Chapter 139 Committed a Taboo
Three days before the wedding, the company's upper-level management gathered for their routine meeting.
After it wrapped, Preston watched as Leopold was swarmed by colleagues, his gaze darkening slightly.
"Have Mr. Leopold Wipere come to my office," he said curtly before turning on his heel and walking away.
Erik glanced at the star of the show, Leopold, who was being showered with praise. He waited for the crowd to disperse before approaching him.
"Mr. Preston Wipere would like to see you in his office."
Leopold started walking, asking as he went, "Any idea what Mr. Preston Wipere wants?"
Erik checked their surroundings. Seeing no one within earshot, he lowered his voice. "I believe it's about your transfer."
Leopold's eyes flicked to the side. "A transfer? Did he mention where?"
"No." Recalling the scene just moments ago, Erik offered a well-intentioned warning. "Mr. Leopold Wipere, I don't know if I should say this, but…"
Erik was smart. He wouldn't waste words on useless chatter.
"Go on."
"You're shining a little too brightly right now," Erik said. "It might be wise to tone it down."
Leopold's gaze shifted forward, his expression thoughtful. He then asked, "Have Mr. Preston Wipere andMs. Adams been in frequent contact lately?"
"Not Ms. Adams, no. With Ms. Wipere about to give birth, her focus is entirely on that."
"So, Mr. Anderson has been visiting often?"
"Mr. Preston Wipere has invited Mr. Anderson over for coffee several times these past few days. They spend hours together, but I'm not privy to what they discuss. He makes sure I'm not around."
Keeping even Erik in the dark? It was clearly more than just coffee.
Leopold nodded. "Understood."
He arrived at Preston's office and knocked. A voice answered from behind the heavy door.
"Come in."
Leopold pushed the door open to find the man behind the desk engrossed in a document. "Mr. Preston Wipere."
He spoke the name, but received no response. Leopold, who had been about to rest his hand on the back of a chair, pulled it back and stood ramrod straight.
Preston turned the pages with theatrical patience. Leopold knew exactly what this was about. The silent treatment was a classic power play, meant to clip his wings and remind him who was truly at the center of this corporate universe.
When it came to the company, Preston's need for control was absolute. He couldn't tolerate insubordination, and he certainly wouldn't allow anyone to threaten his position.
Finally, Preston looked up, his gaze cool. "You've handled the last few projects well. Everyone seems to hold you in high regard."
Leopold was about to explain, but he swallowed the words. Defending himself now would be foolish.
Preston continued, "You are undeniably clever. You're willing to take on any challenge, whether you think you can succeed or not. And you should be glad you've won your bets, pulling off some impressive turnarounds for the company. That go-getter spirit has inspired many within the group who share your ambition. I'm sure you'll all carve out a new world for yourselves in the future."
A chill shot through Leopold. Preston was accusing him of plotting a power grab. He had just stepped on the biggest landmine of all.
"Mr. Preston Wipere, you are the North Star of this group. We are all just small boats following your lead. Adrift at sea, a ship that loses sight of its guiding star is headed for disaster. As for me, I'm only able to achieve anything because of your support. Without you, who would pay any attention to a mere manager like myself?"
'Smart,' Preston likely thought. He'd cut right to the heart of the matter.
But even with Leopold's declaration of loyalty, the seed of suspicion had been planted in Preston's mind. It wouldn't be so easily uprooted.
Preston smiled. "A mere manager? It seems I've been undervaluing your talents."
Leopold's pupils constricted. He steadied himself before replying in a breezy tone, "To be promoted to Regional Manager of Celestial Waters Hotel with my level of experience was already a great honor from you. I am truly grateful."
"Is that so?" Preston raised an eyebrow, studying him. "Given the profits you're generating for the hotel now, Regional Manager does seem like a waste of your abilities. Don't you feel, even a little, that I've been unfair to you? That I don't appreciate my top talent?"
Leopold's gaze was unwavering. "Of course not."
Preston's face broke into an avuncular smile. "Don't be so tense. If someone walked in right now, they might think I was bullying my star employee."
Leopold remained composed. "How could they? Everyone knows the kind of man you are, Mr. Preston Wipere. You're overthinking it."
That last sentence was a double-edged sword, and they both knew it.
Preston fell silent for a moment. "There's something I should probably tell you now. I was originally planning to announce it at the wedding."
Leopold frowned, confused.
"The company is appointing you as the new General Manager of the Group," Preston stated, "with full responsibility for the hotel's operations and strategic management."
Leopold swallowed hard. "Mr. Preston Wipere, you think too highly of me. I'm not qualified for such a role."
"No false modesty," Preston said, his tone leaving no room for argument. "It's settled. I'll have Erik send out the appointment notice shortly."
"But I—"
"That's all. You can go now. I have an important call to return." Preston cut him off completely, making a dismissive gesture in his direction. "Oh, and by the way, give the wedding time and location to Erik. Tell him to make sure I don't forget."
Leopold stared directly at Preston. His fists clenched so tightly that it felt like he could crush steel. His chest heaved, the rage simmering just beneath the surface now impossible to contain. The air in the room grew thick and heavy, crackling with a chilling tension.
Preston's expression was indifferent. He met Leopold's fury with an arrogant tilt of his head. "You don't want me to come?"
Leopold's eyes narrowed. He took a deep, shuddering breath, forcing the anger back down. He was being forced to accept this promotion, this gilded cage. "I won't keep you from your work. I'll see myself out."
From the moment he had entered the office, Preston had remained on the opposite side of the desk, a clear sign that he now viewed Leopold as an adversary.
In the past, he had thought Preston's distance was because of Quinlan. Now, he finally understood why his brother had chosen to walk away from Preston without a second thought. Preston didn't love anyone but himself and his empire. No one could ever threaten his throne.
The wedding invitation was still in his pocket, but it felt pointless now. He stopped at Erik's desk, tore a sticky note from the pad, and scribbled down the time and location of the ceremony. He stuck it squarely on Erik's monitor. "Mr. Preston Wipere wants you to remind him. Make sure he isn't late."
Erik glanced at the date and understood everything instantly.
He stood up. "You can count on me, Mr. Leopold Wipere. I'll make sure Mr. Preston Wipere gets there ahead of time."
"Thanks," Leopold said.
He left the office. On the drive back, the rearview mirror reflected a face steeped in a cold, brooding gloom, as if swallowed by an endless darkness that sent shivers down the spine.
Leopold took a detour to Maddox's company. Just as he pulled up, a familiar figure slipped inside the building. Before he even reached the door, he heard Erica's bright, clear laughter.
Leopold paused at the entrance, his expression a complicated mix of emotions as he watched Maddox affectionately take Erica's hand and press a kiss to it.
He wrinkled his nose in distaste. "Get a room, you two. This is a public space."
Maddox, seeing Leopold, quickly dropped Erica's hand. "What are you doing here?"
Leopold strode in and dropped onto the sofa. "Am I interrupting?"
Maddox was about to reply when he noticed the dark look on his friend's face. He forced a smile. "Of course not, perfect timing. Let's all grab dinner tonight."
Leopold glanced at his watch. "My wife should be getting off work soon."
Maddox got the hint immediately. "Let's have Caroline join us, too."