Chapter 74 – Pleasing the Boss

He raises an eyebrow, letting me know exactly what he thinks about that idea, but he considers all the same. “From a pure business perspective, it isn’t any different than other forms of stunt publicity, which works as often as it backfires. But you’re selling the news here, Hadrian. Not a gossip network. I don’t see how it benefits you in the long run. Not to mention what it might do to her reputation.”

My ribs tighten at his last remark, but I force myself to breathe past it. “But for the short run, it can move numbers?”

Scott closes the folder in front of him, sits back and crosses his arms over his ch*st. “Will it look imp**ssive for the board review at the end of the quarter? Yes. Reynard and Hunter won’t have much of a leg to stand on if they’re still trying to boot you with these kinds of results—”

“—perfect.” I stand up, having heard all I needed.

“—but, you’re going to have to follow up with another stunt the following quarter, Hadrian.” He raises his voice to chase after me as I head toward my desk. “Is that what the Hadrian era is going to look like? Stunt after stunt? First the bringing down of King-Kincaid, then this? How long can you keep this up?”

That’s the problem with working with family members—they aren’t afraid to cut the bullshit and deliver real talk. Even worse when they are both pragmatic and ethical, qualities that are often hard to find in my family tree.

I pick up the water bottle from my desk and take a long swig, wishing it were later in the day and that it was something stronger. Something with a sweet taste that went directly to my veins.

With a sigh, I slump into my desk chair. “I don’t know, Scott. As long as possible? Until I come up with something better? This is what I know how to do. Get people’s attention.”

He crosses a leg over the opposite knee and taps a pen against the table. “Get people’s attention? Or get Uncle Sam’s attention?”

“Jesus, Scott. Hit below the belt, why don’t you?” I run my hand through my hair. “Just because you’re the one of us who doesn’t have daddy issues—”

“f**k that. I’ve had my battles with Henry. I’d still be working for SIC instead of the news corp, if that wasn’t the case, and you know it.”

“I know, I know. My apologies.” His father went so far as to tell him who he had to marry if he wanted a place on the board at the Seymour Industrial Company. At least, my father doesn’t care about my love life. “Maybe we should all follow your lead and cross over to parts of the business that our fathers didn’t run before us.”

“And let Hunter have your job? Bad idea.”

“You’re worried about sensationalism and stunt publicity now…” I laugh, but it dies quickly. Scott’s right. I haven’t formed a long-term vision for SNC, and my current growth tactics are unsustainable. My father would have been content with slow and steady headway. Why do I feel the need to prove I can do better?

“Speaking of dads…” There’s the slightest hint of tentativeness in Scott’s tone, and I’m instantly sure I know what he’s going to say.

I groan.

“Samuel’s really getting married?”

“Supposedly.” I spin my chair to face him. “How does everyone even know? There hasn’t been an official announcement. He’s yet to tell me.”

“You haven’t talked to him?”

I give a one-shoulder shrug. “He’s extended his visit for the next few weeks. I told him I’ll talk to him when he gets back. Hopefully, whatever this is burns out in the meantime.”

“You’re such an asshole.”

“AssHadrian,” I correct. “I’ve been told.”

He laughs. “Good one. Seriously, though. Let him be happy.”

“Okay, you think you’ve found someone you want to spend your life with and that’s great and all for you, but don’t bring that shit into my office.”

Suddenly, I’m thinking about Brystin, which makes sense considering how many places I f**ked her in this very room, except I’m not thinking about the sex. I’m remembering her face when I showed up at her apartment after the first scandal broke out. How she looked up at me with those pale blue eyes. “You came for me.”

Something in me wanted to promise her I’d come for her every time. Every motherf**king time.

But she’s not mine to make promises to, and it was bullshit anyway because three days have passed since the latest scandal, and here’s Scott worried about her reputation, and the only effort I’ve made is to try to forget she exists.

“Last words,” Scott says. “Wait until you find your someone. It’ll turn your world upside down, and cousin, I’m here for it.”

“Oh, f**k off.” My phone buzzes with a call from my secretary. She rarely interrupts me, unless it’s important, usually sending everything to my assistant first. I put the phone on speaker. “What’s up, Bette?”

“Sorry to bother you. Ms. Shaw burst past me, insisting to see you. André is talking to her in the hall.”

On cue, I hear loud voices in the hall, hers floating to me like honey incense. It’s embarrassing how my dick is half hard just from the sound, and the strange pinch in my ch*st is annoying as hell, but I’m so the opposite of bothered by her presence. “Tell André to go ahead and send her in.”

“I’ll get out of your hair.” Scott stands, but he’s still gathering his materials when she bursts in half a minute later, and I swear to God the earth moves under my feet at the sight of her.

The chaos she brings to my system is confusing, and I try to tuck it away under cold stoicism. “Hello, Brystin. Usually people make appointments when they want—”

She cuts me off, storming toward my desk with her phone displayed toward me. “Have you seen this?”

It’s the social media site that had caught me chasing after her, so yes. I’ve seen it. Considering how worked up she is, I’m guessing she’s only now discovered it. “Actually, Scott and I were just discussing it.”

She follows my gaze and startles to find my cousin. “Oh. Hi, Scott. I didn’t realize you were with anyone.” She collects herself quickly. “But perfect. You’re both here. What are we going to do?”

“Nothing,” I state, matter-of-factly. “We aren’t concerned about it.”

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