Page 126 of Hello Billionaire

The glass door opened, and I turned to see Shantel and Mia walking in the office together.

“Take a seat,” I said, gesturing at the table where Jason had sat moments ago.

Mia and Shantel did as I asked, and Mia said, “If you’re going to fire me, I’d prefer you do it quickly.”

I smiled at this spunky woman. “You know this business’s growth wouldn’t have been possible without your dedication to your role over the last few years,” I told her. “You have put in more hours than half the C-suite and know just as much about my job as I do.”

She studied me closely. “Then why am I here with HR?”

I walked closer to the table, placing my hands on the glass top and looking directly at her. “Because I am stepping down as this company’s CEO, and that means there’s an open position with your name on it. If you want it.”

Her jaw dropped, and she looked to Shantel for confirmation.

Shantel nodded, a smile on her lips.

“You’re stepping down?” Mia asked.

I stood straight, looking back out the window. “This business has been my life for sixteen years. And I’m thankful for all I’ve been able to do and learn here. But growing something like this has come at a cost, and it’s a price I’m not willing to pay anymore.”

I faced them again. “If you decide to step into this role, Mia, it will take commitment, dedication, and you’ll have pains as you grow with it. But it’s also an opportunity to change our corner of the world as we know it. I know you’re capable of it, but only if you want to be.”

“I’ve never been in the C-Suite before,” she said. “I’ve only ever been an assistant.”

Shantel shook her head. “I started out as Gage’s first employee, and I’ve always been stretched into a better version of myself with each promotion. Gage provides excellent training, and growing with this company has been a highlight of my life.”

I nodded in agreement. I had full faith that Mia could do this. “You graduated summa cum laude from Upton University with a degree in Business Administration, and then earned your MBA while working overtime. You have the education, and you know this business better than anyone else.”

“What will you do?” she asked.

“I’ll train you, for the next six months, if you accept the position. And then I’ll stay on as a consulting board member, but I won’t be working long hours anymore.”

Shantel passed Mia a manila envelope with details of the position, including her starting salary to be bumped up when she completed training.

She flipped the folder open and covered her mouth at the final page. “This is real?”

“As real as it gets,” I replied. “If you need to sleep on it, I understand.”

“I don’t need to sleep on it,” she said. “For the last three years, I’ve seen you put in more hours than anyone I’ve ever known. I’ve watched you make decisions that cost you money to better the lives of others. And I’ve seen you fall in love with the woman of your dreams and then give up everything for her.” Her eyes filled with tears. “It would be my honor to take this position and follow the amazing example you’ve left.”

She got up from the table, wrapping her arms around me, and said, “Go get your girl.”

59

Farrah

The day of Levi’s first summer game, I put on my royal-blue Titans T-shirt that Andrew made for me one day at Mom’s house, using puff paint to create the team’s design. Cora had a matching shirt in her size, and I added a big blue bow to her ponytail. For someone who was quickly running out of vacation time because of the breakup, I probably should have stopped spending money and spent more time looking for another position.

But quitting was like giving up on Gage. Even though it had been a week since we’d broken up, and he still hadn’t called, my stupid heart didn’t want to let go.

I finished adjusting the bow in Cora’s hair and said, “Perfect. Ready to go cheer on Levi?”

She nodded with a smile and linked her hand with mine as we walked out of the bathroom to the living room, where Andrew and Levi were already dressed and laying on their stomachs playing video games.

“Time to go, guys,” I said.

They paused the game, getting up. As Levi grabbed his gym bag, Andrew picked up a bundle of blue fabric from the couch.

“What’s that?” I asked.

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