chapter four

The moment the introduction ended, the employees of Whitmore Global were dismissed, leaving behind whispers about the company's new heir.

Jeremy Whitmore, however, had already lost interest.

He stepped off the platform, adjusted the cuff of his charcoal suit, and checked his watch as though the meeting had wasted ten minutes of his life.

“Mr. Whitmore, if you'll follow me, I'll show you to your office,” a man said, approaching with a carefully rehearsed smile.

It was Mr. Williams, the general manager of Whitmore Global.

In his mid-forties, Mr. Williams was known for his strict personality and uncompromising standards. A perfectionist, he could turn even the smallest mistake into a lecture. For years, he had overseen the company's operations, answering directly to Richard Whitmore.

Now, Richard had placed his only son in charge.

Mr. Williams struggled to accept the arrangement. He believed his experience deserved greater recognition and doubted that a young man accustomed to his father's wealth understood the demands of running a corporation.

Nevertheless, he kept those thoughts to himself.

For now.

“Of course,” Jeremy replied, already walking ahead.

Mr. Williams followed, his smile firmly in place.

Behind them walked Ray, his personal assistant. In his mid-twenties, Ray wore a well-fitted navy-blue suit, a crisp white shirt, and polished black shoes. His neatly trimmed hair and carefully knotted tie completed his professional appearance.

He carried a thick file containing important documents for Jeremy's first day.

As they proceeded down the executive corridor, Mr. Williams tried to engage the new heir.

“We've made considerable improvements to the company's operational structure over the past year. I'm confident you'll find the current system efficient, although certain areas could benefit from further adjustments.”

“Hmm.”

Jeremy continued walking.

Mr. Williams waited for a response.

None came.

“The quarterly reports will give you a clearer picture of our performance. I've personally supervised the review of every department.”

“Great.”

Jeremy didn't even turn his head.

Ray lowered his eyes to the file, pressing his lips together.

He knew those signs too well. His boss's straight back, tight smile, and tense jaw meant trouble.

Mr. Williams was getting irritated.

And Jeremy seemed completely uninterested.

When they reached the executive office, Jeremy pushed open the door and walked inside.

The spacious room featured floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Manhattan, a large desk near the glass, and sleek furniture that reflected the company's wealth.

Jeremy glanced around.

“Not bad.”

Mr. Williams immediately brightened.

“I made certain everything was prepared to meet your expectations. We've arranged access to the departmental records, and Ray has brought the documents you'll need.”

“Good. Leave them on the desk.”

Ray stepped forward and placed the file on the polished surface.

Mr. Williams cleared his throat.

“There's an important matter I'd like to discuss. It concerns the proposed restructuring of the marketing department. In my professional opinion, the current plan requires further consideration because—”

“Send me a summary.”

Mr. Williams stopped.

“I'm sorry?”

“The summary,” Jeremy repeated, removing his jacket and draping it over his chair. “Put the key points in an email. I'll read it when I have time.”

Mr. Williams stared at him.

“Sir, with respect, this is a significant matter. I've overseen this organization for years, and I believe you should understand the background before making any decisions.”

Jeremy sat down and pulled out his phone.

“And I believe you'll save us both time by putting it in writing.”

Silence filled the office.

Mr. Williams's smile became painfully strained.

He had prepared a detailed explanation, organized the relevant information, and rehearsed his recommendations.

Jeremy had dismissed him before he could finish his second point.

Worse, he had done it while checking his phone.

“Certainly, sir,” Mr. Williams replied tightly.

Ray felt laughter rising in his chest.

He tried to suppress it. He really did.

But watching his famously intimidating boss struggle to maintain a pleasant expression while Jeremy treated his carefully prepared presentation like an unwanted interruption was too much.

A small chuckle escaped him.

In the quiet office, it sounded embarrassingly loud.

Both men turned toward him.

Jeremy raised his eyes from his phone. Mr. Williams slowly faced his assistant.

The look on his boss's face could have frozen boiling water.

Ray's smile disappeared.

That's it. I'm finished.

He straightened, then grabbed the file from the desk before remembering he had already placed it there. He set it down again, wishing the floor would open beneath his shoes.

“I'm sorry, sir,” he stammered. “May I take my leave?”

“Yes,” Mr. Williams snapped. “Leave. Now.”

Ray turned toward the door.

“Not so fast,” Jeremy said.

Ray stopped abruptly and turned around with the expression of a man who had just received a second death sentence.

Jeremy pointed toward a stack of folders beside the desk.

“Arrange those by department and bring me the updated staff directory. You can leave when you're done.”

“Yes, sir.”

Ray nodded quickly.

Jeremy then looked at Mr. Williams.

“That'll be all for now.”

The general manager blinked.

“Excuse me?”

“You can go. I'll contact you if I need anything.”

For a moment, Mr. Williams looked ready to forget every rule of professional conduct he had ever enforced.

He had overseen the organization for years, yet he was being dismissed like an employee who had overstayed his welcome.

And right in front of his own assistant.

“Very well,” he managed.

He walked out, his polished shoes striking the floor with unusually sharp steps.

Ray watched him leave before glancing at Jeremy, who had already returned to his phone.

He swallowed the last of his laughter and reached for the folders.

One thing was certain.

Working under Jeremy Whitmore would be very different from working under Mr. Williams.

Whether that was a blessing or the beginning of a disaster, Ray wasn't yet prepared to decide.