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As Jack passes, the arctic glare and the cold smile he directs Preston's way hints that someone could soon be facing a cold reckoning.
I regally power walk toward my blessed cubicle sanctuary, still feeling the men’s gazes boring into my back. Regrouping before facing further assault from the disturbingly scorching Navy SEAL is what I need right now.
I have barely fired up my computer before Amanda clicks in looking boardroom battle ready, as per her usual mojo. “You arrived right on time. The morning innovation session is starting in fifteen minutes. But I wanted to loop you in before we head inside. It looks like the senior team will be making the VR infrastructure pick as early as next week.”
I blink, remnants of overpriced cologne still burning my nostrils after marinating in Preston's musk. “That’s what that big meeting is about? “
Amanda winces. “Yes, it's down to Walsh Dynamics and Hanes Biotech. Once they make the choice, we have to start incorporating them into our campaigns.” She checks her glitzy Rolex. “Let’s grab some coffee on our way to the session, we don’t want to be late.”
As we click-clack down the hall, I seize the opportunity to update Amanda on my work. “So listen, our TikTok presence is seeing great traction since I began leveraging influencer partnerships. Fifteen percent follower growth weekly. Twitter remains a struggle, but I'm working on livening our branding there.”
Amanda nods approvingly. “Well done! I had no doubt you would breathe new life into our platforms. And I appreciate you diving into the PR angles of this VR mental health initiative . . . even if certain execs remain frustratingly close-lipped.” She cuts knowing eyes in my direction.
I allow a small smile. “Yes, well . . . in any case, I'm happy with how this is going so far. You mentioned incorporating the new vendor. Are you thinking promotional launch content or more technical features?”
“I would focus initial marketing on the military therapist testimonials and the recovery stories as we rollout the trials,” Amanda muses. “Perhaps we can spotlight the specialized VR hardware functions in some posts too. Let’s see how it develops.”
I make quick mental notes on the direction she wants me to take, impressed by Amanda's ability to quickly envision a brand identity by melding product specs and the emotional impact on end users.
It’s time to brush aside Jack’s cold-shouldering of me and focus on professional goals.
16
CARIBBEAN ESCAPE
Walt slaps down the glossy Walsh Dynamics brochures. “It's clear who the optimal vendor is here,” he huffs. “Walsh capacity trounces the competition by leaps. And Roger sweetened his bid with a fast timeline.” He punctuates this grand reveal with a fist slam.
I resist rolling my eyes at the photoshopped hardware probably staged specifically with winning this contract in mind. Talk about deep pockets. Meanwhile, Cade frowns over callout bubbles promising a functionality akin to an alien spacecraft.
“This timeline seems aggressive, Mr. Whitmore. Deliverables in half the duration of other established players? Are you positive that Walsh won't cut regulatory corners just to snag this contract?”
The old man releases an exasperated huff, as if he were a snorting bull. “Pah! Roger Walsh has been in my golf foursome for decades. His toys never break!” Walt scoffs. “Damnit, Cade, you young bucks and your newfangled risk-averse notions! You were both Navy SEALs, for Pete’s sake. Where is all this caution coming from?”
I remain quiet, stewing over the distinctly uncomfortable run in with heir-apparent Preston. Try as I might, there is lingering unease warning me to stay clear of that family.
“I appreciate the fastidious upsell, but it seems prudent to hold off with the decision until we have reviewed all the proposals and have conducted the site visits.”
Walt humphs disdainfully at my hedging before brightening with a glint in his eyes that makes my hackles rise. “Say, Maddie seems like a real firecracker. When do I get a proper sit down with your beautiful bride-to-be?”
Subtly, I aim a desperate SOS look at Cade, raising my brows. After years of service together, he can almost read my mind. Raising his palms, he jumps in. “I need Jack to come to my office for a meeting with legal.”
But Walt shoots him an impressive stink eye.
“Jack will join you in a few minutes.” He waves him off impatiently, leaving Cade no choice but to make his exit.
I start packing up my laptop when Walt turns back to me, waggling his bristly eyebrows. “I’d like you and Maddie to join me down in St. Maarten next weekend. A little future in-law bonding is overdue. And with the weather turning chilly, I’m sure you’ll both appreciate the sun.”
My gut churns picturing Maddie navigating his intense scrutiny, as he no doubt sees this trip as a chance to examine the durability of our relationship before he decides to sign his empire over to me. His questions will poke her like blunt spears, judging how suitable I am to rule his kingdom based on how convincing as a future queen Maddie is. If I was to concoct an excuse, it would surely risk his suspicion. With a martyred sigh, I nod in agreement.
“Sure, Dad, we’re looking forward to it. It will be a nice change of scenery. I don’t think Maddie has ever been.”
Satisfied, he nods and slaps me on the shoulder. “Ok then. Keep me posted on how the site visits are progressing.”
With Walt finally gone, I buzz Jessica. “Please call Maddie to my office.” She chirps back conspiratorially about young love as I vigorously rub fresh tension from my eyelids.
I lean back, attempting measured breaths to brace for the vision about to walk through my door. Like clockwork these days, the mere prospect of Maddie's presence kickstarts an almost Pavlovian response. My pulse elevates, my lower belly pulses, and all honorable intentions get shoved aside.
It's confounding. As a Navy SEAL, I endured brutal conditions while maintaining diamond focus. Now the promise of a willowy girl I hardly know instantly erodes that hard-won discipline. Somehow, when Maddie is nearby, all logic flees my primitive brain, usurped by pure, flaming hunger.
