Chapter 3The Last Waltz

After shipping my few remaining personal effects back to my family's estate, I headed to Rosewood Tech to resign.

Beyond funneling resources to Sophia from behind the scenes, I also held the official title of General Manager. For seven years, day in and day out, I had been the one closing deals, solving crises, and pushing the company upward.

I pushed open the door to my—to the General Manager's office—and found Sophia and Bryan wrapped around each other, directing a secretary who was packing up a desk.

My desk.

Now that they were public, they certainly weren't shy. I thought back to all the times I had asked, begged, for us to be more open, and how Sophia had always refused. She was the boss, she'd said, she had to set an example. What would happen if all her employees started office romances? How could she maintain control?

"Throw all of his junk out," Sophia's sharp voice cut through the air. "I don't know why we let such garbage accumulate in here. It's cheapening the place."

They turned as I entered. Sophia's face was a mask of cold indifference, while Bryan shot me a look of pure, triumphant provocation.

"Bill," Sophia announced, her tone brittle, "in light of your immature behavior at the celebration party yesterday, you're being demoted. Bryan will be the new General Manager. You can be his deputy."

She gestured towards Bryan. "That funding deal from New York? You'll assist him in finalizing it from now on."

The New York deal. The one I'd spent a month wining and dining the client's representative for, drinking until I gave myself a bleeding ulcer just to get a foot in the door. The deal that was only truly secured because of my father's influence.

Now that they thought it was a sure thing, they were trying to kick me to the curb and steal the credit. How utterly predictable.

I didn't bother arguing. I simply pulled the resignation letter from my jacket and placed it on the desk in front of her.

"Ms. Rosewood, this is my resignation. Please approve it."

The sudden move caught them completely off guard. Sophia and Bryan exchanged a shocked glance. She frowned, her eyes searching my face for some hidden motive.

Bryan, however, was practically vibrating with excitement. With me gone, the project—and all the glory—would fall squarely into his lap.

"Come on, 'Deputy' Vance," he sneered. "Are you really going to quit just because of a small demotion? Or do you actually think this company can't function without you? Pulling a stunt like this right before the IPO... real classy."

Any hesitation Sophia might have had vanished at Bryan's words. Her face darkened with anger.

"I don't know why I ever hired you in the first place!" she snapped. "You want to leave? Fine! I accept. Now pack your things and get the hell out! And don't you ever think of setting foot in Rosewood Tech again."

I nodded, quietly placing my few belongings into a cardboard box.

Just then, Sophia's assistant rushed in, out of breath. "Ms. Rosewood, the representative from the New York firm is here! They said they're ready to talk about the financing!"

Sophia immediately started fussing over Bryan, straightening his tie. "You've got this," she whispered encouragingly. "It's all been negotiated. All that's left is the signature. Don't be nervous."

"I won't," Bryan said, puffing out his chest as he walked out of the office.

I finished packing and walked out with my box. In the hallway, I saw Bryan, a fawning smile plastered on his face as he extended a hand to the representative.

"Hello, sir. My name is Bryan Carter. I'm the new General Manager here, and I'll be handling the financing deal with you."

The representative didn't even glance at his outstretched hand.

His eyes lit up when he saw me. He immediately came over, taking the box from my arms.

"Mr. Vance," he said, his voice loud and clear for everyone to hear. "I've already been notified about the situation. I'm actually here today to officially cancel the investment."

He gestured vaguely back toward Bryan. "This whole deal was contingent on your involvement, as a favor to your father. With you gone, there's no reason for us to stay."