Page 9 of Merging with the Billionaire

“Thank you for the assist earlier,” Tiffany said, as she gathered up her papers to put back in her briefcase. “Not that I needed you to intervene on my behalf. I was just about to say the same thing.”

Conrad grinned. “Of course, you were; I simply beat you to it.”

“Why did you? Was it just because you want to make sure this succeeds for your royalty deal with my father?”

“I can’t say that didn’t factor in, because it did, but I also didn’t like seeing how those men were treating you. I’ve been underestimated my whole life, so I refuse to let it happen to anyone else.”

“They were just trying to put me in my place. They think because I’m a woman, I can’t do my job.”

“They’re fools then, because you’re as good as any of them, maybe better, which is probably why they are acting that way. Most bullies act the way they do because they’re afraid.”

“Dealt with a lot of bullies, have you?” Tiffany questioned, her eyes lifting up to meet his.

He nodded. “I dealt with a lot of them while I grew up in the foster care system. It’s why I don’t like seeing it happen to anyone else and stop it when I see it.”

“I didn’t know that about you,” Tiffany revealed. “That must have been hard.”

“I learned to be self-reliant, and to work hard for everything I have. It hasn’t always made me popular, and I’ve hit some bumps along the way, but I only have myself to blame if I don’t succeed.”

“I look at work the same way. Every victory is a direct result of what I did. It helps to combat the frustration with the men who act like I can’t do what they can simply because I’m a woman. Every success is another step in proving I can handle myself in the energy business.” Glancing at her watch, she let out a little gasp. “I have to get going. I have to take care of a family matter. Thanks for helping me with the meeting today.”

“Let me walk you out,” Conrad offered.

Tiffany looked as if she were debating whether it was a good idea. After a couple of moments, she nodded. “I have a couple of things I want to go over with you anyway.”

They made their way out of the conference room, discussing what the agenda for tomorrow was going to be. As they turned down a new hall, a man came into their view, blocking their path. Conrad didn’t recognize him, but he could tell from the angry look he was giving Tiffany, he had something to say.

* * *

Great,Harry Stine, just how Tiffany didn’t want to end her day. He hadn’t taken no for an answer, continuously sending invites to drinks via email and texts. In the beginning, she had politely declined, but as they continued and became more frequent, she opted to ignore them, hoping he would get the point. From the jealous scowl on his face, it appeared he hadn’t.

“I guess I shouldn’t be surprised to see you cozying up with the likes of him, despite the fact he’s your brother’s worst enemy,” Harry commented, a vein along his neck pulsated with anger as he glared at Tiffany and Conrad.

“I have to get along with everyone I work with for the sake of the company,” Tiffany defended, not liking the fact Harry was implying otherwise.

“To think, I actually believed your little speech that you didn’t want to mix business and pleasure, when all along, the truth was, you were simply waiting for a bigger prize,” Harry snarled. “I should have known that’s how someone like you would be.”

“You don’t know what you’re talking about,” Tiffany maintained, forcing herself to remain calm. She clenched her hands at her side, causing her nails to bite into her own palms.

“Don’t try to deny it. It’s obvious there’s something going on between the two of you,” Harry objected, moving closer until he was only a couple of feet from Tiffany. “It’s been apparent since he started coming into the office.”

“Even if that were true, what is it of your concern?” Conrad asked, moving in between Harry and Tiffany. “She’s a free woman to do as she pleases, and doesn’t need to answer to anyone, least of all you.”

“What do you mean by that? Least of all me, because I don’t have billions like the two of you? Money isn’t everything, but I wouldn’t expect people like you to understand that.”

“You assume way too much about us based off our economic status. I’ll have you know, I wasn’t referring to the number in your bank account, but rather, the bankruptcy in your judgment,” Conrad stated with disdain.

Harry’s lips were pressed together into a white slash, his eyes flashing with rage. For a moment, Tiffany thought he might move to slug Conrad. Instead, he spun around and took off the way he came.

“You should fire him for behaving like that,” Conrad pointed out. “I wouldn’t let that type of conduct stand at my company.”

“Well, we’re not at your company, Mr. Gaines. This is mine, and I don’t go around arbitrarily firing people. I think about my decisions—weigh the pros and cons—and then choose the best option.”

“I think you have a tendency to overthink everything. Sometimes, you just know when something has to be done,” Conrad countered, turning to face her.

Was he still talking about Harry, or was this about something else? She almost got the feeling that he was hinting at something more.

“Who are you to judge how I handle situations? You’re exactly the same way,” she accused in a haughty tone. “I’ve watched you over the past week, and you calculate every decision you make before you make it.”

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