Chapter 143 An Offer Refused

Chapter 143 An Offer Refused
Alexander's POV:

"Mr. Sterling, Mr. Callahan is requesting a video conference," Bill announced as he stepped onto the balcony.

"I'll be right there," I replied.

Bill had already set up Vincent's video call on the computer. As the screen flickered to life, I settled into the chair, preparing for what would undoubtedly be a lengthy discussion.

By the time our conversation concluded, I emerged from the study to find Emma sound asleep on our bed, her hair splayed across the pillow, one arm dangling precariously over the edge. I couldn't help but smile. She'd crawled out of bed at nine this morning, and here she was, fast asleep again at noon.

Bill had arranged for hotel room service. Several dishes sat on the dining table under warming covers, waiting for us.

"How long have you been working with me, Bill?" I asked.

Bill considered the question thoughtfully. "I can hardly remember myself, Mr. Sterling. Nearly ten years now, I believe."

"With your capabilities, serving merely as an executive assistant seems rather... limiting," I observed, turning to face my most trusted employee.

"Mr. Sterling, my abilities have developed significantly under your guidance," he replied without a hint of flattery.

"Consider moving up," I stated, watching his reaction carefully.

"Mr. Sterling?" His brow furrowed in confusion.

"Vincent has identified the man behind Vivian. It's Nathan Thompson from Oasis Group," I explained, summarizing my conversation with Vincent.

"Nathan Thompson?" Bill's eyes widened. "What could be his motivation? Oasis is no small operation, but why would he align with Vivian? What's the angle?"

"Oasis Group might be impressive in its own right, but compared to Sterling and North, it's merely a supporting player," I said, keeping my voice cool and measured. "And now, effectively, both companies are under my control."

"The merger in all but name," Bill nodded in understanding.

"Vivian offered Nathan terms he couldn't refuse, so he assisted her by recruiting two hacker teams," I continued. "Their objective was to breach our systems and extract confidential documents from both companies."

I could see the moment Bill grasped the full implications.

"Vincent will proceed with the planned acquisition of Oasis Group. Upon completion, I'd like you to assume the role of CEO there. What do you think?" I kept my expression neutral, though I was genuinely curious about his response.

Bill's reaction surprised me.

"Mr. Sterling! I'm not going anywhere!" he exclaimed with unexpected vehemence. "I'm perfectly content as your assistant. I wouldn't take the CEO position at Oasis Group or anywhere else – I wouldn't even take your seat if you offered it!"

"You intend to remain an assistant for the rest of your career?" I asked, genuinely surprised by his refusal.

"It's not the worst prospect," he replied with quiet conviction.

"For my family and me, this life is more than sufficient. I've never aspired to climb higher," he admitted. "And frankly, I wouldn't trust anyone else in my position as your assistant."

His words resonated with me. In truth, I wasn't sure I could trust anyone else the way I trusted Bill.

"If not you, then who would you recommend for Oasis Group?" I asked after a moment of reflection.

"If you insist on a recommendation, Mr. Robert would be most suitable," Bill suggested. "With his doctorate in economics, placing him at the helm of Oasis Group would strengthen the Sterling family legacy."

I nodded, considering the suggestion. Robert was a logical choice. I rose from my seat and retrieved my laptop from the desk, handing it to Bill.

He accepted it with obvious confusion, then looked down at the screen where Vincent and I had already discussed this very scenario. I'd prepared for both outcomes: Bill accepting the CEO position, or him declining and remaining by my side. I'd already instructed Vincent to prepare a contract transferring 1% of my Sterling Group shares to Bill if he chose to stay.

Bill remained silent for a long moment, then closed the laptop and stood up. The respect in his eyes was unmistakable.

"Mr. Sterling, thank you," he said, bowing deeply.

"Since you've chosen to stay, you'll sign the share transfer agreement once Vincent completes this matter," I replied, setting down my coffee cup.

The 1% of Sterling Group shares was substantial – enough to ensure Bill's financial security for life. As long as Sterling Group prospered, Bill's descendants would benefit for generations.

A sudden thud from the bedroom interrupted our conversation, followed by Emma's pained voice. I immediately rose and strode toward the bedroom, Bill close behind me.

"Damn it... that hurt..." Emma was pushing herself up from the floor, wincing as she sat up.

"Emma." I crouched beside her, my heart rate picking up slightly despite my outward calm. I helped her to a sitting position, my hands moving carefully over her body, checking for injuries. "Where are you hurt?"

"Everything hurts, but I don't think anything's actually damaged," she grumbled, frowning as she assessed herself.

Relief washed through me, though I kept my expression measured. "Here, sit down and let me check," I guided her to the edge of the bed, examining her thoroughly before nodding with satisfaction. "You seem fine."

"Maybe we should station a couple of security guards around your bed when you sleep?" I couldn't resist teasing her, feeling the tension leave my body as I confirmed she was unharmed.

Her eyes flashed with that familiar fire that never failed to captivate me. "If you dare put guards around my bed, I'll arrange for two models to warm your sheets and take care of you!"

From the corner of my eye, I noticed Bill discreetly backing out of the room. Smart man.

"How generous of you to offer me two," I replied, raising an eyebrow at her threat.

"One gets lonely," Emma said with a mischievous glint in her eyes, gradually moving backward on the bed. "Two keeps things interesting."

Her retreat awakened something primal in me. I grabbed her ankle and yanked her back toward me, enjoying her startled expression. In one fluid motion, I leaned forward, pinning her beneath me, savoring the feel of her body under mine.

"Such a sharp tongue. Why are you retreating?" I whispered, my voice dropping lower as desire coursed through me.

"I—" she began.

I silenced her with a kiss, swallowing her protests. Her resistance was token at best, her body already responding to mine with familiar eagerness.

"Mmm..." I deepened the kiss, my hands gently but firmly holding her in place.