Conflict of Interest - By Allyson Lindt Page 0,63
the proof he needed that Cartee had planted the photos, but they were still real pictures. Hank had done so much more than Scott ever expected. Scott had yelled and argued with his father for hours after he’d uncovered Hank’s financial background, and he’d finally discovered the truth. Was it enough?
“What if I could show that Hank’s money wasn’t his? That he lied about his funding and intended to displace me from his first day on the board? Do I even have a chance of convincing them I’m sorry and turning their attention back on him?”
Through a series of shell companies and off-shore accounts, his father had funded Hank’s failing empire to force Scott out of his own company. Being disowned by his son had left a bitter taste in his mouth. He’d known he couldn’t buy in as himself, but he hadn’t had to. Hank had been quick to act as a face for Scott’s father since he’d never liked Scott or his business practices.
“Men like me let our money and egos drive us. You’ve already proven you’re worth the investment. If your apology is sincere and your proof is solid, you might have a chance.”
Scott exhaled, a whisper of relief tickling his senses. “Thanks. I owe you.”
“You haven’t let me down yet.” Grant’s smile was almost visible over the phone.
Scott’s mind was racing as he hung up. That was what he had to do; it all made perfect sense. Rae could make the numbers work to buy out Hank, and he would beg the board’s forgiveness if that’s what it took to win them back, especially if he could share the blame with Cartee. As long as it didn’t mean denying what had happened with Kenzie. Please don’t let them ask that of him. It was the one concession he wasn’t willing to make.
He slouched back against the couch, exhaustion rushing in to temper the exhilaration. So that was half his problem solved. What was he going to do about the other half?
He couldn’t ask Kenzie for forgiveness. Listening to her tear him down again was too painful a road for him to even consider. But he knew how to save his own job, at least he could try to do the same for her. He placed another call.
Two hours later he was sitting in a small office across from a woman who insisted he call her Greta. Papers were piled high on either side of her, and loose strands of red rebelled against her ponytail.
Reporting to her must drive Kenzie insane. The thought would have made him smile on any other day.
“You’re a lot more trouble than someone in your position should be.” There was no malice in Greta’s comment.
He let out a small laugh. “So I hear. Thank you for making time for me.”
“Of course. You understand Mackenzie is one of my best, and I don’t like the way this has turned out.”
His gut clenched at the words, adding to the already churning dread of what he was about to say. He was going to sign away the last traces of something amazing, but he couldn’t think of another way. “I don’t blame you. I’m not so fond of it myself.”
Her smile faltered. “I don’t do small talk very well. Can we cut to the chase?”
“Right.” He swallowed, mentally steeling himself. These ties needed to be severed completely, and this was the last missing piece. “Those pictures that got out. None of those were Miss Carter’s fault.”
He forced himself to keep talking. It destroyed him to admit it, but he knew it was true. “She was never anything but professional. She went above and beyond when it came to putting up with my crap. I was difficult, and I sabotaged her efforts for selfish reasons that had nothing to do with her or your organization.”
Which was exactly the case, right? He had to convince himself he believed it, or it would show. He was a terrible liar.
Greta studied him for a moment. “You know this has legal implications, right? You leave yourself open to a harassment lawsuit if Mackenzie says it’s appropriate. Breach of contract. Libel concerns.”
He did. “I’m willing to go through whatever arbitration is necessary.”
Her eyes narrowed. “It may be more serious than that.”
His smile turned hard. “Then your contract should have covered that. What did it say? All claims and disputes arising under or relating to this agreement are to be settled by binding arbitration.”
Not that he planned on dragging such a thing