"Alex Rowe, are you really going to treat me like this?" Celia's voice cut through the phone. "You're my boyfriend. What's wrong with me spending a little of your money?"
I hung up.
After that, I boarded my flight home.
My dad picked me up from the airport personally. He said he'd been hoping I'd come back—someone had to take over the family business eventually. He told me to rest for a few days, then report to the company.
I accepted gladly.
For the next few days, I did exactly that.
Then the photos dropped.
Nathan posted them in the company group chat. Him and Celia on a trip together, holding hands, looking cozy as hell. The chat exploded with people calling them a "perfect match." Some busybody even tagged me, asking if I thought the photos looked good.
Before I could respond, Celia kicked me from the group.
A text came through seconds later: "I'm on a business trip with Nathan. Don't overthink it! I'll add you back when you return to the company!"
I smiled.
"No need, Ms. Gilbert. I wasn't planning to come back anyway. Also, my lawyer should have already sent you a letter."
My phone rang immediately.
"Alex Rowe, haven't you made enough trouble?" Celia's voice was sharp with anger. "I already told you—apologize, and you can come back. I'll even stop deducting your commissions and bonuses."
I almost laughed.
"Ms. Gilbert, if that's your position, we have nothing to discuss. You can talk to my lawyer."
I hung up.
After that, I stopped paying attention to her.
A few days later, my phone rang again. Celia's voice came through tight with barely contained panic.
"Alex Rowe, what did you do? Every single client is refusing to work with me! Get back here and fix this—now!"
I smiled. "Ms. Gilbert, those were my clients. I left the company. Why would they keep placing orders with you?"
Silence.
Then, desperation crept into her voice. "Alex Rowe, come back. I guarantee—once these orders go through, I'll give you your full commission."
She knew. Without those orders, she was finished.
"No need, Ms. Gilbert." I kept my voice light. "You know me. I'm not hurting for money."
