Chapter 14
14
JACK
A fter a lousy, fitful sleep, I give up and hit the gym early. It’s the only way to get rid of the pent-up tension.
I start with a particularly brutal round of weightlifting, then hit the treadmill at a good clip. There are only two other people in the entire place, and thankfully neither one has turned on the TV, so I just stare out the window at the murky clouds gathering.
How the hell did Dad just happen to pop by the office when Violet was there? It’s been bugging me all night. He hardly ever drops by, because I berate him whenever he does so for never making an appointment.
Yet there he was, within twenty minutes of Violet stopping by, telling me to end things with her.
Which I’m never going to do. Obviously. I’d give up my company first. That’s completely overdramatic, but it’s genuinely how I feel.
Could any of my employees have a problem with Violet, or the way she’s been brightening up the space? I ramp the treadmill speed down to a slow walk, still staring out at the thick, ominous clouds. Violet mentioned Mark glaring at her. I don’t like that one bit.
After I shower and change, I stride to the office at top speed. Nobody else is in yet. I don’t even start the coffeemaker before dropping into my desk to call up the security footage from yesterday.
I’ve never mentioned to the employees that we have the cameras. They’re so unobtrusive that they’re easily missed. In fact, other than when I was first setting them up last year, I’ve never needed to check them.
There’s a camera in Accounting, and I watch as Violet and Chad bring in the tables and large plants. She arranges them just so, then he leaves and she begins wiping the leaves down with a cloth, turning them slightly toward the window.
There’s Mark, who is indeed glaring at her slightly from his desk as he’s picking up his phone to make a call. I zoom in and crank the volume. The audio isn’t clear, but combined with the video, it’s easy to figure out he’s saying, “Hello, John. Yes. She’s here now.”
Ass. Hole . I would never have believed that the head of my accounting department would betray me.
He’s gone. Like, yesterday. It’s understood by the various department heads that my father is to be kept at arm’s length. Treated politely, but just barely.
I leave a voicemail with Kai in IT to revoke Mark’s access to every company computer and server immediately. Then I alert security that Mark is categorically not permitted in the building, and to let him know that any personal effects from his desk will be couriered to him this afternoon.
I don’t need to tell him why. He’ll know.
I find myself pacing circles around my office, staring out at the clouds that have sunk so low they’re almost at eye level.
I believe in what Violet and I have together. Yes, it’s fast, but it’s right, I’m positive about that. I’m also positive she feels that way as well, even if she’s nervous. She’s never dated before. Never dealt with this kind of situation. It would make sense for many men to put their business first.
She doesn’t understand that I am completely in control of this company. Nobody else’s opinion matters at all. Certainly not Dad’s, or Mark’s.
Spinning toward the door, I almost bump into Melati. She gracefully backs up a step, managing not to spill the coffee she’s holding. “You’re in early.”
“So are you.” I take the coffee, almost burn my mouth on the first few chugs, then set it on the desk. “Please tell me there’s nothing essential booked for today.”
“Hm. Several small things can be dropped, but you really should attend the charity event at the art gallery this afternoon. Even just walk through and shake hands for twenty minutes.” Her eyes widen when a smile spreads across my face.
“I’ll go. Tell them I’ll be bringing a date.”