A Bossy Roommate (Next Door to a Billionaire #2)

36. Carter

36

CARTER

R ing-ring.

Reluctantly, I draw away from her sinful lips and pull out my phone.

“It better be important,” Eden jokes, not even bothering to move.

It’s Bradley calling.

I swipe right. “Hey, man, what’s up?”

“I need you to come in this morning,” he says without even bothering with a greeting. “The board is meeting with their decision, and they want you to be there.”

“What time?”

“One hour.”

Shit. Earlier than expected. That doesn’t give me much time, but I’m not about to say no. “All right, I’ll be there.”

When I end the call, Eden looks at me with wide eyes. “Is everything okay?”

“Yeah. Bradley says the board is meeting this morning about his case against Huxley, and they want me to be there.”

“Holy crap, that’s huge. I didn’t realize it was happening so fast. You should get ready then, there isn’t much time.”

“Wait for me, and I’ll drive you in.”

She slides off my lap, and I hurry up to shower and change. By the time I’m done, she’s packed up the rest of the smoothie to take with her to work.

While we drive, Eden calls her sister. Last night, we had not only discussed calling Auntie to “fess up,” but also discussed the matter of calling Diane to inform her that Eden won’t be returning to Maine. Eden’s worried she’ll be mad, especially since she hadn’t spilled the beans about our relationship. Eden has insisted she’ll handle the conversation solo, but observed that starting with an invitation to the wedding—just like I had with Auntie—is a great strategy. At one point, Eden puts the phone on speaker for me to eavesdrop.

“…and that’s why I decided I’m not coming back to Maine. I probably wouldn’t have even if the six months were up, to be honest,” she tells her sister. “I love it here. I’m thriving here.”

“Wait, what? Did you just say that you’re getting married to Mr. Bancroft? The Mr. Carter Bancroft? Your boss, as in the man who’s helping me turn our family business around?” Her sister’s voice comes over the speaker, while incessant ringing of phones persists in the background.

“Yeah…the very same.”

“Good for you. Congratulations! With a man like Mr. Bancroft, I would have moved to New York within a day. No questions asked. Of course you’re not coming back. You’d be crazy to. I’m itching to know the whole story, and how and when he proposed, but now’s not a good time. The phones won’t stop ringing. Before I go, let me tell you, I’m so proud of you!”

“Wait, what—you are?”

“Even now, everything you’ve done in such a brief period of time, picking up after such a devastating setback, moving to a whole other state, and opening your heart again takes more guts than I’ve ever had. Eden, I’ve always been proud of you.”

“You told me I’m always running away from my problems.”

“Well, weren’t you?”

“Not really. Okay, I was! But that’s not the point. The point is?—”

“I’ll do better,” Diane interrupts her. “I’m with you, sis. I know I’ve been hard on you in the past… It’s not because I don’t think you can make your own decisions, it’s because I love you and I want the best for you. I always have.” Her sister falls silent. “I apologize if I didn’t express that clearly enough, but I firmly believe that you deserve nothing but the best.”

Eden takes a deep breath, and I notice the tension in her body starting to fade.

There’s more background noise.

“Thanks to Mr. Bancroft’s help, our business is flourishing. It’s thriving! Seriously, he’s a genius . All the articles about him? Absolutely true. I can’t even be upset at you for not telling me earlier that you two are a thing!”

Proudly smiling eyes meet mine, and then she refocuses on the call. “I’m sorry about that.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. Gotta go. Love you, sis. I’ll see y’all at the wedding! Say hi to the lucky groom!”

“Well,” I turn to her after she ends the call, “that went better than expected, didn’t it?”

“It sure did.” Eden squeezes my hand and looks out of the window, a radiant smile adorning her face, illuminating the world. Her hum fills the air with a lovely melody.

It’s strange taking the route that had been part of my mornings up until a few days ago. Especially with Eden by my side. It makes me think of those last few days when we were working like mad to fix all the problems. I miss working with her. She was a good assistant, and I know she’s going to do wonderful things, not only at Legacy but wherever her career takes her in the future, namely—Bancroft Consulting.

Right before we enter the building, I slide my hand back into hers. She beams at me and squeezes it, the significance of the act not lost. Hand in hand, we walk through the lobby, greeting a new receptionist as we go. She gives us a warm smile and greeting.

The office is already buzzing when we step off the elevator. No doubt, everyone has heard about the upcoming board meeting and is busy swapping rumors and gossip. Truth is, that’s one thing I definitely won’t miss about working in that office. Heads turn to watch as we walk by, and I can hear the murmuring. It dawns on me that Eden has likely been dealing with that bullshit since I left. How she hasn’t snapped at someone is a testament to how strong and positive my woman truly is.

We ignore them, our hands still firmly clasped together as we walk to her office.

My old office.

Bradley is already there, waiting for us, typing away on his tablet as he fires off his morning texts. When he sees me, his face splits into a grin. He gets up and pats me on the back. “Good to see you, man,” he says. “Are you ready for this?”

“As ready as I’ll ever be.”

“Do you need me to prepare anything for the meeting?” Eden asks him, putting her stuff down at her desk.

“Not this time,” Bradley says. “It’s just us and the board. You should be good to go about your normal duties, though you should connect with Gretchen. She has some…updates…you might be interested in.”

Eden smiles, her eyes briefly darting to mine. “Thank you.”

“Great.” Bradley turns to me. “Let’s do this, bro.”

We leave Eden to her work and head to the conference room. Everything seems different now, is different. I’m not nervous. Meetings with the board rarely get to me, however, I’m apprehensive. I don’t know what to think or expect. The last time I’d seen them, they’d accused me of mismanagement and had brought up my fake marriage. They hadn’t cared about my defense then, which only makes me curious as to what they’re going to say now that they have the full story.

Bradley and I are the last to arrive. The first thing I notice is that Huxley is nowhere to be found. His chair is vacant. I take the same seat I did the last time.

“Carter, it’s good to see you again,” Bernie says once we’re settled. “I take it you know why we’re here?”

“Actually, why don’t you tell me?” I suggest. I bear no ill will toward Bernie. He had demonstrated his support for Eden by ensuring she retained her position. Although he hadn’t been able to convince the remaining board members to keep me on, he wields enough influence to have facilitated the internal investigation and prompt today’s meeting. Sensing his hesitation, I confront the board head-on, “During our last conversation, the board made their stance on me and my dedicated efforts abundantly clear. It seems that a few errors, for which neither my team nor I were responsible, and my preference for privacy were deemed more significant than my years of loyal service. Consequently, the board decided to terminate my employment.”

The board members avert their gazes in response.

“Yes, yes, we did,” Bernie agrees on their behalf. “But that was before we had the full story.” He takes a deep breath, briefly glancing at his compatriots, not that any of them want to meet his or my eye. “Bradley has brought to my attention evidence that Huxley was the one who was talking to Ecclestone Construction behind our backs.”

There it is. The puzzle piece that completes the riddle.

“We were able to verify these meetings, there’s no room for doubt,” Bernie continues, “as well as recover conversations from our office messaging system that provide undeniable proof of his directive in changing orders and sabotaging projects across multiple accounts.”

I sit perfectly still, letting the information wash over me. I know most of it already thanks to Bradley, and I appreciate that Bernie doesn’t try to water things down.

“I’m glad to hear it,” I say after he pauses for a moment.

Somehow, it seems funny to me that the man who was blatantly out to get me ended up being responsible for the things that I was fired for.

“I am aware that letting you go was a mistake,” Bernie emphasizes, casting a deliberate gaze around the board members before returning his focus to me. “Once everything was explained, and we had it all in black and white, I knew we needed to rectify this at all costs. You’re an amazing asset to the team, and we’d like to have you back.”

“What about Huxley?”

“Huxley is no longer with the company.”

“Did you find out what Ecclestone offered him in exchange for selling us out?”

Bernie purses his lips so tight it looks like he’s swallowed a lemon. “Several million dollars,” he says. “At least, that’s what it was at first. As time went on, it seemed that Huxley got greedy, and started asking for more. He wasn’t interested in having fellow board members. I believe his goal was to disband the board and be the only one in charge, with all the benefits, money, and power that went with it.”

As much as I despise Huxley, I have to admit he went to greater lengths than I anticipated. I’d never have believed him capable of such a move. An absolutely stupid one to be sure. He had completely overestimated himself—but it was audacious and ballsy enough that it might have worked.

“Where’s he now?” I ask.

“Huxley has been told it would be in his best interest to retire,” Bernie says. “He figured that was a preferable option rather than facing the consequences.”

What? It also means he won’t be held accountable for his actions, which leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. Goddammit. Clearly, a public scandal of that magnitude would have a negative impact on Legacy’s reputation and brand image—by quietly dismissing him, the board is aiming to restore external and internal cohesion and focus on moving forward. Still, Huxley was able to walk away, living a life of leisure on a beach somewhere? It’s something I strongly object to. I was fired for something I didn’t do, yet the man responsible was given a slap on the wrist.

Bullshit. I sure hope the board had at least negotiated a settlement, which involves an appropriate financial compensation.

It’s not my place to ask.

Nor to act.

Yet.

There are alternative, let’s say “less conventional” methods to drive a point home without resorting to legal measures. One such approach could entail a carefully orchestrated scenario that will lead to the loss of financial means, and respect, and influence—all as a form of just desserts. I’m a firm believer in ensuring any repercussions perfectly reflect the severity of the individual’s actions.

“This means there is now an opening on the board, and we’d like to give it to you, along with Huxley’s position. You’d be a partner in Legacy Builders,” Bernie continues, smiling now. “We’ve heard the full story about your aunt and your unwavering dedication to your family, and it’s precisely the kind of person we’re looking for.” He reaches for a pen and scribbles something on a piece of paper. He hands it to me.

Every single person directs their gaze toward me.

I sit in silence, taking a quick glance at the salary I’d be earning per year. The number is damn high. A lot higher than I expected.

When I don’t show the desired reaction, Bernie starts talking about additional compensations I’d receive in the form of bonuses, a profit-sharing agreement, and a range of other perks, such as extended vacation days. I’m barely listening at this point. Not needing the job puts me in the best negotiating position I could possibly be in. A couple months ago, I would’ve jumped at the opportunity. It was everything I had ever wanted and everything I had worked toward.

However, I don’t want it anymore.

The board has shown their true colors to me—both good and bad. Even now, giving me the title of “partner” and Huxley’s old job somehow seems more like a consolation prize, a way to placate me while still saving face. They don’t want me back because they value me, they want me back so no one else will get me. And, I suspect, part of it is also to silently stick it to Huxley. I bet he’s livid that I’m being offered his place.

I think about my own idea. Opening a construction consulting business fills me with more excitement than the thought of returning to Legacy Builders.

I look up at Bernie. “Thanks, but I’m going to have to pass.”

Bernie’s eyes go wide. “I’m sorry, what did you say?”

“I don’t want the position.”

“Carter, I know you were probably hurt that?—”

“Bernie.” I cut him off. “I appreciate my name being cleared, but I’m going to have to pass.”

In the depths of my heart, I can’t help but feel a tinge of regret toward Bernie, the man who couldn’t prevent my unjust dismissal but had played a crucial role in uncovering the truth. Bernie has proven himself to be a true ally and friend. Despite the tempting offer, my decision is resolute—I have to move on, leaving behind the shadows of that boardroom.

“If anything, Bradley Everhart should have the job,” I say, motioning to my friend, whose eyes light up. “We have the same experience, and he has proven his expertise over the last few days. He’s the one you want on your board.”

Bernie sits there, not looking happy, but not entirely surprised either. He’s a smart man and he probably suspected that I wouldn’t be coming back.

No one says anything.

After a few seconds of stunned silence, I ask, “Are we done here?”

Bernie nods. I don’t wait for an answer. I don’t need one. My mind is made up, had been when Eden had given me her support this morning. Shaking hands with Bernie and patting Bradley on the shoulder, I get up and leave.

I feel lighter than I have in years. A calmness washes over me, and I know I’ve done the right thing. The door is officially closed on my time at Legacy Builders, and there’s so much more on the horizon to look forward to.

Eden is typing away at her computer when I walk into the lobby. “Hey, that was fast,” she says with a smile. “How’d it go?”

I lean down and kiss her, cradling her face. When I pull away, she looks dazed, and her smile grows.

“Everything’s great,” I say, stroking her cheek. “I’ll be back later to take you to dinner.”

“Oh, okay. Wait, what happened in the meeting?”

“They offered to make me partner.”

She gasps. “They did?”

“I turned them down.”

Eden pulls away and looks at me as if she thinks she hasn’t heard me correctly. “Wait, seriously?”

“Absolutely.” I lean on her desk, a smile playing on my lips.

She can’t contain her excitement and hurries around her desk to pull me into a hug. “Well, I’ll be darned! I’m so proud of you.”

“You see, I’m not just a pretty face around here.”

Laughing, she draws away, then gives me one more kiss.

“Babe, well, guess what? I’ve made a decision, too—I’m quitting! Yep, I stayed here just to clear your name. But the truth is, I can’t imagine being here without you. So, here’s the plan: I want to be your assistant at your new place, if you’ll have me…I mean, if you say please .”

I don’t need to think twice. “Well, Eden, with an offer like that, how could I refuse?” I lean in and grumble, “ Pretty please with sugar on top. Be my new assistant, baby. Deal?”

“So glad you asked! Fantastic idea! How could anybody resist such a sweet request? And to make it even better, I’ll go all professional and give Bradley my two weeks’ notice. World domination it is, boss . Let’s roll!”

“Sounds like a good plan.” I kiss the tip of her nose. “Don’t work too hard. I’ll pick you up after work, and we’ll go somewhere to celebrate.”

“What about that little bistro where we took Auntie for lunch?” she asks. “The Sweet Spot? I’ve been dying to go back.”

“Sounds like a plan. The Sweet Spot it is. I could definitely use a dessert.”

Minutes later, I step out of Legacy for the last time and take a deep breath.

For the first time in years, I see endless possibilities stretched out before me. Though I often looked down on New York from my office, being here feels much better. I stand on my apartment’s rooftop, gazing at all the skyscrapers and the buildings below. None of them bear my name, yet that fact holds no significance. Maybe someday, one of them will. I found my calling when I decided to act as an adviser. My future can be everything I want it to be.

Life had thrown Eden into my arms, and I have no intention of ever letting her go.

With her by my side, anything is possible.