Chapter 110
Andrew's POV
I watched Julie's eyes well up with tears, satisfied that my words had hit their mark. She instinctively looked toward Grace, seeking protection—this vulnerability was exactly what I wanted.
I leaned back in my chair with a cold smile, enjoying this power dynamic. Did this little secretary think she could play me?
"Oh, look at that," I said with false sympathy. "Already playing the victim card for sympathy? How touching."
Julie's hand trembled slightly as she wiped at her eyes, but she didn't look away. "I'm not playing anything. I'm just telling the truth about what you did."
"What I allegedly did," I corrected, my voice dripping with contempt. It was time to make her understand reality. "Let me be crystal clear, Julie. You want to take this to court? Be my guest. But remember—you work for this company. Grace might protect you today, but she can't shield you forever."
Perfect. I saw fear flicker in her eyes. This was exactly the effect I wanted.
But Grace's voice suddenly cut through my satisfaction like a blade. "Andrew, did you forget our conversation in the conference room so quickly?"
Damn. My gaze snapped to her, feeling a wave of unease. She was referring to that evidence—everything that could destroy me. But I couldn't show weakness here, couldn't let her see my fear.
"I haven't forgotten anything," I replied, struggling to keep my voice steady.
"Good. Then you know exactly what happens next." Grace slowly stood up, her presence suddenly becoming oppressive. "Apologize. Now."
This bitch really thinks she can order me around? Rage burned in my chest, but reason told me this wasn't the time. The HR director was there recording everything, and Grace held the leverage that could ruin me.
Julie gently tugged at Grace's sleeve. "Grace, maybe we should just—"
"No." Grace didn't take her eyes off me, those eyes cold as ice. "He needs to apologize properly, with sincerity. At minimum, he needs to clearly know who he's apologizing to."
Fuck. My hands clenched into fists under the table. This humiliation... but I had no choice. If Grace exposed that evidence, I was finished. Even Elizabeth couldn't protect me.
I let out a bitter laugh, trying to mask my inner defeat. "Sorry."
"That's not an apology," Grace said coldly. "Say her name. Be specific about what you did wrong."
I hate her. But I gritted my teeth and forced myself to say the words: "Julie, I apologize. My behavior toward you was inappropriate. I shouldn't have harassed you, and I shouldn't have threatened you about leaking confidential information. I formally apologize to you, hope you can forgive me, and I won't do this again in the future."
Every word cut my throat like glass shards. But I made sure to keep a hint of threat in my eyes—letting Julie know this was far from over.
"There. Satisfied now?" I pushed back from the table, my chair making a harsh scraping sound.
"HR will handle this according to standard company procedures," she told the HR director. "I trust you'll strictly follow our corporate policies."
The HR director nodded nervously.
Grace pulled Julie away, that protective gesture making me even angrier.
"Mr. Wilson. Workplace harassment and confidential information coercion are red-flag level violations, but considering Mrs. Wilson's support and the board's... considerations, this will likely just be a formality."
At least someone understands reality. I turned to this wise woman.
"You don't really want to fire me, do you?" I made my voice silky smooth, with a hint of threat.
Her face immediately went pale. "Mr. Wilson, I'm just following procedure—"
"Procedures take time," I interrupted, my smile not reaching my eyes. "But you... if you push this too hard, you might not have that much time left."
Watching her legs nearly give out, I felt a surge of satisfaction. "This is all just a misunderstanding, I won't do that."
"Smart woman. I knew you'd see reason." I straightened my tie, preparing to leave. "Handle this wisely."
Grace thinks she won, but this is just the beginning.
---
Grace's POV
That evening, I finished my work at Wilson Holdings early, insisting on personally seeing Alex off at the airport. He was leaving for a week-long business trip to Valhalla to handle Morgan International's merger, and his mood was heavy.
We had a simple meal at a restaurant near home, and I had prepared throat lozenges, organic green tea, and other travel essentials for him.
"I can't believe you're really leaving for a week," I said, pushing food around on my plate. The thought of being without him felt heavier than I'd expected. "You have no idea how awful Andrew's expression was today. I think he won't dare make any rash moves in the short term."
I excitedly reported on the handling of the internal struggles at Wilson Holdings, and also mentioned that Harrison Group's core technical data was under investigation, with their IPO plans shelved.
"I'm worried you think I'm too vindictive."
Alex reached across the table, intertwining our fingers, and gently pressed his forehead against mine. "If I had my way, they wouldn't even have a chance to regret it. So, do what you want to do. I'm here for you."
He lifted our joined hands to his lips, pressing a gentle kiss to my knuckles. "Three video calls a day. Morning, afternoon, and evening. I need to hear your voice."
I felt my cheeks warm at his intensity. "You're going to be busy with billion-dollar deals. You won't have time to—"
"I'll make time." His blue eyes held mine steadily. "Promise me. No matter what happens with Andrew or Elizabeth while I'm gone, you'll call me immediately."
The weight of his concern settled over me. I squeezed his hand tighter. "I promise. But Alex, what if the merger runs longer than expected?"
"Then I'll cut it short." His response was immediate, unwavering. "Nothing is more important than making sure you're safe."
We sat in comfortable silence for a moment, both of us reluctant to acknowledge that our time was running out. Alex glanced at his watch and sighed.
"It's time," he said softly.
I nodded, trying to swallow past the sudden tightness in my throat. "I'm going to miss you. More than I probably should after such a short time."
Alex's expression softened completely. He stood and moved to my side of the booth, pulling me into his arms. "Grace, I'm going to miss you so much it physically hurts. Maybe I should just cancel the whole thing and stay here with you."
Despite my melancholy, I laughed. "You can't abandon a multi-billion-dollar merger for me."
"I could retire tomorrow. Let you support me," he joked.
"I'd be happy to," I replied, and meant it completely.
Alex cupped my face in his hands, his thumbs tracing gentle circles on my cheeks. "When I get back, we're having that proper wedding. I want everyone to know exactly who you are and who you belong to."
"And who do I belong to?" I asked teasingly.
"Me. Only me. Forever." His kiss was soft but possessive, full of promise and longing.