Chapter 276 Embracing the Wealthy Lifestyle

Chapter 276 Embracing the Wealthy Lifestyle
Luke's POV:
I slammed my hand on the conference table, silencing the room instantly. Twenty pairs of eyes stared back at me, a mixture of fear and respect reflected in them.
"Two employees are in the hospital because someone thought cutting corners was acceptable," I said, my voice dangerously low. "I want to know exactly how this happened."
The production manager cleared his throat. "The machine malfunctioned due to a faulty safety mechanism. It should have shut down automatically when—"
"I know how the machine is supposed to work," I cut him off. "What I want to know is how equipment that didn't meet our safety standards ended up in our factory."
The room fell silent again until Daniel slid a folder across the table.
"I think this explains it," he said. "The purchasing records show we switched suppliers six months ago. The new equipment cost thirty percent less than our previous supplier."
I flipped through the documents, my jaw clenching tighter with each page. "And who authorized this change?"
All eyes turned to the procurement manager, who was suddenly very interested in his coffee cup.
"It was... a cost-saving measure," he mumbled.
"A cost-saving measure," I repeated flatly. "And the kickback you received? Was that also a 'measure' of some kind?"
His head snapped up, face draining of color. "I don't know what you're—"
"Stop." I tossed the bank statements Daniel had compiled onto the table. "You're fired. Security will escort you out after you've signed the termination papers."
I turned to face the rest of the executives. "Effective immediately, we're implementing a full safety audit of every production line. The injured employees will receive full medical coverage and compensation. And to be crystal clear—" I looked each person in the eye, "—this kind of negligence will never be tolerated at Carter Group."
The meeting disbanded shortly after. Most executives hurried out, eager to escape the tension. Only Daniel remained, gathering the scattered documents.
My phone lit up with a notification. I glanced down and couldn't help the small smile that formed on my lips. A credit card alert for a purchase—actually, multiple purchases—totaling just over $30,000.
"Look at you grinning. What's Amelia sent you?" Daniel asked, glancing up from his paperwork.
I shook my head and continued organizing files, but didn't lock my phone screen fast enough.
Daniel caught a glimpse and raised his eyebrows. "Whoa, is that... thirty grand? Looks like Mrs. Carter is finally embracing the wealthy lifestyle."
I lifted my gaze, instantly cold. "Are you starting again?"
He shrugged, leaning against the table. "Just stating facts. Don't you find it odd? You're here handling a crisis while she's out there on a shopping spree."
"My family is none of your business," I said icily. "Amelia can buy whatever she wants. She deserves it."
Daniel raised his hands in surrender. "Fine, fine, I was wrong. Shouldn't have mentioned your actress-slash-entrepreneur wife." His tone didn't match his words, and he rolled his eyes subtly.
I snapped the folder shut and tossed it onto the table, irritation radiating through me. "After all these years, you still have something negative to say about everything Amelia does. It's pathological at this point."
"Come on, man," Daniel quickly switched tactics. "Let's not be so serious. We just handled a major crisis—how about we celebrate with a drink?"
I grabbed my coat, already heading for the door. "Not interested. I'm going home."
He stepped in front of me. "Hey, at least thank me for catching that kickback scheme? I was the one who noticed the discrepancy in the first place."
I raised an eyebrow. "Are you reminding me that you did your job as CFO?"
Daniel followed me toward the elevator, persistent as always. "Okay, but at least have one drink with me. There's a new bar that just opened nearby. My friend's DJing there tonight."
I was about to refuse when Daniel's expression turned uncharacteristically vulnerable.
"Honestly, Emma broke up with me today. I really don't want to drink alone right now."
I hesitated, feeling a pang of sympathy despite my irritation. "Fifteen minutes. Then I'm going home."
Daniel's face broke into a victorious smile. "Deal!"
The moment we walked into Rhythm, I regretted agreeing to Daniel's request. The bar was sleek and modern, with ambient lighting and music just loud enough to mask conversations but not prevent them.
"Two single malts, on the rocks," he told the server before I could speak.
"Just water for me," I interjected. "I'm driving."
Daniel rolled his eyes. "Come on, live a little. We just averted a major crisis. One drink won't hurt."
"I said no." I checked my watch pointedly. "And remember, fifteen minutes. That's all I promised."
He was about to argue when his attention shifted to something—or someone—behind me. A flash of recognition crossed his face, followed by what I now recognized as poorly concealed satisfaction.
"Catherine? What a coincidence!"
"Two single malts, on the rocks," he told the server before I could speak.
"Just water for me," I interjected. "I'm driving."
Daniel rolled his eyes. "Come on, live a little. We just averted a major crisis. One drink won't hurt."
"I said no." I checked my watch pointedly. "And remember, fifteen minutes. That's all I promised."
He was about to argue when his attention shifted to something—or someone—behind me. His eyebrows rose in apparent surprise.
"Catherine? What a coincidence!"
I turned to see a tall brunette approaching our table. It took me a moment to place her—Catherine Ford, a classmate from business school who had once awkwardly confessed feelings for me during our final year. After I'd turned her down, our friendship had gradually faded to nothing.
"Luke Carter!" Her voice was warm with surprise. "I can't believe I'm seeing you here!"
Daniel appeared surprised. "What brings you here tonight?"
She slid gracefully into the booth beside me, close enough that I could smell her expensive perfume. "Just got back from London recently. Daniel mentioned he'd be at this new bar tonight, so I thought I'd stop by." She smiled at me. "I had no idea I'd run into you."
"It's been a while," I said, keeping my tone neutral.
"Since graduation, I think?" Her fingers lightly brushed my arm. "That's nearly ten years. You haven't changed a bit. Still as... attractive as ever."
I shifted slightly, putting distance between us. "How have you been?"
"Single, busy, but good overall." She tilted her head, studying me. "I heard you never married? How's life treating you these days?"
Before I could answer, Daniel jumped in. "He's too busy for dating. Work, work, work—that's all he does."
The pieces clicked into place as I observed the knowing glances between them. I met Daniel's eyes with a cold stare that made him flinch.
"I'm married, Catherine," I said firmly.
Her expression froze, then shifted to confusion as she turned to Daniel. "But you said he—"
"Daniel is well aware of my marital status," I cut in. "This was a setup, wasn't it? And that story about Emma breaking up with you was just a lie, right?"
Daniel's smile turned sheepish. "I was just trying to help. You and Catherine always got along so well, I thought—"
"You thought what? That you could manipulate my life?"