Chapter 33 I'm Busy Chasing After A Man
Briar's POV
"Now that we've cleared up the funding situation and removed the dead weight, let me be absolutely clear about what happens next. This company is entering a completely new phase. We're restructuring from the ground up, and I'm not keeping anyone who can't keep pace."
"From this point forward, your position will be determined by one thing only: your ability to deliver results. I don't care how long you've been here. If you can't prove your value, you're gone. If you undermine me or betray company interests, you're gone, and I'll make sure everyone in this industry knows why."
"So here's your choice. If you're willing to work harder than you've ever worked, if you're ready to fight for this company's success like it's your own money on the line, then stay. But if you're looking for an easy paycheck, resign today. I'll give you decent severance and we can part ways professionally."
Owen spoke up first, his voice clear and firm. "Boss, I'm in. Whatever you need, however long it takes."
That broke the dam. One by one, voices chimed in with pledges of loyalty. I listened, noting who spoke up quickly and who hesitated.
"Good. HR will send out new contracts this week with updated performance metrics. Review them and sign if you agree."
I was about to wrap up the meeting when Eric spoke up, his voice cutting through the silence. "Ms. Vance, I need to talk to you. Privately."
I paused, studying his face on screen. There was tension in his jaw, something unreadable in his eyes. "Alright. Everyone else, that's all for today. You're dismissed."
One by one, the other participants dropped off the call until only Eric remained.
His face filled my screen now, exhausted with dark circles under his eyes. But there was hurt mixed with anger in his expression.
"Why did you tell me to leave?" he demanded. "All I did was push you to take things seriously instead of relaxing at some resort. That's why you're kicking me out?"
His voice rose. "I could have walked away when this place was a disaster. I could have taken my expertise anywhere. But I stayed because I believed in what we were building. And then you question my loyalty?"
I felt something twist in my chest. "You're right. I should have trusted you. You've earned that, and I failed to recognize it. I'm sorry."
His shoulders relaxed fractionally. I made a decision. "I want you as a partner, not just an employee. I'm offering you equity in the company. Not huge, but enough that you'll benefit directly from our success."
Eric stared at me, cycling through shock and suspicion. "What's the catch?"
"No catch. You're the most valuable person on this team. The formal offer will be in writing by tomorrow."
He was quiet for a long moment. "Fine. But I have a condition. You have to come to the lab three times a week to see the work, to understand what we're doing. If you're making decisions about this company's direction, you need to know the science."
"Deal. Three times a week, and you walk me through whatever you're working on."
"I'll hold you to that, Boss." The way he said it was different this time, actual acknowledgment of my authority.
The call ended. I closed the laptop, suddenly exhausted. I walked back to my guest room and found several garment bags on the bed with a note about dinner options.
I unzipped the first bag and stared at the dress inside. Beautiful, flowing fabric and delicate details, completely different from my usual structured blazers. I went through all of them and realized they were all soft, pretty, traditionally feminine clothing.
Julian had never let me wear anything like this. If I'd tried something with a low neckline, he would have made me change. Over the past year, I'd gotten so used to covering up that I'd almost forgotten what it felt like to wear something attractive instead of just professional.
I texted for other options. Twenty minutes later, someone delivered a knit cardigan set that struck a better balance. I changed and looked in the mirror. I looked tired, dark circles and hollow cheeks suggesting I'd lost weight.
I lay down just to rest my eyes. When I woke up, the light had shifted to early evening. I'd been asleep for over two hours. I had forty minutes until dinner.
I was walking down a corridor when I passed a room with its door ajar and saw Lucian wearing a VR headset, his arms moving through combat sequences, completely absorbed in whatever game he was playing.
He pulled the headset off and turned toward the windows, his eyes locking onto mine through the glass where I was obviously watching him.
He walked over and pushed the door open wider, leaning against the frame. "Need something?"
I felt my cheeks heat at being caught staring. "Just passing by. Didn't mean to interrupt."
"VR combat game. Good for stress relief when you can't actually punch the people who deserve it." He stepped back into the room. "Have a good evening, Briar."
The door started to close. I felt sudden disappointment. "Wait."
The door stopped, then swung back open. Lucian stood there with raised eyebrows.
I pushed the door wider and walked in without invitation. "Actually, I'm thirsty. Mind if I get some water?"
His expression shifted to something like satisfaction. He walked over to the window seat and leaned against it, arms crossed. "Help yourself. Bottles are in the mini fridge."
I got a bottle, aware of his eyes on me. "What were you playing?"
"Co-op puzzle game. Requires two players to solve challenges while fighting enemies." He paused. "Want to try it?"
"Sure. Why not?"
He handed me a second headset. "Fair warning: it's harder than it looks. And you have to actually work with your partner."
He moved closer, adjusting the straps, his fingers brushing my hair in a way that felt far too intimate. "Ready?"
The game started simply, but then we reached an arena where enemies spawned all around us. I felt Lucian's avatar press against mine from behind, and then his real hands were on my waist, steadying me.
"Stand still," he murmured, his voice coming from both the headset and directly behind me. "We're back-to-back. You take your side, I'll handle mine."
His chest was pressed against my back, solid and warm. I could feel his breath on my neck. My heart raced, and I wasn't sure if it was from the game or his proximity, from the way his hands rested on my waist.
"Good, you're getting the hang of it," he said after we cleared the wave, his hands squeezing my waist before releasing.
I pulled off the headset after the final puzzle, my face flushed and heart pounding. Lucian was standing close. "That was intense."
"Yeah. You did well." He took my headset, fingers brushing mine.
I walked onto his balcony, needing air and distance. My phone rang. Rowan's name flashed on the screen.
"Hey, you sound out of breath," Rowan said. "What are you up to?"
"Just finished playing a VR game. More physically demanding than I expected." I glanced back at Lucian through the glass.
"A game? You?" Rowan laughed. "This retreat is doing you good."
"How are things back home?"
"Oh, you have no idea. Devon showed up earlier with some proposal, and Sienna tagged along. Devon got a phone call partway through and his whole demeanor changed. He looked tense and worried. Sienna was not happy. She started asking him questions in that shrill voice, and when he wouldn't tell her what was wrong, she actually raised her voice at him. Her face was practically green with rage."
I felt interest spark. "Interesting. I think it's time to accelerate my timeline for dealing with our leak. Once I figure out who it is, I'm making sure the information gets back to the Montgomery family in the most embarrassing way possible."
"Wait, are you actually resting or just working from a different location?"
I looked back toward Lucian's room, thinking about the way he'd touched my waist and the warmth in his eyes. "I'm busy chasing after a man."
Stunned silence, then Rowan's voice exploded through the speaker so loud I had to pull the phone away. "WHAT?! WHO?! BRIAR VANCE YOU CANNOT DROP THAT BOMB AND NOT EXPLAIN! WHO IS HE?!"
I quickly covered the microphone with my hand, cheeks burning. "Keep your voice down!"
"Don't you dare tell me to keep my voice down! This is the biggest news ever! You never chase men! Who is he? What's his name? How did you meet him? Is he hot? Obviously he's hot or you wouldn't be chasing him. I need details right now!"
"I'll explain later, I promise. Just don't make a big deal out of it."
"DON'T MAKE A BIG DEAL?! THIS IS THE BIGGEST DEAL! I need to know everything!"
I hung up before she could continue, my heart pounding and face hot with embarrassment.