Page 67 of The Billionaire's Betrayal
"No, Tristan, please.I… I made mistakes, but if you give me one last chance, I’ll prove I can fix this."
I closed my eyes for a brief moment, caught between the guilt of letting this situation spiral out of control and my responsibility as a leader.
"This isn’t about me, Audrey.Other people depend on this project.The damage is too severe.You have to step down."
42.It’s all because of Eva
TRISTAN
Since the Australian crisis began, Leila and Satoshi had been by my side, staying late without me even asking.It reminded me of the early days at Community Pilot—the sense of camaraderie, of building something together.But this time, Eva and Steve were missing.It struck me how vital the support of friends is in times of crisis.
One evening, as the sun cast a warm orange glow over the office, Leila hesitated before speaking.
"And Audrey?"she asked cautiously, watching my reaction.
"I had planned to transition her to a more autonomous role under the supervision of other directors, but after the Australian disaster, it’s clear she’s not ready.I doubt any of the executive team will want to work with her now.I’ll try to find her a position in one of our subsidiaries…"
"I don’t think she’ll leave without a fight," Leila pointed out.
I knew she was right.Audrey wasn’t the type to walk away quietly.
"Neither do I."
"She’s past her probation period?"Satoshi asked.
"Yes, unfortunately.That ended last month…"
"What about termination for serious misconduct?"Leila suggested bluntly.
I understood where she was coming from.She disliked Audrey and wanted her to pay for Eva’s suffering, but it wouldn’t be fair.
"I couldn’t live with myself if I did that to her," I admitted."I’m just as responsible for this mess as she is."
Punishing her like that wouldn’t be right.No, I’ll negotiate with her to find a reasonable solution.
Leila nodded.
"I get it… Aside from that, how are you holding up?"
I let out a deep sigh, the weight of exhaustion and stress pressing down on me.
"I’m getting by, but I miss Eva," I admitted, my voice rough.
Leila gave me a sympathetic look, resting a comforting hand on my arm before leaving with Satoshi, leaving me alone with my thoughts.
***
TRISTAN:Every morning when I wake up, my first instinct is to reach for your side of the bed, searching for you…
TRISTAN: Last night, I almost ended up at the police station after stopping a stranger on the street who looked just like you…
TRISTAN:You won’t believe this—Lily just gave me Dating for Dummies.That smug little smile of hers said it all…
TRISTAN: Every day without you feels endless.I count the hours until the grand opening.I miss you, Eva.With every heartbeat.
***
When Audrey stormed into my office, the worry on her face was impossible to miss.I gestured toward a chair, and she sat down without a word.
