Chapter 44
“Full responsibility?” Zachary’s eyebrows lifted slightly. “The Jenkins Group’s influence runs deeper than I realized.
“We meet our clients‘ demands. If new markets open up, we’ll conquer those too.”
“That confident, are you?”
“You know exactly what I can do” Gwyneth held her position, unshaken.
Zachary’s lips curved into a grin as their eyes met, his gaze sparking with unspoken challenge.
Melanie’s fingers twisted into the fabric of her dress. She’d expected Zachary to turn on Gwyneth, but they were locked in this charged exchange instead. She couldn’t afford to let Gwyneth secure another project, not when her momentum was unstoppable.
“Gwyneth’s talent really is remarkable, Melanie chimed in, honey lacing her words. “She became deputy general manager almost the moment she joined the Jenkins Group. Who could possibly compete?”
Zachary stayed silent, considering.
Bella had been watching Zachary with nervous tension, but she exhaled slightly at Melanie’s intervention. Clearly, Gwyneth had more enemies ihan allies in this room.
“If you’re not here to discuss business, Gwyneth cut in, her voice icy, “then don’t waste my time”
Quentin’s frown deepened as he cleared his throat. “Hold on. He’s your ex. Regardless of any partnership, you shouldn’t be leading these negotiations.”
“Any deal I secure stays under my y name,” Gwyneth shot back, her voice like steel. She saw right through their scheme.
“So stealing credit is just how the Jenkins family operates now? Zachary shot back, his voice thick with frustration.
His chest ached as he saw Gwyneth cornered like this. He’d thought maybe after leaving him, after returning to Joracity, she’d find some peace. But nothing had changed.
Quentin gaped, rendered momentarily speechless.
Bella slumped against Zachary’s side, her breathing shallow, Zachary, the air here feels really stuffy,” she wheezed, fingers clutching at his sleeve. 1 can’t breathe.
Zachary snapped out of her gaze and quickly wrapped his arms around her, “Call an ambulancel Bella, I’m getting you some fresh air first.” He lifted her into his arms and started heading for the door.
“But what about Gwyneth’s deal!” Bella murmured
This can wait,” Zachary sad firmly, the doctor’s warning about permanent asthma damage flashing through his mind. Without another glance at Gwyneth, be rushed out, cradling Bella against his chest,
Gwyneth caught Bella’s smug little glance. Of course she’d pull this crap now. Petty as always she thought.
She simply rolled her eyes, remaining composed. This petty drama was nothing new. But the real loss was the contract–what should have been an easy win now collapsed because of Bella’s interference.
As Gwyneth pushed back her chair to leave, Quentin’s sharp voice stopped her
“You’re really leaving?” he demanded. “The client just had a medical emergency. Shouldn’t the vice general manager at least check on them?” His voice turned sharp. “Or is this still about her stealing your ext You’d really throw away a deal over that?”
Gwyneth arched one perfectly shaped brow, Funny. You were the one tanking this deal earlier by bringing up my past relationships. Almost seemed like you wanted it to fail”
“Keep your personal grievances out of the boardroom, Quentin stapped. “As vice general manager, you’re expected to act professionally
“One more stunt like this and I’ll hand your position to Melanie. At least she keeps her personal life clean, unlike some people” His words dripped with contempt, leaving no doubt who he meant.
Classic Quentin–always knew exactly where to twist the knife.
If she retreated now, he’d spin it as her abusing power for revenge–the perfect justification to reinstate Melanie.
1/2
But Gwyneth didn’t retreat susten
