The Billionaire Is An Ice Queen

| 08 | buté

L U D O V I C

I didn't get much sleep after last time.

And I've been waiting impatiently to do one thing.

Once my meeting with the Chief financial officer ends, I flounce out of the conference room with one destination in mind.

Roman rears into view seconds later once I stand before his office.

Unbeknownst to my presence, his focus is divided between his laptop and his phone. 

My expression is stone cold as I clench my fists.

"You're no longer of use to the company," I declare grimly before throwing a glance at my wristwatch, "so you've got an hour to pack up your stuff."

His shock fails to solicit my empathy.

I pivot without giving him any chance to contest.

Good riddance.

Looks like interviews for the position of Brand Manager are back on the market.

"Ludovic, can I have a word?"

I avert my gaze to the source.

Disapproval is written all over Vince's face as he folds his arms.

With crumpled brows, I ask impatiently, "What is it?"

He gestures to his office before leading the way.

By the time we arrive at his office, Vince reproaches, "What the heck are you thinking?"

My jaw tightens, "I don't know what you're referring to."

He wears a dumbfounded look, "How can you fire a competent guy like Roman? Even if he's been working here for just a week, he's found the company more opportunities than any other Brand Manager could accomplish."

Nonchalant, I assert, "He lacks professionalism,"

"Really?" Vince challenges in disbelief, "you expect me to believe that?"

I glare at him.

"As the CEO, I have every right to discard him," I declare before folding my arms, "It isn't my job to explain irrelevant details about my decision. And I'm sure we can find another Brand Manager that's up to the task."

Vince shakes his head, "And as the COO, it's within my obligation to maintain ReadySet's day-to-day operations. Up till now, I've never had to question your decisions because you're CEO but given the current circumstances, I have no choice but to put you under inspection."

When I refuse to comment, he insists, "Have you forgotten that the same Roman you fired minutes ago helped the company to secure a sponsorship deal with the CEO of Tennis Australia? You of all people know how freaking hard it was to get him to collaborate with us."

My stance is rigid.

"My decision is final," I dismiss before taking my retreat, "It's no longer up for debate."

"You know, I can't help but wonder if your personal life is interfering with your professional life,"

I halt in my steps.

Fury slowly creeps into my skin.

Once I whirl around, I snarl, "Don't overstep your boundaries."

With a determined look, he points his index finger towards me, "No, you overstepped your boundaries as soon as you allowed that woman to distract you from your company obligations."

My expression is thoroughly stoic as I do my best to mask my shock.

How did he kn—

"What?" Vince instigates, "Do you think you're the only one who is highly observant here?"

Once he's standing behind his bureau, he continues, "Ever since you and her have been colluding for God knows what, your actions have been questionable, to say the least."

"How is she related to any of this?" I hurl; my patience wearing thin,"You're going off track."

He folds his arms, "Don't you think I haven't done a background check on Roman? I know he used to work for Varos but I found it peculiar he never mentioned it on his resume."

Confusion dawns on my face.

How the heck did I overlook this specific fact?

I found it strange that for old colleagues who 'only knew each other from university', they oddly seemed familiar with each other last night.

And if I thought I was pissed last night, I don't know what to make of how I'm feeling now.

It seems like no matter how hard I try to erase the damn image of their vicinity from my mind, I end up falling short.

The glacial expression on my face remains.

"You don't know what you're talking about," I warn in a dark tone.

But of course, it shouldn't surprise me Vince sees right through my lie.

"I managed to connect the dots," he declares before shifting his focus to the documents on his desk, "And any blind man can see that as soon as that Kashmir girl entered your life, you haven't been the same.

He redirects his attention to me, "But need I remind you she's our freaking competitor?"

"Dammit, she has nothing to do with this," I hurl, "This is ridiculous."

"Then prove it," he retaliates before he sits on the rotating chair, "because the only plausible explanation I can think of is Roman is being fired for his past connection to her which I find absurd.

Silence reigns.

Wearing a knowing look, Vince folds his fingers, "Unless you can't give a reasonable explanation for firing him, I suggest he keeps his job."

It's not until my knuckles become white that I realize how much I've been clenching my fists for the past minutes.

"Don't ever interfere in my decisions again," I snarl before withdrawing.

"We're here to run a company," I can hear his voice in the background, "not some playground."

I exit the office without bothering to throw him a second glance.

Roman may have the advantage this time because of his credentials but he's going to wish he never stepped foot in this building.

I'll make sure of it.

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