Chapter 13 - The Resignation
An hour after the corrupt board members were escorted out by federal authorities, Elena walked into Julian’s private office carrying a single sheet of paper.
Julian was standing by the window, pouring two glasses of celebration scotch, a triumphant smile lighting up his handsome features.
“That was the most magnificent execution of corporate power I have ever witnessed, Elena,” he said, handing her a crystal glass.
Elena took the glass, set it down on his desk without taking a sip, and placed the printed sheet of paper directly beside it.
Julian’s smile vanished as he looked down and read the bold words at the top of the page: Formal Notice of Resignation.
“What is this?” he demanded, his voice dropping into a dangerous, panicked register as he grabbed the paper.
“I am turning down the London offer with Vanguard, Julian,” Elena said quietly, her hazel eyes locked onto his shocked face.
“And I am resigning my position as Director of Strategic Acquisitions at Sterling Enterprises.”
Julian stepped around the desk, grasping her shoulders tightly, shaking his head in absolute confusion and distress.
“Why? We just won, Elena! The board is yours! The company is completely secure!”
“Because as long as I work for you, Julian, the world will always wonder if I am your employee or your partner,” she said gently, reaching up to cover his hands with hers.
“I don't want to be your Director anymore, Julian. I don't want to report to your desk, and I don't want to manage your schedule.”
Julian’s grip softened, his midnight-blue eyes searching her face desperately as the true meaning of her words began to dawn on him.
“Then what do you want, Elena?” he whispered, his heart pounding so hard she could feel the vibration through his chest.
She reached into her jacket pocket and pulled out a business registration card, placing it into his open palm.
“I started my own independent boutique firm this morning: Vance Strategic Consulting,” she said, a brilliant, confident smile breaking across her face.
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“I want to be your external partner, Julian. Your equal in the market, your rival when we bid, and the woman who comes home to your penthouse every single night.”
Julian let out a ragged breath that sounded almost like a laugh, pulling her roughly against his chest and burying his face into the curve of her neck.
