Page 68 of The Billionaire's Betrayal
"Thanks for coming, Audrey.We need to talk about your future with the company," I said calmly.
She nodded, but the distrust in her eyes was unmistakable.
"What is this about?"
I took a deep breath.This conversation wasn’t going to be easy.
"After careful consideration, we’ve decided to offer you a transitional position at one of our subsidiaries."
Her eyes widened, and a flicker of anger crossed her face.
"You’re trying to get rid of me, aren’t you?"she spat."You think I don’t see what’s happening?"
"If you take this position, you’ll get full support, including a tailored training program," I explained, keeping my voice steady."After that, you’ll have the opportunity to move into a senior role."
She shook her head, her gaze burning with resentment.
"This is because of Eva, isn’t it?"
Her tone was accusatory, but her expression said something else—hurt, bitterness.
"Audrey…" I sighed.
"Don’t," she cut in, her voice lower now, more intimate."You want me gone because you feel guilty.Because you know what we had was real, even if you refuse to admit it."
My jaw tightened.
"That’s not the point," I replied, my throat drier than I would’ve liked.
"Oh, isn’t it?"
I looked away for a second, trying to steady myself.
"This position is a real opportunity," I said more firmly."If you accept it, we’ll provide the training you need.After that, you’ll have the chance to grow within the company."
She studied me for a moment before letting out a quiet, humorless laugh.
"You’re unbelievable, Tristan.You cling to this image of yourself—the loyal, honorable guy who never crosses a line.But we both know that’s not true."
"That’s enough," I said, my voice sharper now.
She didn’t flinch, tilting her head with a smirk.
"Fine.I’ll go.But I have one condition."
I straightened, wary.
"What condition?"
"Let me stay until the Espoir Foundation’s inauguration and deliver the opening speech."
A tense silence fell between us.
"No," I said immediately."That speech belongs to Eva.It’s her project."
Audrey clenched her jaw, her fingers digging into the chair’s armrest.
"Listen, I just want my work to be acknowledged.I helped build this foundation, and you know it.More than anyone, you know I deserve this."
