Benson paused for a second, then glanced at me, his smile faint. “It’s so much easier talking to smart people,” he said.
I simply smiled and stayed quiet, waiting for him to go on.
“I heard you want to start your own company and go independent. Is that right?” He didn’t beat around the bush.
I nodded and answered honestly, “Yes.”
Benson seemed surprised. “From the way you talk, it sounds like you’re ready.”
“I am.”
“Starting a business is no walk in the park, Max. It requires a lot of upfront capital, and getting both the initiative off the ground and partners on board isn’t easy.”
I nodded and smiled. “True. But
Hocation, and the launch is in a few company is already registered. I’ve already found the
days. I’d be honored if you could attend.”
That wasn’t just a courtesy. I wanted to make it clear I was serious and to kill off any last- minute hopes he had of keeping me here.
Benson looked at me, surprised. “You’ve already made all these preparations?”
“Yeah. I’ve also found a partner.”
He sighed, clearly disappointed. Still, he wasn’t ready to give up. He said, “Max, you’ve been with Layton Group for years now, and I’ve watched you work. I know what you’re capable of.
“That’s why I trust you. I hate the idea of letting someone like you walk away. So let’s do this- name your terms. Whatever it is, I’ll do my best to meet it.”
He was sincere. Nevertheless, I shook my head and politely declined his offer.
“Thanks, Mr. Layton. But I’ve made
my
decision.
I’d been at Layton Group for several years, but I never had any attachment to the place. And as for Camille, I didn’t even want to be in the same room as her, let alone the same company.
Benson must’ve sensed it, because he tentatively said, “Look, I know Camille has screwed up badly. But I promise you, she will change. This kind of thing won’t happen again.”
I stayed silent. My disgust for her had reached a point where I didn’t even want to discuss anything involving her.
When I didn’t respond, Benson chuckled and continued, “Business is getting tougher these days. Doing it alone carries serious risks, and even with a partner, there’s no guarantee that
Chapter 50
you won’t run into problems.”
I looked up and met his friendly gaze. Beneath his smile, I detected a warning in his words.
“Doing business isn’t that simple. It’s risky and stressful. Wouldn’t it be easier to stay on as CEO? You’ll earn a steady paycheck, and it’s less pressure.‘
I wasn’t fazed by Benson’s veiled threat. I knew he was just looking out for his daughter as a father.
I smiled and took a sip of tea. “Thanks for the advice, Mr. Layton. I’ll be careful. Maybe someday I’ll be as successful as you.”
The disappointment in his eyes said everything.
I didn’t want to stick around, so I stood up and walked out of his office.
The second I stepped out, Camille strode toward me. She planted her hands on her hips, her face set in a smug sneer.
“What did I tell you, Max? You’ve always been our lapdog, and you always will be.”
“So, how about it? Weren’t you just running your mouth about not coming back? And here you are, crawling right back to Layton Group like the obedient dog you are.”
I couldn’t be bothered with her and tried to walk around her. But she wasn’t having it and blocked my path.
“You’re not going anywhere until you finalize that contract. Stop right there!”
