Chapter 3
The ringtone echoed in the cavernous office. Vincent stared at it, his chest tightening. He answered on the fourth ring.
"I hear you had a delivery in the lobby this morning," Julian's voice rasped through the speaker, devoid of any paternal warmth.
"You called her," Vincent stated, skipping the formalities. "Claire said you called her first. Why?"
"Someone had to inform my daughter-in-law of her husband's indiscretions before it leaked to the press," Julian replied smoothly. "A scandal with a subordinate? Really, Vincent. I expected better discretion."
"Sophia is the VP of Acquisitions, not a secretary, and you had no right to interfere with my marriage!" Vincent yelled, slamming his hand against the glass desk.
"I have every right to protect the company," Julian countered, his tone turning into cold steel. "Claire's family holds twenty percent of the voting shares. If she divorces you, she takes that proxy with her. And if she takes it, the board will have my head—and yours."
"It was five nights in London," Vincent said, pacing the room. "It was a mistake. I can fix it with Claire."
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"You clearly haven't fixed it if she's dropping your luggage at reception," Julian sneered. "Fix this, Vincent. Or I will step back in as CEO and fix it for you. Do not let her file those papers."
The line went dead. Vincent threw the phone across the room.
