Chapter 5

My heart felt like it was rolled across a bed of ice picks, freezing and stinging with pain.

My colleagues walked me out of the office and offered me words of comfort.

With tears brimming in her eyes, Isabel said, "You're incredibly talented, Flynn. You'll thrive wherever you go.

"Don't let Hayden's words get to you. You'll surely find a better job."

I smiled and said nothing, knowing that Hayden didn't have the power to do that.

After leaving the office, I received a call from Aunt Natasha, who had been unreachable for two weeks.

"Flynn, the contract signing event with your company is scheduled for next week. I have to fly out to Palatias for a field inspection, so I won't be able to attend the ceremony in person."

"I've resigned, Aunt Natasha," I murmured.

There was a pause on the other end before Aunt Natasha asked, "Did you run into trouble at work? Do you need me to step in?"

"No, it's fine, but I'd like to return to the company and handle this project myself."

After hanging up, I curled my lips into a smile.

"Don't rush. The real show's just getting started."

…

My appearance at the signing ceremony gave my former company's executives quite a shock, especially Warner and Hayden, who looked at me sharply.

Hayden shot me a disdainful look and demanded, "What the hell are you doing here? You've been fired, so you have no right to participate in this signing."

I threw him a sidelong glance. "Just because I don't work for your company anymore doesn't mean I can't be here. Has it ever crossed your mind that I might be representing the client, Avenel Group?"

He scoffed. "Are you kidding me, Flynn? The CEO of Avenel Group is my mom, and I'm the client here. I have full authority to sign this contract on her behalf.

"How dare you even claim to be the client! A low-tier, pathetic gigolo like you isn't even qualified to scrub the toilets at Avenel Group!"

His statement immediately drew countless stares.

"So, he really is Ms. Belmont's son. No wonder he carries himself with such confidence."

"How dare this guy offend Mr. Belmont's son! He must want to get himself driven out of Tidehaven."

"He looks like he works at some sleazy nightclub. He's definitely a gigolo living off some rich woman!"

"Look at Ms. Belmont's son. That's the definition of a true, talented gentleman."

Surrounded by a sea of desperate flatterers, Hayden looked like he was practically floating on cloud nine from the intoxicating praise.

As he stared at me, his smile grew wilder and more arrogant by the second. Then, he barked an order at the guards. "Throw this stray dog out of here! We're signing this contract right now!"

As several guards closed in on me, I calmly reached into my pocket, pulled out a seal, and held it high above my head.

"Hayden, how exactly will you sign the contract without this?"

Everyone was stunned, and all eyes locked onto my hand.

"Isn't that Ms. Belmont's exclusive crystal seal? I heard it's worth a fortune, and she's never given it to anyone else. How does he have it?"

Ignoring the stunned Hayden, I walked past him, stepped onto the main stage, and picked up the microphone.

"As of right now, I officially announce that Avenel Group is canceling all partnerships with Velora Group."

Warner's pupils dilated as he glared furiously at me. "Who do you think you are, Flynn? How dare you speak on behalf of Ms. Belmont!"

I looked back at him and indifferently said, "I just told you, didn't I? I'm the client."

Hayden stared at me in utter disbelief. "How do you have my mom's seal? Who the hell are you? What gives you the right to make decisions for her?"

I looked into his eyes and announced in a loud, clear voice, "Because she's my biological aunt."