Chapter 158


    During the Team Gathering.


    The office was buzzing with the chatter andughter of the staff.


    “Hey, Mr. Neal,e have a drink, will you? You’re about to be the vice president. You better not forget


    about us,” one colleague joked with a grin.


    Neal sat at the head of the table, reveling in the attention he was getting.


    “Ah, I’m not worthy,” Neal said with augh that didn’t quite reach his eyes.


    “If you aren’t worthy, then the rest of us might as well get dismissed,” a few others chimed in, provoking


    laughter from around the table.


    “Mr. Neal, word has it you’re the clear choice for vice president. The CEO has his eye on you and we


    all back you up. Mr. FitzGerald seems also pretty wary of you. If not you, who else has the chops for


    the job?”


    “Exactly, if you don’t get the spot of vice president, we’re staging a protest!”


    “We can’t have any of that, no stirring up trouble among the staff,” Neal said with a hand raised for


    quiet, still smiling.


    His confidence only grew with the support from his peers.


    Just then, Rhett walked in with Kristin and York.


    ‘Everyone was surprised to see Rhett. “Mr. FitzGerald? Do youe to our team–gathering


    event?”


    “Jesus, or is that Mr. FitzGerald?”


    “It’s really Mr. FitzGerald! Did hee because of Mr. Neal’s promotion?”


    “It seems like a done deal now, just waiting for the official announcement.”


    “Quiet down, everyone. Mr. FitzGerald has a few words, then he’ll be on his way,” York said, trying to


    calm the crowd.


    But no one listened to York, and the room remained a buzz of whispers and spection.


    Rhett, however, kept his cool, betraying no emotion beyond his usual indifference.


    “Everyone, please!” Neal stood up and walked over with a significant smile. “Mr. FitzGerald, the floor is


    yours.”


    When Neal spoke, the staff quieted down.


    Clearly, they were snubbing York, the CEO’s assistant, but showing respect to their project


    manager.


    Neal was pleased, which was a subtle power y.


    1/4


    11:30


    Chapter 158


    He knew that making the boss a little wary could work in his favor.


    Rhett might be talented, but he was just a younger colleague in Neal’s eyes. Now was the time to build


    alliances, not confrontations.


    “This project has been a real effort from the Investment Division, you’ve all worked hard,” Rhett said,


    his tone serious as he gave Neal a fleeting nce.


    He had little patience for the self–satisfied.


    But Kristin had asked him to y nice, so he grudgingly offered some praise. “Mr. Neal’s skills are


    something I aspire to. Let’s chat one–on–one when you have the time.”


    Neal’s smile almost split his face. “You tter me, Mr. FitzGerald. This is the fruit of everyone’sbor.”


    Neal was a crafty one, knowing when to share credit to maintain his influence.


    After all, there’s a world of difference between one person leaving a job and taking an entire team with


    them.


    “Enjoy yourselves, I’ve got to get going,” Rhett said, eager to leave.


    Once out of the hotel, his mood was palpable.


    Kristin followed timidly, heart pounding with uncertainty.


    This was Rhett breaking his routine for her…


    “We should head back to the family estate,” Rhett instructed in a hushed tone.


    Kristin leaned against the car door, sneaking a nervous nce at Rhett.


    Visiting the FitzGerald family meant facing Vincent, Nic, Hob, and Eve.


    Rhett didn’t say a word the whole ride, just quietly held Kristin’s hand to reassure her.


    She hoped York wouldn’t notice.


    Rhett seemed indifferent to being seen, perhaps even wanting York to witness the gesture.


    Luckily, York was focused on driving and never looked back.


    Back at the hotel.


    Neal excused himself to a quiet corner and called Nic. “Madam, it’s me, Neal.”


    “Yes, you’re right. Rhett came to see me and he’s trying to win me over, clearly feeling threatened.”


    “Then congrattions in advance, President Neal,” Nic said meaningfully.


    “Madam, without your patronage, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Don’t worry, no matter what Rhett


    does, I’m on your side.” Neal reassured her eagerly.


    11:30


    Just remember to be grateful” Nic reminded him with augh.


    “Rest assured. I remember all that you’ve done for me. When my family had those troubles, I wouldn’t


    have made it through without you,” Neal said, reasserting his loyalty. “I’ll keep working on the CEO.


    When the time is right, Mr. Vincent will take the reins of the FitzGerald Group


    “That’s what I’m counting on you for.” Nic responded.


    She had high hopes for Neal, a key yer she’d positioned with care.


    If Nealnded the vice president, she would have secured half of the FitzGerald Group for Vincent.


    What would Rhett’s prowess matter then if his subordinatescked execution? His days as CEO would


    be numbered.


    At the kindergarten.


    Mr. FitzGerald, Neal is Nic’s right–hand man and your trusted confidant. Are you really okay with


    letting Kristin fool around like this?” Kristin had gone to pick up Summer, and York nced back at


    Rhett with nervous eyes. “Mr. FitzGerald, you indulge Neal in forming cliques. Did you see his


    arrogance today? To an outsider, it might seem like Neal is the CEO. I’ve bent over backwards and still


    haven’t managed to get rid of Neal. Do you think Kristin can handle it?” York still had his reservations.


    Even if Kristin had the chops, Mr. FitzGerald’s trust in her seemed a bit hasty.


    “That’s why you should take a good look at yourself,” Rhett snorted.


    “It’s not that…” York fumbled, anxious. “I’m just worried, okay? Neal is Nic’s ace up the


    sleeve.*


    “Then you better keep your eyes peeled and watch closely.”


    Huffing. York got out of the car and opened the door for Rhett.


    As Rhett was about to step out, the taunting voices of brats echoed from the school gates.


    ‘Summer has no Daddy to attend Parent’s Day!”


    ‘Summer, the child born out of wedlock!”


    “The unwanted child!”


    Milo, the ringleader, was picking on Summer, leading the other kids in a cruel chant about Summer not


    having a father.


    After being scared off by Melissast time, Milo didn’t dare to physically bully Summer anymore and


    had resorted to verbal jabs instead.


    Summer, with his little backpack on his shoulders, retorted angrily, “I do have a dad!”


    er, where’s your dad then?” the other kids taunted.


    11:30


    Chapter 158


    “Yeah, tell us another one, you fibber.”


    Summer clenched his tiny fists and his eyes reddened, but he remained silent.


    *Summer.” Rhett got out of the car and walked over to Kristin, calling out to Summer.


    This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    “Daddy!” Summer instantly brightened his eyes. With excitement, he ran out and flung himself into


    Rhett’s arms.


    Milo froze for a second, instinctively taking a step back.


    He was terrified of Rhett.


    “Milo, why are you running?” Rhett’s voice was deep and stern, as if he was the bogeymaning for


    naughty children…