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Me
I’m sorry, Len. I’m actually back in Miami now. I’m headed to the office.
Lennox
Why?
Me
Emergency. I’m calling everyone from the leadership team into a mandatory meeting.
Lennox
But it’s Saturday. It can’t wait?
Me
No, I’m sorry. I’ll meet you right after I figure this all out.
Lennox
If it’s a meeting with the entire team, should I be there?
Me
Up to you, baby. But I warn you, someone’s head is about to roll. I’m livid.
Lennox
Why?
Me
I’ll explain soon. Love you.
Lennox is going to be crushed. Half the reason I pushed for the ‘Once in a Lifetime’ cruise endeavor to come to fruition is that I wanted to give my wife a big win. I wanted her to see what kind of impact she could have on the company. I’ve always believed in her.
I wanted her to believe in herself, too.
And now the jackass that ruined everything is going to have literal hell to pay.
“I want to convey the severity of the situation…and how infinitely fucking furious I am,” I say between gritted teeth. “The entire server is being searched as we speak. The legal team, PR…everybody is on this, and it’d make the situation so much less complicated if the culprit would justfess up. Who the hell spoke to Spellman?” I bury my hands in my face. “The people in this room are the only ones who knew about the endeavor.”
“Dex, take a breath,” Hank says, sitting right next to me. He clasps his hand on my shoulder. “We’ll figure it out. Have you spoken to Spellman?”
Of everyone in this room, Hank might be the only one I trust. “Legal reached out. We’re waiting on a response.”
There’s a soft knock on the meeting room door, and Lennox, with her hair pulled back and wearing a sleek blue dress, waves at me through the glass doors. Even with my chest tight with fury, the sight of my wife makes me smile. I beckon her in. She flocks to my side, taking a seat on the other side of me. She must sense the tension in the room because once she’s seated, she starts rubbing small, soothing circles against my back.
“What’s wrong?” she asks softly, eyeing the room before looking me in the eyes.
Hank jumps in to clarify for me. “Lennox, our business plan was leaked for Luxe Adventure. Richard Spellman this morning not only officially declined our merger offer, but also announced that Royal Bahamas intends to launch their ‘concert cruise’ idea—aka our idea—by the end of next year.”
Lennox’s eyes grow into wide, unblinking saucers. “I mean…that doesn’t stop what we’re doing right? All companies do that. One person has an idea, everybody follows suit?”
I close my eyes and pinch the bridge of my nose. “There are certain logistics to piggybacking. Typically, it’s frowned upon. Not to mention, they also got our headliner. If it helps, Shaylin was honored by the request and very enthusiastic about the charity idea… Your idea would’ve worked.”
“But…but…” Lennox stammers. “I…wait—Emmett, right? He can ask her to help us instead of Royal Bahamas, can’t he?”