Chapter 2: Your Best Isn't Good Enough

Emily POV

“Emily!” Gracie’s voice snapped me out of my shocked daze.

“Oh—yes. Mr. Callaghan,” I said, quickly slipping back into professional mode. “It’s nice to finally meet you.”

I stepped forward and extended my hand. He stared at it for a second before a slow, dangerous smile curved his lips. He took my hand, but instead of shaking it, he lifted it to his mouth and brushed a kiss across my knuckles.

“Nice to meet you too, Miss Wilburn,” he murmured, his eyes locked on mine.

I yanked my hand back as if burned.

Before I could recover, our boss, Rose, swept into the room with a bright smile. “Mr. Callaghan! Welcome.” She pulled him into a quick hug while Gracie leaned toward me.

“Look at her,” she whispered. “Operation: Get a Husband has officially begun.”

I couldn’t even laugh. My mind was spiraling. What if he recognizes me? What if he refuses the contract because of what I did earlier? I had shoved him. Called him arrogant. Thrown money in his face. This could ruin everything.

“Shall we begin?” Rose said, giving me a pointed look.

I swallowed hard and started the presentation, doing my best to sound confident. I deliberately skipped the dance segment. There was no way I was going to dance in front of him after everything that happened this morning.

When I finished, the room fell silent. All eyes turned to Cade Callaghan.

“What do you think, Mr. Callaghan?” Rose asked eagerly.

He leaned back in his chair, his gaze piercing as it settled on me. “The concept is meant to improve the image of my company. I won’t lie — I’ve seen many proposals from other agencies.” He paused. “And honestly, they were much better than this.”

My stomach dropped.

“But we poured everything into this,” Gracie protested.

“Your best isn’t good enough,” he said flatly, rising to his feet. “I’m sorry, but I’ll be choosing a different agency.”

“Mr. Callaghan, please—” Rose began, desperation creeping into her voice. “Can’t you give us another chance?”

“Once I’m done with something—or someone—I don’t go back.” His eyes flicked to me as he said it. “Have a lovely day.”

He walked out with his secretary, leaving heavy silence behind.

“That was our only real shot,” Rose said, collapsing into a chair.

“We really did our best…” Gracie added quietly.

Michael sighed. “I guess we’ll have to let this one go.”

Guilt twisted sharply in my chest. This was my fault. Because of my temper this morning, we had just lost the biggest contract our agency had ever been offered.

I couldn’t let it end like this.

“We’re not losing this contract,” I declared.

Before anyone could stop me, I ran out of the room, took the elevator down, and sprinted outside. Cade was just about to step into his sleek black car.

“Wait!” I called, grabbing his arm.

He turned, eyebrows raised. “What now?”

“I need to talk to you. Please.”

“I’ve already said everything I need to say. There’s nothing left to discuss.” He gently pulled his arm free.

“Please, Mr. Callaghan. Just give me a minute.”

He studied me for a long moment, then sighed. “Fine. What do you want?”

“The presentation was good. My team and I worked extremely hard on it. Please don’t reject it because of what happened earlier this morning.”

“And why would I do that?” he asked, feigning innocence.

“Because… I’m sorry,” I forced out. “I’m sorry for shoving you and being so rude. I was stressed and I lost my temper.”

A smirk tugged at his lips. “My decision has nothing to do with that little tantrum, Miss Wilburn. I simply don’t think your agency is up to my standard.”

“Then give us another chance,” I begged. “Let us prepare a new presentation. I promise we won’t disappoint you.”

He shook his head. “You’re wasting both our time. You’re off the list.”

“Please—”

“Sorry, Miss Wilburn. My decision is final.”

He slid into the car and it pulled away, leaving me standing on the sidewalk, watching my mistake drive off with our future.

Cade POV

“Welcome back, sir,” my secretary greeted me as I entered the office.

“Any messages?”

“Your mother called. Also… Miss Jessica is waiting in your office.”

I frowned. “Why is she here?”

“She said you were expecting her.”

I exhaled sharply and headed to my office. The moment I stepped inside, Jessica rushed forward and threw her arms around me.

“My love, you’re back,” she purred.

I pushed her away. “Why are you here, Jessica?”

“I received your flowers and letter yesterday,” she said, ignoring my cold tone. “I’m not accepting them. I won’t let you end things.”

“I was very clear from the beginning,” I replied, moving behind my desk. “This was never going to be permanent. I don’t do relationships. Only pleasure.”

“Because of her, right?” Jessica’s voice turned bitter. “That girl on the island you’re supposed to marry.”

“I’ve been honest with you. Don’t make this messy.”

“We can keep things exactly as they are,” she pleaded, stepping closer. “You can have your island girl and still keep me as your mistress. She doesn’t have to know.”

“Would you be happy if the same thing was done to you?” I asked, anger rising.

“This isn’t about me!”

I shook my head. “Your time is up, Jessica. Thank you for the months we shared.”

That finally broke her.

“You bastard!” she screamed. “They were right about you. I should’ve never gotten involved with a heartless womanizer like you!”

“Whatever helps you sleep at night,” I said calmly. “We both know you were only here for the money and the lifestyle.”

She hurled one final insult before storming out and slamming the door.

I leaned back in my chair with a satisfied sigh. One mistress gone.

My phone rang.

“Sir, Miss Wilburn is here to see you,” my secretary said.

A slow, intrigued smile spread across my face.

“Tell her to come in.”