Page 319 of Savage Bosses

"Enough!" I snap, my patience worn thin. "Mason Hughes, you are fired from Iconic, effective immediately. Your actions are a breach of trust and a threat to the company's integrity. Pack your things and leave the premises within the hour."

The room falls silent, the weight of my words hanging heavy in the air. Grace watches me in disbelief, while Mason's face turns a deep shade of red as he clenches his jaw.

"Fine," he spits out between gritted teeth, glaring at me with undisguised contempt. "You'll regret this."

"Get out of my sight," I growl, my heart pounding against my rib cage as adrenaline courses through my body.

I can feel the tension in the room escalate as if a storm is brewing. Mason's eyes flash with rage, and I know he won't let this go easily.

"You think you can just fire me like that? After all I have given this company, you just let me go?" he snarls, stepping closer to me.

"Back off, Mason," I warn, clenching my fists at my sides.

"Or what?" he taunts, his face inches from mine. The smell of his cologne is overpowering, making me want to gag. "You think you're so much better than me, don't you?"

"Enough!" My voice comes out louder than I intend, echoing through the room.

"Is this how it's going to be?" Mason spits, his whole body tense with fury. He raises a hand, fingers curled into a fist, and swings at me with all his might.

I react swiftly, sidestepping his attack and landing a savage punch to his jaw. The sound of bone meeting flesh is sickeningly satisfying. Mason crumples to the floor, unconscious.

"Oh, my god. You didn't have to do that," Grace whispers, her voice wavering with concern.

"Maybe not," I admit, staring down at Mason's prone form. "But I'm done letting him walk all over us."

"Us?" she raises an eyebrow, and I can see the wheels turning in her head.

"Me and Tahani," I clarify, rubbing the back of my neck. "I won't let him hurt her, or anyone else at Iconic."

Grace nods silently, and I can see the admiration in her gaze, even though she's still reeling from the recent revelations.

I turn away from Mason's unconscious body. "Call security to deal with this mess."

"Right," Grace agrees.

"And you," I say, my voice steely and unwavering, "you better stay away from Tahani and our relationship."

"Mr. Gates—" Grace starts.

I hold up a hand, stopping her. "We're done talking about it."

My anger slowly ebs as I think of Tahani's face. "Never again," I vow to myself, my love for Tahani fueling my determination. "No one else will ever hurt her like this."

"Get him out of here," I growl at the security guards who have finally arrived, pointing at Mason's unconscious form. My heart races as they lift his limp body off the floor, dragging him away from me and Grace.

"Mr. Gates..." she starts, hesitating for a moment before continuing. "About Tahani..."

"Stay out of it, Grace," I warn, my gaze locking onto hers. I don't want to fight her too, but I'll do whatever it takes to protect Tahani. "This is between me and her."

"I understand, but I worry about the company," she admits, her voice soft and cautious. "Our success depends on our teamwork and collaboration. This...drama...could jeopardize everything we've built."

"Then stay away from us," I say, my tone icy and final. "Tahani and I can handle our own lives. Just focus on your job."

"Alright," she acquiesces, her face etched with resignation. "I won't interfere. But remember, that Iconic needs all of us working together in harmony."

"Trust me, I know," I reply, clenching my fists as images of Mason's treachery flash through my mind. "But I also know that we're better off without people like him."

Grace nods. “You’re right.”

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