Scandalous Box Set

by Layla Valentine

I gestured to the table, specifically at the laptops in front of everyone.

  “I trust that you’ve had a chance to look over the information I sent you covering the last two weeks since the changes have been implemented.”

  “Yes, we have,” said Edward. “It’s all any of us have been able to talk about. But I’m still not convinced it’s the most cost-effective way to handle the situation. We’re going to need to give it time, see if the increase in production holds long-term.”

  “You don’t need to wait to see,” I said. “Because as the data I included shows, the increase in productivity and thus profit is exactly in line with other companies who have tried similar measures in the past. You all have nothing to look forward to but a better bottom line.”

  “Still,” said Edward. “I’m not looking to rush into things. And Bernard here is still eager to show me just how much money he’ll be able to save the company by shuttering the place.”

  The sly smile on Bernard’s face made it clear where he stood on the matter. If only he knew what I knew, he wouldn’t be looking so smug.

  Before anyone had a chance to say anything else, a soft knock came at the boardroom doors.

  That was it. Time to drop the bomb.

  “Who is that?” asked Bernard. “Were we expecting someone else?”

  “We weren’t,” I said. “But I was.”

  “What’s going on, Adam?” asked Edward, one eyebrow raised.

  “Before we continue,” I said. “There’s something I’ve been hiding from you all. Something that you have a right to know. After all, it will affect my position here as CEO.”

  “Cut to the chase, Adam,” said Edward. “You know as well as anyone that I don’t care for fooling around.”

  “Neither do I, Edward. And this is what this is all about—an end to the fooling around.”

  With that, I stepped over to the doors and opened them up.

  Sure, the circumstances weren’t the best, but the sight of Isla and our girls never failed to bring a smile to my face. Isla was dressed in casual clothes, the two girls in a double stroller.

  “Come on in,” I said.

  Isla entered, and I could sense that she was more than a little nervous about being the center of attention like that. But she quickly shed her anxiety and regained her usual poise.

  “What the hell is going on here?” asked Edward as he laid his eyes on Isla and the girls. “Why are there children in the boardroom?”

  “This is Isla Marten,” I said. “Senior Administrative Specialist at our LA offices. Though she’s been on maternity leave for the last month.”

  “Really looking forward to getting back to work,” she said with a professional smile.

  Edward didn’t need me to explain what was going on. He was smart enough to figure it out.

  “Tell me now, Adam,” he said. “For how long has this been going on?”

  “That’s…a complicated question,” I said. “Started a while back, and then…well, I don’t want to get into that. But the important part is that we’re together, and these are our little girls.”

  The girls cooed as if they knew they were being talked about. The board began eagerly chatting among themselves, all taking in this information and its obvious implication.

  “And what’s the purpose of this display?” asked Edward, gesturing toward the girls. “To flaunt them? For us to give you congratulations?”

  “Congratulations would be nice,” I said. “But that’s not the reason we’re here. As part of my joining Corliss as CEO, I was forced to agree that I wouldn’t ever get involved with any of my subordinates. And that was my intention. I’m aware that I had something of a reputation. And when I started here, I had every intention of living up to our agreement.”

  “Until you didn’t,” said Edward.

  “Until I met the most amazing woman I’ve ever known in my life,” I said. “Sure, it took my stupid self a long time to realize that I couldn’t live without her, but now that she’s in my life, that our family’s in my life, I’m the happiest man on the planet.”

  “How touching,” said Bernard. “Really moving stuff. But of course you know that this means your time here as CEO ended the moment your happy family stepped into the boardroom.”

  “I’m aware of that,” I said. “And I didn’t want to mislead you all.”

  “But you have misled us,” said Edward. “You’ve been having a relationship with Ms. Marten here for long enough to have a family.”

  “It’s a long story,” said Isla. “But…more like the last month.”

  “I’m confused,” said Bernard.

  “Like she said,” I said. “Long story.”

  “The story doesn’t matter,” said Edward. “Your actions do. And as of now, you’re no longer a member of this organization.”

  I nodded.

  “I accept that. But before I take my leave, I’d like to tell you the rest of the situation in Rio.”

  “There’s more?” asked Bernard.

  “There’s more,” I said.

  I glanced over at Isla, who offered me a warm, supportive smile as I prepared to deliver my next bombshell.

  “I wasn’t about to get fired and have Bernard here undo all of my work. So, I took the liberty of implementing the changes in Rio. And once I was done there and the plan had been outlined, I sent the new protocol to the rest of our international factories.”

  Gasps broke out around the room.

  “And when that was done, last night I typed up a press release and sent it to all of the major industry media companies. They’re putting together their stories now, and tomorrow the forward-thinking Corliss will be on the front page of every business section.”

  However shocked the board had been, that revelation pushed them over the edge.

  “You did what?” demanded Bernard, standing up from his seat.

  “I know this was extreme,” I said, “but it’s the right thing to do. Real, comprehensive benefits, better working conditions, wages that can support a family. Corliss will go down in the books as a global humanitarian organization. And if that’s not enough, the profits should make it all worth it.”

  “Humanitarian organization!” shouted Bernard. “This is insane!”

  As raucous as the board was in that moment, Edward was the complete opposite. He was cold and severe, his eyes fixed on me.

  He stood up slowly, deliberately. Then he raised his hand, and the rest of the board grew silent.

  “Adam, Ms. Marten,” he said, his voice sharp enough to cut glass. “My office. Ten minutes.”

  Without another word, he strode out.

  Isla and I shared a look.

  What he was going to say, we could only guess.

  Chapter 31

  Isla

  Mr. Corliss was mad—no doubt about it. I’d never even met the man face-to-face before. I’d seen him at a few company events, but that had been it.

  Hell of a way to meet the boss. If he even still was.

  Adam and I made our way to Edward’s office, the two of us saying nothing, the girls still fast asleep like nothing was going on.

  “Almost makes you want to be a baby,” said Adam with a wry smile, apparently on the same wavelength as me.

  “Are you okay?” I asked. “He seemed…like he was ready to explode. And I know he’s not the kind of guy to lose his temper easily.”

  “It’s going to be fine,” he said. “Edward’s a serious man, but he’s reasonable.”

  “I hope you’re right.”

  Adam’s cool attitude was exactly what I needed in that moment. He was his usual calm, unflappable self despite the fact that he was about to have to answer for one of the most controversial business decisions of all time to one of the most powerful men in the state.

  Truly, I was glad for it.

  In short order we arrived at the large double doors to Edward’s office. Adam knocked, and Edward called for us to enter.

  My heart was racing as Adam op
ened the door. I felt faint.

  The founder’s office was beyond impressive. It was like some kind of sleek, modern temple—ornate and grand but also sleek and stylish. And standing behind the massive desk, his hands clasped behind his back as he stared out the window onto the city, was the man himself.

  We entered slowly, Edward not saying a word. Finally, as we reached the center of the room, he spoke.

  “Surprised to see you with kids,” he said, not turning around to face us. “Two girls?”

  “That’s right,” said Adam. “They just turned a month old.”

  “And their names?”

  I felt as though it was time for me to speak.

  “Natalie and Noelle.”

  “Natalie and Noelle,” he said. “Pretty names. Unusual names. There a story behind them?”

  “Yes,” said Adam. “This…thing between us happened in Rio last Christmas. So, we figured some Christmas-themed names were appropriate.”

  “Noelle,” he said. “I get it. And Natalie, as in Feliz Natal. Very cute. And I’m sure the story is a heart-warmer as well.”

  He finally turned to face us, his expression grave.

  “Both of you sit down.”

  Adam and I shared a look of anticipation as we took our seats.

  Edward stepped slowly around the desk, eventually taking a seat on the edge.

  “Both of you did something severe,” he said. “Something that some might consider unforgivable. Adam, you used the trust we instilled in you in this position. And you, Ms. Marten, you helped him do it. There’s a chance that if I decided to get legal to look into it, they could find some way to pin the both of you up on something. Misappropriation of funds, who knows?”

  My stomach dropped. Was that what this was all about? Was he going to ruin our lives in court?

  “But I’m not going to do that.”

  The fear vanished and was replaced by confusion. Then what did he want?

  “I’m glad to hear that, Edward,” said Adam.

  “I’m sure you are,” he said. “Do you want to know why?”

  “Yes!” I said, exclaiming the word in a way that made me immediately embarrassed.

  But Edward only smiled.

  “Because, Adam,” he said, “when I decided to bring you on as CEO, well, I knew what I was getting myself into. You had a reputation—not only for your ways with women, but also as someone who always did the right thing, at any cost. And, it just so happened that the right thing often turned out to be the profitable one as well.”

  He went on.

  “So, I’m not surprised that you pulled something like this. I don’t appreciate one bit that you went behind my back and put me up against the wall with the press, but I consider your termination to be adequate punishment, as I’m sure you do.”

  Adam nodded.

  “Thank you, Edward.”

  Edward responded by slowly drawing a breath through his nose and letting it out.

  “And hell,” he said. “I’m a family man, too. Wouldn’t exactly sit right with me to put you in the poorhouse over a vendetta like this.”

  He waved his hand through the air.

  “It’s over and done, and I’m just hoping that the profits make it all worth it.”

  “They will,” said Adam. “The data—”

  “We all know you didn’t do this because of the data,” he said. “You did it because it was the right thing to do. Hell, I knew it was the right thing to do—something we should’ve done a long time ago. Maybe me sending you down there was my way of letting you do what needed to be done.”

  He raised his finger.

  “Adam, let me tell you what I brought you here to tell you. I know the kind of man you are, and I know you’re going to be back on your feet soon. But take your time about it. It’s clear that helping people is important to you—so find some way to do that. Don’t chase profits if what you’re really after is making the world a better place.”

  He nodded toward me.

  “And if she’s anything like you, she’ll be right there at your side.”

  I let out a breath I didn’t know I’d been holding.

  “I should hold a grudge over this, Adam,” Edward said. “Maybe I’m too reasonable for my own good. But I’ve got some empathy, believe it or not. And I’m prepared to end things amicably between us. Bernard, on the other hand, might be another story. I’d stay clear of him.”

  Adam approached Edward and offered his hand. Edward eyed it with hesitation and then…took it. The men shook, a smile spreading across my face as they did.

  “Now,” he said. “Take this beautiful young lady home and take some time with your babies. You’ve just become parents for the first time—there’s nothing else in the world like it.”

  He gave me a small smile, the first I’d seen since I’d met him.

  “Thank you, Edward,” said Adam.

  “Thank you,” I said.

  He nodded, and the two of us turned to leave.

  “Mhmm,” he said. “And one more thing.”

  We glanced over our shoulders.

  “Congratulations.”

  Chapter 32

  Adam

  December

  The numbers in front of my eyes began to blur as I tried to focus. Looking for some excuse to take my eyes off the screen, I glanced at my watch.

  Damn—I’d been at it seven hours straight with no breaks. The pitfalls of starting your own international philanthropic organization, I suppose.

  I stood up, the late-afternoon sunlight pouring into the office. It was too quiet for my liking. There was some soft piano music playing on the stereo to help me think, but other than that it was dead silent. Normally, this would be nice. But when you had two babies, silence was suspicious.

  Sure, they weren’t exactly old enough to move around and get into trouble, but they could cause some mischief if you turned your back to them for too long. After a little pacing around in the apartment, I decided it was just the excuse I needed to take a break.

  My footsteps echoed through the penthouse, no other noises around. As I reached the living room, I realized why. On the couch was about the sweetest, most wonderful sight I’d ever seen in my life. Isla was there sleeping, Noelle and Natalie snoozing in their bassinet.

  I leaned against the wall, watching them for a time. The sight was hypnotic, like something I could watch forever and never become bored. It was still hard for me to process that those two gorgeous baby girls were mine.

  Ours.

  Isla let out a yawn, slowly opening her eyes and laying them on me.

  “Hey,” she said with a smile, her voice thick with sleep. “Been wondering when I’d see you.”

  “Sorry,” I said. “Still working on the odds and ends for opening next year.”

  She blinked a few more times, slowly coming out of her nap, the girls still sleeping.

  “I can’t believe it’s almost time,” she said. “You excited?”

  “Excited and…a little nervous, to tell the truth.”

  I stepped away and headed into the kitchen to pour myself a cup of coffee.

  “Adam Forde, nervous?” she asked. “I don’t believe it.”

  “Well,” I said. “Nervous in an excited sort of way. You know I’m not scared of anything.”

  I flashed her an ironic smile over the kitchen counter.

  “Dangerous attitude to have, buddy,” she said, matching my grin with one of her own.

  “What can I say?” I said. “I like to live dangerously.”

  I sipped my coffee, hearing the soft sounds of the girls coming awake.

  “All right, pops,” said Isla. “One of these ladies has your name all over her.”

  She didn’t need to ask me twice. I took a sip of my coffee and set it down on the counter, hurrying over to Isla and the girls. The twins were both squirming, and I picked up Noelle, scooping her up and bringing her close. As soon as I had her against my chest, she calmed down, nuzzling her head in
to me.

  “You know,” said Isla as she held Natalie. “Some might consider it a little unfair that you’re this handsome, this rich, and also this good with kids.”

  “I guess I am a natural,” I said with another grin.

  “Let’s see what you’re saying when they’re teenagers and have every guy in the city chasing after them.”

  “Well, then you’ll find out that I’m also a natural at kicking the asses of teenage boys.”

  She let out a bright laugh.

  “Don’t know if I can say that I’d be all that impressed to see that.”

  I grinned and stepped toward the window looking out over the city. Isla joined me and we said nothing for a time, simply enjoying the view. The sun was beginning to lower in the sky and everything was nice and quiet—one of the perks of being this high up.

  “So,” said Isla. “We talked about moving before…”

  We had, and she was right. I loved the penthouse, but it was more of a bachelor pad, and it was right in the middle of the city. I wanted the girls to grow up somewhere more peaceful, maybe somewhere with a yard

  “Sorry,” Isla said. “I know you’ve got enough on your plate with the company.”

  “And you’re going to be going back to work at the beginning of the year.”

  “I still can’t believe Edward was cool with me coming back on.”

  “The man recognizes talent when he sees it, and he’s smart enough to know not to let it go. Not to mention when the quarterly report came back and showed that every single factory was up in profit, he probably softened his view on me.”

  She chuckled.

  “I’m still laughing at the cover of that business magazine, the one with all of the board smiling with the words ‘Humanitarian Company of the Year’ in big letters.”

  “I’m sure Bernard was crazy about being part of that,” I said.

  We both shared a laugh.

  “It’s crazy to think about,” I said. “But where we’re at is really just at the start of something.”

  “You’re right. Feels like we just had this insane journey so now we should be able to cool our heels and relax for a few years at least. But it’s the opposite. We’ve got the girls, the company…”