I was honestly speechless.
Sure enough, a bad workman blamed his tools. Camille was useless, but now it was my fault. that she’d embarrassed herself. What twisted logic was that?
“Camille! You’ve got no skills, so how dare you blame Max? If you’ve got time to throw tantrums, why not use it to learn, read a book, and grow a brain!” Benson turned and snapped at her.
At dinner, he’d appeared calm and collected. But once the guests were gone, his patience ran
out.
As the CEO of a company, Quinn was knowledgeable and eager to learn. But Camille was a good -for–nothing who idled and stirred up drama.
A comparison couldn’t have made their differences any more obvious, and anyone could tell.
Camille snorted and gave me a sharp glare before storming off.
“Don’t mind her. Come to the study, Max. I need to talk to you,” Benson said.
I thought we’d talk about work, but as soon as he spoke, I frowned tightly.
‘Max, you’ve been single all this time. Have you ever considered settling down?”
What was that supposed to mean? Was he seriously trying to marry me off to his daughter, who was a walking disaster? Did he think I was so desperate for a woman that I’d take her?
Benson was relying on the Layton family’s assets to push his offer.
“I’m not thinking about that right now, Mr. Layton.”
Benson smiled. Instead of anxiously trying to change my mind, he began to say, “You know, back in the day when I started in business, I worked myself half to death just to;
- am.
get to where I
“By the time I looked back, I was nearly forty. That was when I wanted to have a child. But by then, the age gap between me and my daughter was so great that we could never see eye to eye.
“I failed to educate her, and all I ever did was indulge her…”
Benson spoke as if he were telling a story. He might sound like he was telling me about his past, but he was also hinting at my future.
He knew very well that I had no interest in Camille, and outright offering me money or shares might seem vulgar. So instead, he used the idea of children to get me thinking about my future.
When I didn’t say a word, Benson continued, “So, here’s what I’m thinking.
www
Chapter 22
“Camille may be a little unruly now, but once she gets married and has children, I’ll have her return to family life. You’ll manage the company while I’ll keep her in check. You’ll have nothing to worry about.”
At last, he stated his purpose.
The last time he tried to bring it up, I’d diverted the conversation. Now, he pushed harder and seemed anxious. It was probably because he knew my contract was nearing its end.
“I’m sorry, Mr. Layton. Ms. Layton and I… we don’t get along.” I didn’t spell it out, but I knew he understood what I meant.
“Just think about it. You know that I’m being sincere.”
Benson did treat me well. That was one of the reasons I stayed with the Laytons, but there were some things I could never tolerate.
“I understand. You should get some rest, Mr. Layton.” With that, I got up to leave. I was never going to consider that idea!
Benson said nothing and watched me leave with resignation in his eyes. But there was something I couldn’t quite put my finger on behind that resignation, not that I cared.
My expression was grim after I left the Layton residence. I knew that once Benson had a goal, he’d stop at nothing to make it happen.
I had to leave the Layton family!
Fortunately, Camille despised me. Even if Benson wanted me to marry into the family, she would probably be the biggest obstacle to that plan.
The next morning, I had just arrived at the company and settled into my office when Benson showed up. He immediately called for a board meeting.
“Today, I have a major announcement to make.
“Effective immediately, Max Wexler is promoted to CEO. He will be in charge operations.
“As for Camille Layton, she is demoted to Deputy CEO.”
