Page 33 of Alpha Bait

Gallery

INDIE

Our art gallery party went off without a hitch. No Carmichaels had the misfortune of attending.

Jamal, Donnie and I returned to the city after the party.

The company took precedence and summer partying dwindled into a dull murmur rather than the focus of our lives. My father Kendrick had saddled us with a billion dollar responsibility and we'd have to fight tooth and nail to keep the company above water.

I met with my team, a group of skilled marketers, analytics experts and investors to work on the next Holloway campaign. One thing I shared with my father was my addiction to the rush of leadership. I thrived off of being the boss, making decisions and leading other people towards success. That's just me -- driven.

After a week at work, Rich texted me.

-- I'm in the city.

I didn't respond. He should have known better than to message me at all. After we'd parted ways, I'd been clear. I'll be in touch when I'm ready, I'd whispered as we kissed goodbye. Buying myself time didn't work dealing with an impatient billionaire executive used to getting his way.

-- Answer me, Indie.

I sighed. Rich wasn't the sort of man to take no for an answer.

-- I'm working.

-- I need to see you.

-- I'm. Working.

-- Lunch Break. I'll get a room at the Four Seasons.

-- Haha.

-- Not joking.

-- Too risky.

-- I want you...

-- And you can't have me.

-- I will have you.

"Who are you texting?"

I squeaked and shoved my phone into my desk drawer, slamming it shut.

"Nobody."

"Nobody?" Jamal asked with an eyebrow raised as he leaned against my office door.

"Mind your business."

"I hope you're focusing on what's important here Indie. We have quotas to meet and investors to answer to."

I rolled my eyes.

"We're already on track to outperforming last quarter and I just hired an analytics expert who will turn every underperforming sector around. I'm sure of it."

"Good."

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