Chapter 44 Are You Asking Me to Forgive You?
Ryan ended Parker’s call and leaned back against the headboard, smiling faintly.
Brian could have left the matter alone. Instead, he’d created a problem he couldn’t solve without the man he wanted to undermine.
Ryan called Grace.
“What is it?”
“I landed a $2.7 million order yesterday.”
“You closed it?”
“Of course.”
After a brief pause, her voice settled.
“Congratulations. A good commission, and no reason for anyone to fire you.”
“I wouldn’t be so sure.”
“What happened?”
He explained the damaged contract, the replacement, and Brian’s visit to Parker. Grace listened without interrupting.
“Parker told you this himself?”
“Yes.”
“And he refuses to deal with anyone but you?”
“Yes.”
“How did you manage that?”
She sounded genuinely puzzled. Ryan had only just arrived in Asheville. Why was a purchasing director going out of his way to protect him?
“Because I’m that good.”
Grace gave up asking.
“Can you bring in more business from that hospital?”
“Probably.”
“Leave this to me.”
“Gladly.”
Ryan got out of bed and took his time getting ready.
When he reached the office, Tyler approached at once.
“Brian isn’t here. When he gets back, get the paperwork and return to the hospital. Then you’ll have the final contract.”
“He’s busy trying to steal it.”
Tyler stared.
“What?”
Ryan glanced at Derek, who was listening nearby, and spoke clearly enough for the surrounding desks to hear.
“He printed a new version with his name on it and took it to Parker this morning. Apparently, he thinks the commission would look better in his account.”
Derek’s face changed.
How did Ryan know? Had Parker refused?
Around them, people exchanged shocked looks.
“How can he get away with that?” Tyler demanded.
Then he remembered who owned the hospital.
He looked at Ryan’s relaxed expression and understood. Brian had walked into a trap of his own making. Parker must have called Ryan directly.
Tyler’s anger gave way to anticipation.
Derek was considering slipping outside to warn Brian when Brian himself arrived.
“Ryan. My office.”
Ryan stayed seated.
“Parker wouldn’t sign, so now you need me?”
Brian froze. He looked around at the faces turned toward him and knew everyone had heard.
“The company comes first,” he said hurriedly. “Finish the contract. I’ll confirm your position immediately, and you’ll get your full commission.”
Ryan leaned back and put his feet on the desk.
“I’ve lost interest. Why don’t you fire me at the end of the month?”
Brian’s temper broke through his panic.
“With that attitude, I could fire you now.”
“If I were you, I’d worry more about what management is going to ask you.”
The threat drained Brian’s anger.
Grace knew.
He abandoned any attempt to save face.
“I’m sorry. I went too far. I wanted the sales figures, that’s all. I was going to make sure you got paid.”
“Are you apologizing? Asking me to forgive you?”
Brian’s cheeks burned. Every employee was watching.
“Yes. Please forgive me.”
Ryan’s smile faded.
“You can apologize. I don’t have to accept.”
“You’re playing with me.”
“You tried to steal my work. Now you’re upset because I won’t make this easy for you?” Ryan’s voice hardened. “You don’t own this company, Brian.”
Before Brian could answer, the sales manager’s assistant appeared.
“Mr. Foster. Mr. Reed wants you in the president’s office.”
Brian went white. His knees weakened, and he caught the edge of a desk.
He could think of only one thing.
He was finished.