Ch. 11..20

Chapter 11

Audrey finally shoved her suitcase into the guest bedroom. She tucked it into the corner and was about to hunt down some pajamas for a shower when the phone rang. It was Emily Norris, her assistant.

"Hey, Ms. Rhodes! Happy wedding! I'm not interrupting anything, am I?" Emily's smooth voice came through the receiver, completely sincere since she didn't know about the chaos surrounding Audrey's wedding day. "Nope." Audrey let her gaze drop, sitting down on the edge of the bed. "What's up?" Emily never called at this hour unless it was important.

"Well, here's the thing, Ms. Rhodes. I thought you were tied up with wedding stuff, and I wasn't sure if this got you okay. Did you really agree to give Eliza the Vice Manager position?"

Audrey was taken aback, her mind going blank for a moment. "I had no idea about that."

Emily sounded firm, almost agitated. "Then it must have been Mr. Rhodes' idea. He personally called HR to appoint Eliza as Vice Manager, and he wants to take the resources for the Brightview Group project that you've been working on."

Emily felt a wave of sympathy for Audrey. Eliza didn't have a clue what she was doing and suddenly got such a big role. It was pretty obvious she was trying to push Audrey aside.

Audrey couldn't even describe how disappointed or hurt she felt. Truth was, she had kinda seen this coming. Albert Rhodes, her adoptive father, had always despised her. It was clear he was doing everything he could to pave the way for Eliza with the Brightview Group project.

But Audrey had poured her heart and soul into that project-countless dinners, so much trial and error, and it was finally about to be signed. She wasn't about to be used as a pawn.

Once she gathered her thoughts, Audrey replied calmly, "I'll head into the office tomorrow. If anyone reaches out to you for project info, go ahead and give it to them first."

She didn't want to make things tough for Emily. The information could go out, but Audrey wasn't letting go of that project without a fight.

*****

Alistair pulled up to the swankiest part of Riverdale, the kind of neighborhood that practically screams exclusivity.

While both sides of the river boasted wealth, this area was on another level entirely. The Rhodes family across the water couldn't hold a candle to this elite gathering of the super-rich.

After Alistair parked his car in front of a stunning cream-colored manor that screamed elegance, a young guy in a black jacket emerged. He had striking features, his light blonde hair styled in a carefree, slightly rebellious way.

The moment Logan Barrett spotted Alistair, a smirk spread across his face. "Hey, look who's back! Mr. Hayes, back from his wedding and playing it poor? What's next? Are you going to tell me you got kicked out?"

Logan had a pretty good read on the snobs from Dominic's family. Seeing Alistair roll up in a car worth around dozens grand, they probably thought Alistair was a nobody now, just waiting to be mocked.

But Alistair didn't seem to care much about Logan's teasing. He wore a relaxed smile, eyebrows raised, and replied, "Let's grab a drink."

Logan paused, surprised. 'Is Alistair really drowning his sorrows? Had he actually been booted out?'

Before Logan could dig deeper into the drama, Alistair strolled into the manor, effortlessly grabbed a bottle of wine from the cabinet, and pulled out two highball glasses.

"You've got that look like you've got something to celebrate. You're not getting too angry, are you?" Logan shot back with a mischievous grin.

He continued, "But seriously, what's the deal with Dominic and his family? They're barely a footnote compared to yours.

"You traveled all this way for their son's wedding, and they don't even bother to acknowledge you? That's just cold. Honestly, if they keep this up, their family might as well be headed for bankruptcy."

Alistair stood there, looking completely expressionless, and said with a hint of gloom, "I'm not here to attend the wedding. I'm here to crash it. I was gonna take the bride away."

Even if he was bold enough to snatch the bride away, Dominic and his family wouldn't dare to challenge him.

Logan blinked in disbelief, rubbing his ears as if he couldn't believe what he'd just heard. "What? No way. Am I really hearing this? Did you just say you're here to crash the wedding?"

Before Alistair could answer, Logan continued, stumbling over his words. "Hold on-do you even know who the bride is? You traveled all this way just to swipe your distant nephew's fiancée? Anyone who believes that must be nuts!" Alistair replied coolly, "Dominic ditched the wedding-now she's my wife."

"Wife?" Logan's jaw nearly hit the floor. 'No way. Did he really manage to pull off a marriage heist?' Logan thought in disbelief. Everyone in Riverdale knew Audrey was head over heels for Dominic.

"Well, we just got a certificate. We're officially married now," Alistair said, nonchalantly pushing the highball glass across the table. His tone was laid-back, but he had that proud vibe going on. "Don't forget to call her Mrs. Hayes next time you see her." Logan was speechless.

 

 

Chapter 12

After processing the surprising news about Alistair's marriage, Logan pulled him in for a warm side hug. He arched an eyebrow and grinned, "So, am I the first to hear about this?" "Yeah," Alistair replied, shoving Logan away playfully.

Not bothered at all, Logan beamed, "Awesome! This calls for a celebration. Cheers!"

He raised his glass, clinked it with Alistair's, took a swig, and then declared, "Nope, this wine won't cut it. You have finally tied the knot before hitting thirty. We need something special for the occasion."

With that, he turned and headed for the wine cellar, diving into his dad's century-old collection. He didn't even flinch at the thought of his father possibly disowning him over it.

*****

Outside the floor-to-ceiling windows, the cool moonlight streamed in, casting a glow over the wine bottles scattered on the floor. Audrey lay sprawled on the sofa, arms dangling, still clutching a half-empty, rose-red bottle.

Her usually bright face was streaked with tears from all the drinks she barely remembered consuming, though she definitely recalled receiving a call from Emily and getting completely overwhelmed.

It hit her hard that Albert never really liked her. It all tied back to that messy little situation starting on what seemed like a perfectly normal weekend.

Audrey had just learned to whip up some desserts and thought it would be a nice surprise to send some to Albert as he worked late at the office. But when she got there, she stumbled upon a scene she couldn't bear-Albert flirting with a female secretary. That secretary casually mentioned how Albert was supposed to come to their son's birthday party. At just sixteen, Audrey felt her heart drop and bolted home in tears.

But when she got there and saw Fiona, all the words she wanted to spill got stuck in her throat. She had always believed her parents' relationship was perfect, a vision of happiness that turned out to be nothing more than an illusion.

No way her mom could accept ten years of betrayal from her dad, the man she trusted so deeply. After a good cry, something in Audrey shifted.

She decided to keep all this inside, but the fear lingered that one day, Albert's son with the secretary might end up stealing Rhodes Enterprises right from under her nose.

So, after finishing high school, Audrey made the tough choice to ditch her dreams for a major she didn't care about and jumped straight into the family business after graduation.

Rhodes Enterprises started as a small family operation in construction and design and was founded by her grandfather. Under Albert's leadership, it bloomed into hotels, restaurants, and horse farms and even dipped its toes into the entertainment scene. But as Albert aged, his vision started to fail, leading to bad investments and almost putting the company at risk of bankruptcy.

For two years, Audrey poured herself into saving the family business, never daring to take a break. Yet instead of gratitude, Albert just wanted to wrest control from her, and their relationship soured further with each argument.

Now, it felt like even Fiona had been manipulated by Eliza. Looking back at the past twenty years felt like a bad joke.

As frustration washed over her, Audrey found herself reaching for another drink. The more she sipped, the more reckless she became.

When the chauffeur pulled up to the underground garage, it was already past two in the morning. Alistair slumped against the backseat, the faint scent of alcohol lingering on him.

Once the car was shut off and the chauffeur left, he found himself alone for a moment longer.

'By now, Audrey should be fast asleep, hopefully resting easy and not worrying too much in my absence.' As this thought crossed his mind, Alistair's expression softened. He grabbed the car keys and climbed out, heading toward home.

But as soon as he opened the door, a strong whiff of alcohol hit him like a freight train. He paused, momentarily bewildered, wondering if he had stepped into the wrong place.

He'd only had a couple of drinks at Logan's place, so this strong smell shouldn't be coming from him. His heart raced as he tried to piece it all together.

 

Chapter 13

Alistair flipped the switch in the living room. There lay Audrey on the couch, sprawled out in a silk nightgown, clearly tipsy. The bright light must've stung her eyes because she winced, burying her face into the cushions. As he got closer, he caught snippets of her frustrated mumbling mixed with sobs. "Why did they all have to leave me behind?"

His heart tightened with a wave of guilt and regret. The pain in Alistair's eyes was unmistakable as he leaned down, gently running his hand over her hair while speaking softly. "I'm really sorry. It's my fault for leaving you alone." If he'd known she'd struggle so much on her own, he would've stuck around, even if he knew she was shy.

Alistair gently ran his hand over her head to calm her down before leaning in to lift her. As he turned her over, he noticed Audrey's puffy, red eyelids and her tear-streaked cheeks. It made his heart sink.

'How long had she been crying?' he wondered. A wave of guilt washed over him, and he clenched his jaw as he carefully picked her up.

At that moment, Audrey was lost in a haze when she felt someone sitting next to her. Without really thinking, she waved her hand and grabbed Alistair's tie.

She was sort of curled up on the sofa, her head tilted just enough to show off her delicate neck. Her eyes were still shut, but she leaned in closer, her voice sweet and playful. "Dominic..." Audrey's gentle voice hit Alistair like a ton of bricks, catching him completely off guard.

'So deep down, she's still thinking about Dominic,' Alistair thought.

He felt his breath catch. It was like the air had thickened around him. The warmth in his gaze vanished, replaced by a cold, bitter edge. With one last glance at Audrey, he turned to walk away. Audrey, all tipsy, perked up again, wrapping her hands around Alistair's waist and resting her head against his chest. She softly said, "Wow, you're really well-built. Looks like you've got abs."

She gave a playful, silly smile, obciously satisfied with what she was feeling now, as her hand slipped into his shirt. She couldn't help but say, "No way, this can't be Dominic. He's obviously my new husband. Hey, hubby, can I get a hug?" She reached out her hands and tilted her head, making it clear she wanted a hug. Her lovely, rosy lips were slightly parted in a cute, unaware pout.

Alistair's muscles tensed up, especially the muscles in his abdomen that had just been stroked by her hands, hot and spicy.

He looked down at the petite woman in his arms, his breath a bit ragged. "Hey, Audrey, do you even realize what you're getting into?" He knew that if she pushed him now, there'd be no way out later.

Audrey was totally lost, her thoughts a jumbled mess. All she could really do was kick her legs in frustration as she grumbled, "Why don't you just come over and hug me? You don't really like me, do you?"

Alistair sighed in resignation and leaned down to pick her up. Audrey wrapped her arms around his shoulders, her warm spit spraying the nape of his neck.

Alistair lurched to his feet, a blush creeping up his earlobes. It was like his body was about to burst into flames.

Audrey, completely unaware, snuggled closer and mumbled softly, "Babe, will you stick around? I'm really not great with being on my own right now." Alistair almost lost his balance, nearly letting Audrey slip out of his arms. There was something about her. All that drinking made her way more real.

He brought her back to the master bedroom like he was supposed to, but when he got there, he noticed her luggage was nowhere to be found.

After gently laying Audrey on the big dark grey bed, Alistair leaned in and brushed the stray hairs away from her ears. His eyes travelled down her smooth, pale cheeks to her soft pink lips.

He could still feel the warmth from that surprising touch at City Hall lingering in his memory. With a thought in mind, Alistair leaned in a bit closer.

The gap between them was shrinking, but just before things could go further, Alistair hit the brakes. It wouldn't be cool to take advantage of her while she was drunk. Plus, it was clear she wasn't really feeling him at that moment. Gritting his teeth, Alistair was just about to back away when he suddenly felt a pair of gentle arms wrap around his neck. The arms tugged downward, and thrie lips pressed together without warning.

Alistair's heart raced as he watched Audrey's eyes flutter open in a mix of confusion, her wide, tearful gaze locked on him. At that moment, he felt a bit unsteady. Things had gotten this far, and there was no turning back now. Alistair's gaze dipped, and what started as a gentle kiss quickly turned intense. His hands tightened around her waist, leaving no room for her to pull away.

Slowly, Audrey began to lose her breath, her face turning bright red as her soft, flimsy hands pushed against Alistair's chest. It felt like she was trying to shake a tree.

She whimpered and groaned, kicking her legs a couple of times before Alistair finally let go.

"Urgh!" Audrey leaned against the bed and lost all the wine she had drunk tonight. Alistair just stood there, speechless.

 

Chapter 14

'Is she throwing up because of my kiss?' Alistair thought.

His heart raced as he recalled how much wine she had downed. With a mix of concern and regret, he crouched beside her and gently patted her back.

Even someone like him could find himself in these awkward situations-comforting Audrey, offering her water, until she finally started to calm down. What a wild night!

The following morning, warm sunlight streamed through the curtains, nudging Audrey awake. She squinted, hummed a little, and then reached for what she thought was her pillow, preparing to get up.

'Wait, why is my 'pillow' so hard today?' she thought in a daze. As she slowly opened her eyes, she was surprised to find Alistair watching her, propped up on one elbow.

The air felt thick, almost frozen in that moment. In an instant, Audrey shot up, her eyes wide. 'Oh no! What happened last night?' she couldn't help but wonder.

Besides the pounding headache, everything felt okay, but she remembered the stories about what usually followed a night of crazy sex, and-Wait! why am I wearing a bathrobe?' she wondered.

She glanced down at the robe wrapped around her and looked up at Alistair, feeling utterly confused. "How the heck did you end up in my bed?" To think she thought she was hugging a pillow, but it turned out to be his chest! "This is my room," Alistair replied with an amused raise of his eyebrows.

Feeling utterly trapped, Audrey suddenly realized that this wasn't her guest room. Heat rushed to her cheeks as snippets of last night flooded back-her pleading for a hug, kissing him, and then throwing up all over him before sobbing and cuddling him to sleep. 'Oh my god! Talk about embarrassing!' she exclaimed inwardly.

With a little whimper, she pulled the covers over her head to hide. Eventually, she mustered up the courage to say, "I'm so sorry! I didn't mean for any of that to happen. I swear I'll never drink again!"

"It's all good." Alistair chuckled softly, clearly not too bothered, and looking much brighter than she felt.

As she heard him stir in bed, Audrey quietly lifted the covers just a bit. Thinking he had stepped out, she peeked over and caught sight of him changing in front of the closet, topless.

That big floor-to-ceiling mirror was hard to miss. It reflected Alistair's incredible physique-his lean, chiselled chest, those rock-hard abs, and that perfect V-shaped silhouette. It was a sight to behold.

"There's a whole lineup at your disposal, so you're guaranteed to have a blast every night." Violet's words popped back into Audrey's mind, making her cheeks turn red. She pulled her head back under the covers, curling up like a little shrimp. 'Come on, Audrey, that's kinda shady. How could you even spy on a guy getting dressed?' she blamed herself inwardly.

She thought she was sneaky about stealing glances, but Alistair caught every little move in the mirror.

He decided to take his time, enjoying how her face turned brighter and brighter until she finally shrank back like a scared animal. The amusement in his eyes just grew wider.

Once Audrey was sure Alistair had really left, she tiptoed back to her room, her cheeks still flushed. After washing up and changing into her clothes, she finally emerged after what felt like an eternity.

As she stepped out, she caught sight of Alistair busy in the semi-open kitchen, making breakfast like the perfect husband. Audrey couldn't help but think to herself how virtuous he looked.

She wanted to sneak out quietly, but just as she started to slip away, Alistair called out, "Aren't you going to join me for breakfast?"

"I can't. I'm in a rush for work. Let's eat together another time. I'll head out now, bye!" Without waiting for a response, she yanked the door open and hurried away.

There was no way she could sit down for breakfast with Alistair and act like nothing had happened after last night's awkwardness.

By the time Alistair stepped out of the kitchen with a plate in hand, Audrey was already in the elevator heading downstairs. He put his plate down, feeling uninterested in food, and was about to leave when he noticed the papers scattered across the table. It was clear Audrey had left them out after reading in the living room last night. Alistair glanced at them casually and spotted "Brightview Group" written in bold letters.

After a moment of contemplation, he wiped his hands, stood up, and walked over to the window to make a call.

 

Chapter 15

At eight-fifty, Audrey made her way downstairs to Rhodes Enterprises. As she strolled through the office, colleagues greeted her with smiles. "Ms. Rhodes, good morning!"

"Ms. Rhodes, happy wedding!"

She responded with a smile and a nod to each one, but as soon as she walked away, whispers erupted behind her.

"Why does she even bother showing up? If I were her, I'd just pack it in and leave in shame."

Audrey caught a bit of the chatter, frowned slightly, and quickened her steps toward her office. Passing by the pantry, she overheard more gossip. "Did you hear Audrey's back at work today? She can't really think there's still a place for her here, can she?"

Someone laughed sarcastically and added, "She's been leeching off this family for so long. It's about time she figured out she doesn't belong here." "And that wedding she had yesterday? Talk about a disaster!"

"What's the deal?"

"She's probably just in denial about not being the Rhodes' real daughter. I mean, her fiancé bailed on her for the real daughter, and she married someone else on the spot. Seems like she's trying to make a scene just to shame everyone!" "Wow, what a low blow! Mr. Hayes was smart to ditch her for Miss Harper. Those two are a much better match. Honestly, Audrey, the fake daughter, should have been shown the door ages ago."

Audrey couldn't help but smile bitterly at their words. She thought she had put in the effort at the company, treated everyone well, and even looked past their little mistakes.

But here she was, being dragged through the mud just to make Eliza look good. Maybe she had been too nice after all.

Audrey raised her hand and knocked on the door, the sound of giggles spilling out from the pantry. A few of the girls inside caught sight of her, their expressions shifting fast. "Ms. Rhodes, you're back! We missed you..."

Audrey shot them a cold glance and replied, "It's nine o'clock. What are you all doing here? Rhodes Enterprises doesn't tolerate slackers. If you think you can just hang around gossiping, you might want to leave before it gets too late." The room fell silent. This was the first time Audrey had reprimanded anyone with such seriousness since joining the company two years ago. The chatting employees quickly lowered their heads like schoolchildren, muttering apologies. "Sorry, Ms. Rhodes. We'll get back to work."

With a grunt and a threatening look, Audrey turned on her heel and left.

As soon as she was gone, one of the girls couldn't resist sneering, "What's the point in getting all worked up? We'll see who's the first to leave."

"Alright, enough of that. Let's focus on work," another chimed in.

Audrey settled into her office and took a seat. Moments later, her assistant Emily pushed the door open and walked in, carefully setting down a cup of coffee.

"Finally, you're back! The past couple of days without you have been chaos. The gossip from those women is outrageous!" Emily complained.

Audrey sipped her coffee but stayed quiet. Emily hesitated, realizing that in the past, even a single comment from her would prompt a reaction from Audrey.

Frustrated, Emily pressed on, "It's clear that you've done all the heavy lifting around here, and now Eliza thinks she can swoop in and take what's yours. It's just too much. We can't let her get away with this!"

Audrey smiled, the weariness in her eyes fading away. "Don't worry, I've got it under control. Isn't Brightview Group coming in to sign the contract today? Let's get ready."

Emily hesitated for a moment before admitting, "Um, they're already here. Eliza is currently in the conference room with them."

Audrey's expression darkened as she sprang to her feet. "Let's go check it out."

 

Chapter

16

For this signing. Brightview Group showed up with three people. Even Jacob Wells, the project manager, was present.

In the conference room, Jacob frowned a bit as he noticed Eliza and Albert sitting across. So, where's Ms. Rhodes?" he asked.

Eliza's expression soured for a moment upon hearing Audrey's name, but she quickly composed herself and explained, "Tll be taking over this project from now on. Audrey is about to leave Rhodes Enterprises, and I'll be stepping into her role." Her tone suggested she expected this change to be a given.

Jacob raised his eyebrows, not fully convinced. What he valued was Audrey's skills and commitment, not just the title someone

held.

But with Albert also present in the meeting, Jacob recognized Rhodes Enterprises' solid intent. After two months of work on everything from site selection to final approvals, it was crucial to get the contract signed today. Thinking for a moment, Jacob grabbed the documents from his assistant and said, "Let's get this contract started. He signed his name and pushed the document toward Eliza.

Eliza felt a rush of excitement. Once she signed, the project would officially be hers.

Eagerly, she reached for the pen, but it felt a bit stuck. After shaking it a little, she tried again, but the first stroke didn't come out Just then, the conference room door swung open, and someone walked in.

Dressed in a sleek white suit and sporting a low ponytail with chic champagne-colored heels, Audrey strolled in confidently. "Sorry I'm late," she said with a smile as she greeted Jacob, then took a seat beside Eliza. Flustered, Eliza shot her an awkward glance. "Audrey, what brings you here?" she asked, a bit on edge. Did no one inform her about the change in responsibilities?' she wondered.

Audrey caught her gaze and, with a playful smile, reached for the contract in Eliza's hand. "This is my project, so of course, I should be the one signing the contract. I wouldn't want to let anyone else handle it for me." Eliza's face paled, and she looked over at Albert, silently seeking help

Albert's expression was anything but pleasant as he shot a glare at Audrey, simmering with resentment. "Who let you in? You're making a mockery of this situation-just get out!"

Audrey raised an eyebrow and let out a light laugh. Glancing around the room, she replied, "Oh, don't worry about it. Mr. Rhodes. I know Mr. Wells well. He won't mind bending a few rules. Right, Mr. Wells?"

Jacob sat there, taken aback. He didn't expect so much drama at a signing ceremony. It made him think of the rumors he'd heard about how Audrey wasn't actually a Rhodes by blood. It looked like he was involved in some sort of family feud.

Jacob wasn't keen on getting mixed up in that mess. He turned directly to Albert and asked, "Mr. Rhodes, who's handling this project? Who do we need to connect with going forward? If your company hasn't finalized things yet, we can always push the signing to another day."

That wasn't an option. Delaying could cost them, especially since they weren't the only ones in the running for Brightview Group's business.

To cut to the chase, Albert declared, "Mr. Wells, Audrey's been let go. She's out of the loop on this project. He shot Audrey another fierce look, a silent warning for her to stay quiet

He knew Audrey well enough. Sure, she could be a little temperamental, but deep down, she always prioritized the bigger picture. She wouldn't jeopardize Rhodes Enterprses interests just to save face.

Audrey's heart dropped, and she smirked, "Since Eliza's getting the project, can I ask a couple of questions? She didn't want to make a scene with Albert in the conference room, but letting Eliza off the hook wasn't an option. "Sure," Eliza jumped in eagerly, not even waiting for Albert to respond

Audrey chuckled lightly and asked, "So, which decoration materials in the design plan are our responsibility, and which ones do we need to get from Brightview Group?"

Eliza looked momentarily stunned, her eyes darting with panic. What kind of question was that? Shouldn't Brightview Group provide all the materials? she wondered.

Not surprised by Eliza's silence, Audrey pressed on, "Okay, second question: what's the total floor area of the building center, and what's the coverage? What's the capacity ratio!"

Eliza's palms started sweating, and her lips pressed into a thin line. It was clear that Audrey was deliberately putting her in a tough spot.

"You don't know that either. Let's try something simpler. What's this project really about" Audrey asked again.

*1-l... Eliza stammered, struggling to form a coherent thought.

Before coming here, her only focus was on stealing the project from Audrey and proving herself to Albert, who had promised her the gig. She hadn't even bothered to read through any project details.

She didn't expect Audrey to call her out in front of everyone. A mix of embarrassment, shame, and frustration swirled in

Eliza's chest,

Jacob shook his head in disappointment, stood up, and straightened his suit, her tone icy. It looks like you're just throwing a newbie into this project. That shows a lack of commitment on your part to collaborate. With that, the cooperation is off"

 

 

Chapter 17

Jacob's decision to cancel the collaboration wasn't out of spite. He had plenty of options with people eager to partner with Brightview Group, and dealing with the Rhodes family was just too messy.

Albert and Eliza's expressions shifted dramatically at this news, and Audrey frowned in frustration. She had poured her heart into this project, even wearing out two pairs of shoes on that field trip. To have it all canceled just like that was infuriating. Before she could voice her thoughts, Jacob's phone rang at the worst possible moment. He had to take the call, leaving everyone in a tense silence.

When the call ended, Jacob's attitude shifted noticeably. He shot Audrey a look that seemed to size her up, leaving her puzzled. Then he said, "I was hasty before. We've both invested so much into this project-it'd be a shame to just throw it away now." Before Albert and Eliza could celebrate, Jacob quickly added, "But I'm only recognizing Ms. Rhodes as the project lead."

His sudden change took everyone by surprise, and Audrey was left even more confused. Just moments ago, he seemed set on avoiding any trouble, and now here he was.

'It was because of the call. Who could it be?' Audrey wondered.

Albert noticed Eliza's disappointment, annoyance creeping in. "Mr. Wells, what do you mean? In a collaboration, determining who's responsible for the project should be our concern." Jacob smirked slightly. "Well, Mr. Rhodes, I don't think you get it. Whether this project goes to Rhodes Enterprises hinges on Ms. Rhodes. Either she continues leading it, or we walk away."

That statement threw Albert off balance.A mere project manager dared pull rank on him. But then he remembered Brightview Group's clout behind Jacob and held his tongue.

Eliza, not ready to back down, jumped in. "Mr. Wells, I take responsibility for my earlier oversight. Give me a day, and I'll dive deep into this project. Please, let me prove myself." She was determined not to fall behind Audrey on her very first day at the company.

But Jacob just gave her a cool, indifferent smile and said, "Understanding a project isn't just about skimming the surface. Miss Harper, you're still young. There will be other chances." And just like that, she was shut down.

Eliza clenched her jaw and shot Audrey a frustrated look. Deep down, she fumed, "Audrey, let's be honest-you're the one with all the advantages! I've got a ton to learn compared to you."

"Good to know," Audrey shot back with a smirk.

Eliza just stood there, speechless. 'Seriously, can't she get the vibe?' she thought.

Audrey brushed her off and turned her attention back to the irritated Albert. "Mr. Rhodes, if you don't care about this partnership, I can step aside."

Albert was really trying to set things up for Eliza. Audrey wanted to see just how far Albert, who was all about benefits, would go in this situation.

Albert's expression soured immediately. He understood all too well how crucial this project was. If it fell through, Rhodes Enterprises wouldn't just look bad-they'd also face some serious cash flow problems.

Eliza, blissfully unaware, watched him with a hurt and hopeful look, hoping he'd defend her again.

After a deep breath, Albert reluctantly relented to Audrey. "Since Mr. Wells thinks highly of your skills, just make sure you do a good job and don't let me down."

With that, he ignored Eliza's protests and pulled her out of the conference room, her frustration simmering.

Finally, the awkward situation wrapped up, and Audrey let out a sigh of relief. Jacob, eager to avoid any more drama, nudged her to sign the contract.

They'd already gone through it, and everything looked good. Still, Audrey took her time going over it again before putting her name down.

Both parties stood up to shake hands. "Here's to a great partnership," Audrey said.

"Cheers to that," Jacob replied.

After a brief pause, he added, "They shouldn't give up so easily. If you ever need anything down the line, just reach out to me."

Audrey was taken aback by that. She and Jacob had known each other for ages, and he was usually all about business, no personal touch at all. Today felt different, and she couldn't help but wonder who had just called him.

 

Chapter 18

Audrey dodged and poked around for more info, but Jacob wasn't having it and clammed up. Realizing she wasn't going to get anywhere, Audrey dropped the topic and, after the signing wrapped up, personally showed the folks from Brightview Group downstairs. When she got back, she headed straight for the project team. As soon as she walked in-bam!-flowers rained down from above, scattering everywhere. The project team had formed a half-circle and erupted into applause for Audrey. "Awesome job, Ms. Rhodes! We finally landed the project. You're amazing!"

Everyone was buzzing with excitement about the win. Audrey couldn't help but catch their enthusiasm and grin back at them.

She clapped her hands to get their attention and said, "This success is all thanks to our teamwork, so I'm treating everyone to a potluck dinner after work tonight!"

"Yay! Thanks, Ms. Rhodes!"

"Woohoo!" The room filled with cheers, everyone celebrating the victory together.

Eliza, who happened to be passing by, caught sight of the scene and instinctively tightened her grip on her cup, her expression shifting to one of despair.

Audrey, why did you come back? All this applause and attention should have been mine! she thought

After wrapping up with Emily at the evening potluck, Audrey decided to step away from her workstation and head to the pantry. Just as she reached the door, Eliza suddenly stepped out, blocking her path.

Not in the mood to deal with her, Audrey tried to sidestep her, but Eliza moved back into her way. "What's your problem?" Audrey asked, raising her eyebrows with indifference.

Eliza was annoyed by how Audrey seemed to be acting so superior, as if nothing bothered her. Grinding her teeth, Eliza sneered, "Audrey, how can you be so shameless?"

Audrey frowned slightly, giving her a cold stare.

Eliza continued, "You know you're not part of the Rhodes family anymore, yet you still cling to this place. Do you have no shame?"

Audrey let out a soft laugh, shaking her head. Though she didn't say a word, to Eliza, it felt like a thousand stabs of mockery.

Eliza's expression twisted. "What's so funny, Audrey? I suggest you think about leaving on your own, or you'll end up embarrassed when this is all over!"

Audrey let out a sneer, her eyes glinting with a little mischief. "And what position are you speaking from? The Rhodes family's real daughter? Or the manager of Rhodes Enterprises? Seriously, Eliza, you didn't really think your blood ties would help you secure a spot in the Rhodes family, did you?"

The Rhodes family was far more complicated than Eliza realized. It was like a den full of wolves and tigers, and a naive little rabbit rushing in hoping to snatch a piece would just get devoured.

Rhodes Enterprises wasn't Albert's solo playground. It was a family-run business. Albert was only the acting chairman. He had his own drama going on with an illegitimate son on the side.

Eliza seemed to misunderstand Audrey's tone and shot back. "If you can do it, why can't I? I'm their real daughter!"

Honestly, talking to Eliza was like talking a wall. Audrey simply shrugged, not wanting to waste more time on that.

Then Eliza's gaze caught sight of someone walking by, and she suddenly stepped closer, lowering her voice to a threatening murmur. "Audrey, if you keep being ungrateful and hanging around that deadbeat, don't say I didn't warn you!"

Eliza leaned in too close for comfort, making Audrey instinctively want to back away. Just then, Eliza grabbed a cup of coffee nearby.

"Ah!" The hot coffee splashed onto Eliza's arm, and she yelped in frustration. "Audrey, I just wanted to talk about your work

experience. If you're not interested, fine, but why'd you have to splash me?"

Audrey was left confused, trying to process the scene, when someone tugged at her shoulder, prompting her to turn around instinctively. Splat! A sharp slap landed right across her face.

 

 

Chapter 19

Audrey had just taken a hit, her head snapping slightly to the side as she tasted blood on her tongue, a fiery sensation spreading through her cheeks. She clenched her teeth, holding back the tears that threatened to spill, and shot a cold glare at Albert. Albert, with his condescending attitude, stared her down, his expression grave as he scolded, "Audrey! Are you seriously this intolerant? What did Eliza do to you?"

Even though it was office hours, people were milling around the pantry, and everyone was taken aback by the slap Albert had just delivered.

The office buzz had already been alive with the gossip about the Rhodes family's daughters. They figured Audrey's standing in the company could take a hit, but they definitely didn't expect Albert to be this harsh. Throughout the whole ordeal, Audrey remained silent, showing neither anger nor disappointment-just a chilling stare directed at Albert.

After the impulsive slap, Albert felt a twinge of regret. Yet, looking into Audrey's eyes reminded him of the past, which only fueled his irritation as he snapped, "You think you can glare at me? Do you think I hit you for no reason? "You splashed hot coffee on Eliza today. Who's to say you won't do worse tomorrow? Just go apologize to Eliza."

Audrey scoffed and stayed quiet, refusing to engage.

At that moment, Eliza chimed in sweetly, "Dad, it's okay, Audrey didn't mean it." With a warm smile, she added, "I get that she has some pent-up anger. If a little coffee splash helps her feel better, I don't mind taking it on the chin." On one side stood the cold and aloof Audrey, while on the other was the sweet and understanding Eliza. The scales tipped in Albert's mind as he pointed a finger at Audrey and lamented, "Look at you! I'm really disappointed, Audrey!

"Over the years, you've been riding on the Rhodes family name, but it's like you're forgetting me, your own father. Don't forget Rhodes Enterprises belongs to the Rhodes family-not just you. Without your status as a Rhodes, you're nothing. Do you really want to keep acting like this?"

Even the thickest-skinned person wouldn't be indifferent to those words. And Audrey had poured her heart and soul into Rhodes Enterprises over the years. All her hard work and dedication had only earned her accusations and bitterness in return. Audrey lowered her gaze, and it felt like her heart sank to the bottom.

Once the pride of the Rhodes family as their eldest daughter, she had fought her way into Rhodes Enterprises, climbing the corporate ladder through countless interviews and challenges until she reached her current position.

At first, no one in the company even knew she was Albert's daughter. She earned her place through sheer determination.

But now, hearing Albert casually suggest that everything she had achieved was just because of her family name sent a chill down her spine.

With a cold stare, she met Albert's eyes and declared, "Don't worry, I'll resign once the Brightview Group project wraps up."

Gasps rippled through the onlookers. Audrey's leaving seemed impossible to them. While anyone else might come and go, Audrey was different.

She had poured her heart and soul into the company, practically living there aside from eating and sleeping.

Thanks to her tireless efforts, Rhodes Enterprises had established a strong presence in Riverdale in just a few short years. Losing her would be like losing a vital limb.

Every was wondering how they would land the projects they desperately needed and if they were still on track to go public in five years as planned.

 

Chapter 20

Albert's brows furrowed momentarily before he plastered on a concerned expression, though a hint of mockery lingered in his tone. He said, "Are you trying to threaten me? Don't think for a second that the company can't survive without you. If you want to leave, then go

ahead-save the drama for someone else!"

He dismissed the whole situation, convinced that Audrey was merely trying to save face.

Audrey, feeling fed up, turned and walked away, firmly deciding to cut all ties with the Rhodes family from that moment on

Eliza was over the moon. She couldn't believe how things had unfolded. She had thought Audrey would just take a small hit, but here she was, having pushed Audrey to quit.

Sure, she still had to stick around until the project with Brightview Group wrapped up, but that day was definitely on the horizon.

Jacob, who had returned for his lighter, caught the tail end of the scene. After stepping outside, he made a call to update someone about what had just gone down.

Meanwhile, in the Brightview Group's top-floor office, Logan reclined in his boss chair, legs stretched out when his assistant's call came through.

He exchanged a knowing glance with Alistair across from him. "Sounds like there's a breakthrough with Rhodes Enterprises. Let's hear the scoop."

Without waiting for a response, Logan switched on the speakerphone. Normally, he wouldn't bother with this sort of minor project, but for Alistair's sake, he was all ears.

On the line, his assistant's voice came through: "Mr. Barrett, we've got word from Mr. Wells. Apparently, Mr. Rhodes publicly slapped Ms. Rhodes and seemed pretty upset about her handling the Brightview project." Logan's expression tightened, and he was just about to respond when he heard a sickening crunch. He looked up to see Alistair crushing the cup in his hand.

Before the call ended, Logan snapped, "What are you doing, man? That's not yours to break. He wasn't heartbroken over the cup-what really had him rattled was Alistair's expression, which was downright terrifying. Quickly redirecting his frustration, Logan cursed under his breath, his voice rising again. "This guy's really messed up. How dare he hit Mrs. Hayes? You tell me how you want to handle this, and I'll make sure he pays for it!" Alistair's intense gaze looked like a storm was brewing inside him as he said coolly, "You've heard the buzz about Brightview Group planning to develop the new area, right? Has Albert been trying to cozy up to you lately?" Logan nodded, sitting up a bit straighter. "Yeah, he has been, but I'm not interested in him at all. That guy is super slippery, and honestly, his ability doesn't even compare to the last Mr. Rhodes, so I'm not even considering him."

As for that small project at the mall, Rhodes Enterprises could handle it, especially since it was something Audrey had worked hard for. But when it came to a huge undertaking like the new district, Rhodes Enterprises just wasn't up to the task Alistair casually took out a handkerchief to wipe his hands, then said, "Why not give him a shot?"

"Huh? Why would we do that?" Logan looked confused. "Isn't this all about getting back at Albert?" Handing Albert a big project was no different from throwing money at him.

Alistair's lips curled into a thin line as he said, "Someone like Albert is always going to latch onto any little crack he sees. He honestly doesn't know his own limits. Once he thinks he's got a handle on things, he'll just nosedive straight in-what a spectacle that would bel"

They just needed to toss Albert a little bait to make him believe he had a shot, and he would go for it hook, line, and sinker. Once he was all in and things went sideways, it would be hilarious to see him flounder.

After Logan realized what Alistair was scheming, he couldn't help but feel a bit sorry for Albert. Seriously, why would he poke the bear? he thought.

But if Albert could make Alistair care this much, maybe he was not completely hopeless. Still, it was a big question mark