Chapter 15: Bribery
Summer’s POV
*Summer,” his voice carried that practiced warmth I’d once found so paternal. “It’s been over a year. How are you finding things after E
Europe?
I kept my expression professionally neutral, channeling every lesson I’d learned in Columbia negotiation classes. Derp breaths. Channel your inner ice queen. “Everything’s fine, Mr. Stark. The European division’s performance speaks for itself.”
His eyes narrowed slightly at my formal tone. A year ago, I would have called him “Uncle Alex” – the way he’d insisted when Alexander first introduced us. God, I was so mahe back them.
Yes, the numbers are… impressive.” He shuffled some papers on his desk, though I knew it was just for show. Old Mr. Stark never needed to check numbers – be remembered everything. It was one of the first things Alexander had warned me about Another red flag i chose to ignore. “But that’s not why I called you
here.”
- 140.
I kept my voice light, professional, even as my stomach twisted with dread, “Is there an issue with the quarterly reports?”
He sighed, setting aside the pretense of paperwork. “Summer, we need to discuss you and Alexander.”
“Mr. Stark 1 cut him off before he could continuar, my voice sharp enough to make him blink. The mere mention of Alexander’s name sent a wave of nausea through me. “This is a work environment. And I have nothing to discuss regarding Alexander Mothing except how he and my sister stabbed me in the back, bur somehow I doubt that’s what you want to hear
“Don’t be difficult. His tone hardened slightly. “You know Victoria and Alexander’s engagement has put us all in an… awkward position.”
Awkward position? I had to bite hack a bitter laugh. Is that what we’re calling it when your son betrays his fiancée with her own sister? When my entire life gets forn apart and newritten without my consent?
“The only awkward position,” I said carefully, gripping the arms of my chair to keep my hands from shaking, “is you trying to discuss personal matters during office hours.”
His
expression darkened. “Have y
you even been back to the Taylor house since returning? Your family is worried”
I had to hold back a bitter laugh. Now I understood Isis game. Victoria had always been the golden child after all, Father had given her a 15% stake in the company as her coming–of–age present. And me? I couldn’t even get a decent position in the company, let alone any shares. The unfairness of it all burned in my chest like acid.
Talk about double standards. When I graduated, Mother had insisted I find my own job, claiming it would build character and teach me independence. Everything I owned paled in comparison to Victoria’s possessions. Sometimes I epuldn’t help but wonder if I was even truly a Taylor at all. Maybe I was switched at birth. That would explain so much.
“My grandfather specifically asked me not to return yet. The lie slipped out smoothly, hat I kept my face straight. Sorry, Grandpa George, but I need this excuse. My heart twisted a little at using my grandfather’s name this way, but desperate times called for desperate measures,
“George said that?” Something calculated flickered in his eyes. “His birthday celebration is coming up soon. Next week, surely you’ll attend?”
I frowned, my stomach tightening. If there was anyone in the Taylor family I truly cared about, it was my paternal Grandpa George. Old Mr. Stark’s sudden interest in my family reconciliation had nothing to do with concern for me he just wanted me to sweet–talk my grandfather into accepting Alexander and Victoriaa marriage. Nor try, but not your puppet anymore.
“Of course I’ll attend my grandfather’s birthday.” I kept my voice steady, professional, even as anger burned through my veins. “Was there something specific about work you needed to discuss, Mr. Stark?
He leaned forward, his voice dropping to that conspiratorial tone he used when offering particularly lucrative deals. The same tone he used when he first suggested I date Alexander. Fool me once, shume on you. “Summer, be reasonable This situation benefits in one. Just… put in a good word with George about Victoria and Alexanders marriage. Make things smoother for everyone.” His smule turned indulgent, like he was offering me a special treat. ‘I could ensure your promotion To Managing Director in return ”
The blatant attempt at bribery made my attach turn. So this is what I’m worth to them promotion in exchange for helping Victoria steal my life. The realization felt like swallowing broken glass. “Mr. Stark, are you trying to buy my cooperation with a job title?“
“Don I be crude.” Itis mask slipped slightly, showing a flash of imitation that reminded me so much of Alexander it made my chest ache. “I’m offering you an Opportunity. Victoria’s already received her 15% stake in Capital Corp. Surely you understand the importance of family unity in our circle? Family unity – is that what we’re calling betrayal these days?
Chapter 15: Bribery
“Mr. Stark.” I stood up, smoothing my
with hands that wanted to shake. “If there’s nothing else, I have reports waiting.”
“Sit down!” The command cracked through the air like a whip. “You’re being unreasonable. This attitude of yours this is exactly why Elizabeth pushed for you to move out. You never could understand your place in the family.”
My place. Something cold and hard crystallized in my chest. Years of swallowed hurt and forced smiles solidified into diamond–hard resolve. “My place, Mr. Stark? You mean the place where I watch my sister take everything that’s mine while smiling gratefully? The place where I trade my self–respect for promotion? The place where I’m supposed to thank you all for treating me like dirt?
“You ungrateful-” He cut himself off, visibly trying to regain his composure. His face was turning an interesting shade of red. “Summer, think carefully about your next moves. Fortune Corp isn’t just any company. Your position here…”
I was done listening to his bullshit, I turned and walked out, my heels clicking against the hardwood floors with military precision. Each step felt like a small victory, even as my heart hammered against my ribs. I made it all the way to my office before my hands started to shake.
