at the duke. “Go to the Lake District?”
“It’ll only be for six weeks,” Alastair said quickly, sitting forwards. “You won’t have any living expenses except for extras you occur, and your working hours will be the same as usual. We’ll also cover the living costs on your apartment here during that time, and you’ll get a bonus when you return.”
“Why me?”
“We considered hiring someone else,” Theodore said after a moment. “But after we conducted some local interviews for an executive assistant, it became abundantly clear that nobody else is anywhere near as competent as you.”
I looked at him. “I highly doubt that.”
“He rejected them all,” the duke said, almost grumbling. “I was against this from the start—it’s too long for a business trip for a young woman, but you really are the best option. That and this swine wouldn’t accept any of the interviewees, so I have no other choice than to agree.”
I really wasn’t surprised at that.
After all, wasn’t that the whole reason he was refusing my resignation?
“I don’t know,” I said, rubbing the back of my neck. “Although if it’s part of my job, it’s part of my job, so I’ll have to figure something out.”
“I have something to sweeten the deal for you.”
“If you keep adding extras, people are going to think I’m getting preferential treatment, Your Grace.”
“I hardly care about that.” He chuckled. “If you do this, I personally guarantee that your resignation will be processed the day you return.”
I stilled. “I’m listening.”
“What?” Theodore gripped the arms of his chair. “You can’t do that!”
“Can’t I?” the duke asked. “This is still my company. I’ll just transfer her to the President’s office and order your father to accept it. Problem solved.”
“That’s an abuse of your authority, Gramps.” Theodore pinched the bridge of his nose. “I would have accepted one of those subpar assistants if I knew this was going to happen.”
“You should have been gracious enough to accept her resignation instead of pretending you didn’t know.” The duke’s tone held a hint of coldness. “The only reason I’ve agreed to do this instead of stepping in to handle your childishness right now is because I know that having her by your side while you take the reins on this project is the best thing for the company and you. I know better than anyone how talented Chloe is. Doing this would mean there’s two and a half months for you to find and train a new assistant, and I’m sure even you can find someone satisfactory during that time, Theodore.”