Chapter 2

“I have no control over the board’s decision, but Cassandra won’t be getting an apology out of me for sure,” I replied firmly.

Eric’s voice turned icy. “In that case, you’ll have to deal with the consequences on your own.”

Bruno looked at me, biting his tongue desperately. In the end, he let it slip and murmured, “What’s the point, Mr. Gordon? It’s just maternity leave. Just let Cassandra take it. The company won’t be missing her that much anyway.”

With a grin, I shook my head firmly. “I stand by what I said. I can’t approve Cassandra’s leave.”

The head of PR walked in, visibly distressed.

“We have a problem, Mr. Gordon. Neptune Media just reached out regarding the Cassandra situation. Their CEO made it clear that if we don’t address the backlash soon, they’ll pull our endorsement deal with Kingdom.

“Kingdom is the hottest boy band right now. We’re talking about a major hit on the company if we upset their fandom.

“A lot is at stake here, Mr. Gordon. You need to act on it now. Cas—”

Thud!

The door to the office was kicked open.

Koben Webb waltzed into the room with a grimace.

“Get out. I need a word with Sam,” he said to the head of PR and Bruno.

The pair exchanged glances and snuck a quick shake of the head before taking off.

“Sam!”

Koben grabbed me by the collar, his face etched with frustration.

“What the hell has gotten into you? Do you have beef with Cassandra? Why are you denying her maternity leave?

“Jesus Christ. Don’t you know that what you’re doing is against the law?

“If I hadn’t backed you up, the board would’ve called a meeting to sack you!

“Stop wasting my time. You’re coming with me right now. Talk to Cassandra. We can meet her demand if she’s willing to work with us, but you’d better check that horrible temper of yours!

“This is the last chance that I fought for you.”

Koben was Eric’s son and my long-time buddy.

I could understand where he was coming from.

However, I couldn’t comply.

“I’m sorry, but I can’t go.” I shook my head.

Koben smirked in rage. “Are you serious about throwing yourself away over something so insignificant?”

I pursed my lips. “I have it all worked out.”

Koben cursed out loud and gave me the middle finger. “Fine, Sam. This is what I get for sticking my nose in your business. Never again.”

He stormed out, slamming the door behind him.

I stood before the floor-to-ceiling window, looking down to see a crowd of influencers with their teams gathered outside the company entrance. Some even held up banners.

My phone vibrated once more.

It was my girlfriend, Vivian Williams, on the other end of the line.

“Sam, are you the heartless capitalist attacked by the public? Why are you doing this? I know that you’re better than this.” Vivian’s voice was filled with terror.

I frowned. “Stay out of this, Viv. I’ll sort it out.”

“How can I? Are you forgetting that we’re getting engaged soon?” Vivian wailed tearfully.

“I—”

The noises of a heated argument and sobbing came from outside my office.

With a sense of dread hitting me, I swiftly ended my call with Vivian.

The moment I stepped out of the office, I was met with the clicking cameras and microphones shoved right in my face.

“Hello, Mr. Gordon. I’m with Golden Eye. Have you approved your employee, Cassandra Luckwell’s application for maternity leave yet?”

I knew very well that these journalists were broadcasting live as they needed the views as well.

“I’m sorry, but I stand by my decision. I can’t grant Cassandra’s leave.”