Page 50 of Stuck with Mr. Grump

She unlocks the tablet in her hand. “You have a meeting with the development team at eleven to discuss the hiringof contractors, then another meeting with the finance team immediately after. You asked me to set a reminder for one p.m. so you could talk to foreign investors.”

“There’s nothing scheduled before eleven?”

“Actually, I pushed back your meetings because I received a call right before you arrived. Your grandfather’s secretary informed me that he’ll be placing a call to you in about an hour.”

My jaw ticks. “I see. Alright, thanks, Emilia. I’ll let you know when I need you.”

She leaves me alone while I think about the impending call from my grandfather. There’s no predicting what Sebestian Harrington could have to say. He’s pretty much ignored me since I came back to Edenton except for the weekly emails I’ve been sending to update him on what’s been going on here.

I’m distracted as I go through some reports from different departments while also glancing through the company’s main bulletin for any major announcements. Spencer hasn’t been named the new vice-president so that can’t be the reason for grandfather’s call.

But I wouldn’t hold my breath on that. It could be that he wants to inform me first before sweeping the carpet from under me and handing my rightful position to my undeserving older brother.

The call comes exactly an hour after. A video call.

Wonderful, I think drily as I press the button on my keypad to answer.

I clear my throat as his face comes into view. Like me, he seems to be seated in his office, wearing a crisp tailored suit with not a hair out of place. His piercing brown eyes immediately latch on to mine as he leans back in his chair.

“Grandfather,” I greet with a small nod.

“Sterling,” he says in a similar tone. “I trust you’ve been well?”

“Yes. And you?”

“Good,” he grunts. “How’s Sean?”

“Fine.”

Now that we’ve got the meaningless greetings out of the way, he’ll be jumping straight to business.

“Why do you think I’ve called you today, Sterling?” he questions, causing me to raise an eyebrow.

“I’m sure you’re going to tell me.”

He hums disapprovingly. “You have your suspicious, of course,” he prompts.

I shrug. “It could be anything ranging from a discussion about a potentially big movement within the company to news about my summary dismissal,” I state, deciding to cut right into the thick of it.

Sebestian smirks. “Do you really believe that?”

“That there’s a potential movement within the company I’m unaware of? Of course.”

“Enough with the blithe comments. Tell me how you’re really feeling.”

“I’m not feelinganything,” I grit out.

“Oh really? Not even a little angry about being banished to Edenton?”

“Actually, no. Believe it or not, I’m enjoying my time here and I’ve been spending it doing something worthwhile. It’s less immersive than the New York branch. I’ve had some time to myself and Sean as well,” I tell him honestly.

“Sounds like you’re having a nice time,” he states. “Would you rather stay there, then? Permanently.”

My hand forms a fist but I keep my expression blank as I stare straight ahead.

“Does that mean you’re asking me to stay?”

Because I don’t want that. Losing my position at the company would mean that all my work the past few years hasbeen for nothing, and I refuse to let that happen. I worked my way up to that position. It was harder for me than most normal people because my grandfather wanted to teach me a lesson. He’s always teaching me lessons and I fear I may never stop learning from him.

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