Chapter 7
“Max! Where the hell did you disappear to last night?”
Camille’s voice rang out across the office, instantly drawing everyone’s attention to me.
I hadn’t anticipated that she would arrive this carly.
“I passed out last night,” I said.
Camille wasn’t convinced. “Passed out?”
She scoffed. “I bet you ran off because you couldn’t handle the pressure!”
I stepped back, discomfort creeping in as all eyes bore down on me.
“I passed out in the restroom. I didn’t run away.
“Then where the hell did you go? Why didn’t you come back once you woke up?”
Camille closed the distance between us. Her expression was cold and unyielding.
No one in the office had a clue what was really going on. They just exchanged hushed whispers, like bystanders watching a scene play out.
“Ms. Layton, maybe we should keep personal matters out of the workplace,” I said.
“Personal? Who said anything between us is personal?” Camille snapped back.
“My father pays you a salary, and you can’t even handle a few drinks? Honestly, what are you good for?”
Her words sent a cold shiver down my spine.
“I wasn’t hired to be your drinking companion, Ms. Layton.”
With that, I turned and walked away.
Behind me, Camille’s fury boiled over.
“Max! Stop right there!
“If you walk away now, don’t bother coming back!”
I didn’t look back. I quickened my pace and left without a second thought.
Camille was spiraling into pure irrationality.
I had no energy left to waste on her tantrums. What mattered now was what lay ahead.
The moment I left Layton Group, the power and status that came with it would vanish.
But because of my abilities, I still had a solid network that believed in me.
This was my moment to seize.
That afternoon, I had a meeting lined up with Lillian Lane from Northfield.
She wasn’t a key client, but it was a decent place to start.
Just as I was occupied with work, the office door slammed open with a loud kick.
Camille stormed in. Fury was written all over her face. “Damn it, Max, you’ve got some nerve.
“Consider this your last day. Don’t bother showing up again.”
I met her glare head–on.
For three years, I endured Camille’s constant hostility.
She looked down on me from her high pedestal, never stopping to consider her own mistakes.
Her recklessness three years ago caused my sister’s devastating car accident.
Still, she twisted the truth, accusing me of scheming and using her family to get ahead.
“Ms. Layton,” I said firmly. “I know you’ve never liked me. But I’m here until the end of the
month.
“That’s the agreement I made with your father. Until then, you can’t fire me.”
I looked up, stopping my work.
“Fine! Great!” Camille snapped.
“So now you’re using my father against me, huh?”
Her fury erupted. “We’ll see if you even last until the end of the month!”
Like a wild animal, she lunged at my desk, tearing through every file in a frenzy.
“By noon, I want every item on today’s agenda on my desk!”
Satisfied, she threw her head back arrogantly.
I said nothing, quietly gathering the scattered papers from the floor.
By afternoon, I arrived at the meeting spot, a little out of breath.
I was five minutes late for my appointment with Lilian.
Inside the cafe, an elegant woman sat quietly. She was staring thoughtfully out the window.
“Mrs. Lane, sorry I’m late. Something came up.”
She turned and smiled gently. “No worries. I just got here.
I took a seat. “It’s been a while, Mrs. Lane. You look even better than I remember.”
She pursed her lips. “You and your smooth talk. So, what’s on your mind this time?”
I nodded. “Mrs. Lane, I’m considering leaving Layton Group.”
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