Chapter 7
He agreed without a second's hesitation. No dithering, no second-guessing.
With my arms looped around his neck and a playful smile on my lips, I looked into his eyes, shimmering with amusement. "Ten percent, you sure you're okay with that?"
His clear and serene eyes met mine. "It's for you, my wife, not for someone else."
At that moment, I had to admit that money was a powerful way to show loyalty. The tension I had been holding in all afternoon found its release.
As if trying to prove a point, I teased, "What about Margaret, though? Would you give it to her?"
He paused briefly before giving a firm answer, "No."
"Really?" I doubted it.
"Uh huh, all I can offer her is that position." Bryant pulled me into his embrace, his voice cold and steady, "The share transfer agreement, I'll have Kevin send it to you this afternoon. From now on, you're one of the bosses at Ferguson Group. Everyone else works for you."
"What about you?" I asked, my mood significantly lifted, a playful smile dancing on my lips.
He raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
"Are you working for me, too?" I joked.
"Of course." Bryant chuckled, ruffling my hair before he leaned in to whisper, "I'm at your service, in and out of bed."
My face flushed with heat, and I shot him a glare.
That was just like him, all serious and dignified on the surface, but now and then, he'd drop a line that could make anyone blush.
Seeing my mood shift from cloudy to sunny, he glanced at his watch. "I need to head up for a meeting. Today's Thanksgiving. We should head back to the Ferguson Mansion tonight for dinner with Grandpa. I'll wait for you in the parking lot."
"Got it." I wouldn't dream of refusing, my mind ticking away. I made a decision. "Honey, I've got a surprise for you tonight."
The other day, I was uncertain about whether to tell him about my pregnancy, especially after the necklace incident.
Since he had shown who mattered more to him between me and Margaret, there was no reason for me to keep it a secret any longer.
"What kind of surprise?" Bryant's curiosity was piqued, and he wanted to know immediately.
"I'll tell you after work. Wait for me!" I tiptoed for a quick kiss on his lips, then turned away, leaving him standing there.
After Bryant left, I finally managed to focus on my design drafts. I had no idea how long it had been before someone knocked on my office door again.
"Come in," I said, without looking up.
"Jane, am I disturbing you?" Margaret's gentle voice came through.
"A bit," I admitted because I hated interruptions when rushing a design draft.
Margaret's expression turned awkward for a moment, but she plowed ahead. "Sorry, I didn't mean to. I just found out that the Director position of the Design Department was supposed to be yours. I inadvertently took the position meant for you, so I'm here to apologize."
"It's okay," I said casually.
Bryant had already compensated me. I couldn't make as much working my whole life as a design director as I could owning ten percent of the shares. Perhaps my indifferent and relaxed demeanor surprised Margaret.
"Are you sure? If it bothers you, let me know, and I can switch departments. I don't want this to upset you," she said, settling onto the sofa comfortably. "Margaret, I'm not upset. You can stay in the Design Department."
'Please, just stop making a fuss.' I thought, fearing the company would go under before I could enjoy my shares with her around. At least in the Design Department, I could keep things under control. "That's good. We're family here, so feel free to talk to me if you're upset. Don't keep it all bottled up."
Acting the understanding sister, Margaret tucked her hair behind her ear and added softly, "Anyway, Bry said I could pick any position in the company. I haven't worked for many years, so it doesn't matter which department I end up in."