Chapter 1 - The Retention Clause
"No," Marcus said, the word heavy and flat in the quiet kitchen. "She doesn't know. She thinks we’re just 'looking for a bigger castle.' She’s six. I’m not going to tell her that her father failed to keep a roof over her head."
Evelyn watched him, her icy blue eyes unblinking. The kettle whistled, a shrill scream that broke the tension. Marcus turned, turning off the burner and pouring the hot water into two mismatched mugs. He slid a chipped blue mug toward the CEO of Frost Meridian Group.
"I appreciate you staying, Evelyn. I do," Marcus said, leaning against the counter. "But my resignation stands. I can't give you eighty-hour weeks when I need to find a home for my kid."
"I reject your resignation," Evelyn replied smoothly, not touching the tea.
Marcus let out a dry, exhausted laugh. "You can't reject a resignation. That’s called kidnapping."
"I can when the resignation is based on a logistical failure rather than professional dissatisfaction," she countered. She reached into her sleek leather briefcase, which she had placed on the small dining table. She pulled out a sleek, black folder and slid it across the scratched laminate surface. "Open it."
Marcus frowned, stepping forward and flipping the cover open. Inside was a property deed and a set of keys with a heavy silver fob. The address listed was the Zenith Tower—one of the most exclusive, hyper-secure residential high-rises in downtown Seattle, located exactly four blocks from Sophie’s elementary school.
"I don't understand," Marcus said, his voice dropping.
"Frost Meridian maintains several executive suites in the city for international board members," Evelyn said, her tone entirely business-like. "Suite 402 has been vacant for eight months. It is three bedrooms. It has a doorman, a private park on the rooftop, and it is a five-minute walk to your daughter's school."
Marcus stared at the keys. "Evelyn, I can't afford the property tax on a place like that, let alone the rent."
"You aren't renting it. It is a company asset. I am reallocating it to the Harbor Point project team. Specifically, the lead architect." Evelyn finally picked up the chipped blue mug, taking a sip of the cheap tea without grimacing. "Consider it a retention bonus. You sign a new contract committing to see Harbor Point through to completion. In exchange, your housing crisis is permanently resolved."
May you like
Marcus felt the room spin. "You're offering me a multi-million-dollar penthouse to keep me from quitting?"
"I am securing my best architect so my half-billion-dollar development doesn't collapse," she corrected, her gaze locking onto his. "I don't do charity, Marcus. I do investments. And right now, you are a severely mismanaged asset. Pack your things. Movers will be here tomorrow at 9:00 a.m."
