CHAPTER 040: Stay
The elevator doors open, and we step inside. I stand rigid, watching the numbers light up as we ascend. I can almost hear the ticking of my watch–the piece of art Julie got me. Each tick is a countdown to the inevitable clash that’s about to unfold. Maybe I’m thinking too much about it. But I know, deep down, that none of this will go down without a fight.
Finally, the doors slide open, and there it is–Ryan’s lair, as sleek and manicured as the man himself. It’s filled with too much leather, too much crystal, too much everything. It’s so polished it looks like no one actually works here, like it’s a movie set for what the wealthy imagine an office should look like.
Lucy opens the doors and gestures for me and Jerome to step inside. “Please, go right in. They’re expecting you.”
I step forward, nodding a terse goodbye to her, but she doesn’t leave. She stands just outside, giving me one last smile before she lets the door close behind me.
As Jerome and I step further into the room, I feel the atmosphere tighten.
Ryan is standing by his desk, looking smug as ever, while Adeline sits in a plush chair, eyeing me with a tight, controlled smile that’s all venom and no warmth. Emily is here, too, shifting nervously in her seat, and Ryan’s lawyer, Harvey Klein, stands beside her with a look that says he’s already on the attack.
Ryan wastes no time. “Mr. Martinez, glad you made it. Please have a seat. I trust you’re ready to talk about your abrupt decision to end our partnership?”
I keep my face neutral as I and Jerome settle into our seats. “Just here to sort things out,” I say.
Harvey, Ryan’s lawyer, steps forward, launching into his attack. “Mr. Martinez, your decision to terminate the partnership raises major concerns–especially given your relationship with Julie O’Brien, Mr. O’Brien’s wife. Wouldn’t you agree that’s a glaring conflict of interest?”
Jerome, my lawyer, gives Harvey an unimpressed look. “Really? We’re going there? Since when does someone’s personal life dictate business decisions?”
“Personal involvement with Ryan’s estranged wife while trying to end a partnership with him… it’s a breach of fiduciary duty, plain and simple,” Harvey says. “Luke, as a partner, you owe loyalty to both Ryan and the company. Housing his estranged wife-”
Jerome cuts him off, laughing dryly. “Oh, now we’re going to argue ‘loyalty’? Let’s not kid ourselves here, Harvey. This isn’t about loyalty; it’s about control.”
Ryan’s face flushes, and he turns to me with a hard glare. “It is about loyalty, Luke. You’re betraying your duty here, trying to dismantle our business while keeping Julie close!”
Emily shifts uncomfortably, clearing her throat, though no one is paying her much attention.
Harvey takes a step forward, looking at Jerome and me with a tight smile. “Mr. Bush, Mr. Martinez’s involvement with Julie compromises company interests. He has access to confidential information that could be used against Ryan–against Paragon Jewels in the divorce.”
raise an eyebrow. “Confidential information? Is this an interrogation, or are we actually talking business?”
Harvey stays stone–faced. “If you’d like, I can make it perfectly clear. Mr. Martinez, ending this partnership
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CHAPTER 040: Stay
now looks like you’re punishing Ryan for his divorce. Or worse, using it as leverage to weaken his financial position. This has ‘conflict of interest‘ all over it.”
Jerome scoffs, crossing his arms. “Conflict of interest? If I recall, Ryan’s the one who’s dragged his personal life into every business decision he’s made lately. Just because Luke happens to be there for Julie doesn’t make him the villain here.”
Ryan’s fists clench. “Don’t act like this is just business. You’re sabotaging me, Luke. You’re intentionally throwing me under the bus, and you think no one sees it?”
I let out a sigh, meeting his glare. “Ryan, I’m done with the games. I’m leaving because our partnership isn’t working. You and I have fundamental disagreements that go beyond Julie. This is about business.”
Harvey narrows his eyes, determined not to let it drop. “Oh, sure, Mr. Martinez, this is all about ‘business,‘ right? We both know this decision benefits Julie. You’re actively helping her while trying to take down her estranged husband.”
Emily shifts again, finally speaking up, her voice small. “I–I think we’re making this a bit more…personal than it needs to be, right?”
Ryan shoots her a glare, silencing her. Then he turns back to me, barely keeping his temper in check.” You’ve dragged my family into your mess, Luke. You’re jeopardizing everything we’ve built.”
I give him a hard look, unflinching. “No, Ryan. You jeopardized it yourself with your endless drama and terrible decisions. I’m not here to fix your life.”
The room is thick with tension until Adeline clears her throat, her voice dripping with cold authority.” Enough,” she says. “Let’s bring this back to what matters, shall we? Mr. Martinez, you’re aware, I’m sure, of what this company represents. Paragon Jewels didn’t just happen. Several generations of O’Briens built it from the ground up. Every stone, every piece, crafted with pride and purpose. My husband and I took Paragon to new heights. It became a symbol of quality, of tradition.” She glances sharply at Ryan. And we trusted our son to honor that legacy.”
Ryan stands a little straighter, though he still looks as if he’d rather argue than listen.
Adeline’s voice softens, but her eyes are sharp. “And now, Mr. Martinez, you’re one of the people keeping this company afloat. Despite your… connection with Julie, I recognize value where I see it. Paragon Jewels needs you. And I am prepared to do what’s necessary to keep you on board.”
Ryan’s mouth opens in protest, but Adeline raises a hand, silencing him. “Ryan, you’ve done enough damage here. Let me handle this.” Adeline looks back at me, her expression unreadable but intense. “So, Mr. Martinez, what’s it going to take for you to stay?”
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