Chapter 224
On my way to the Ferguson Group, I figured I should have felt a sigh of relief. Bryant was finally beginning to harbor doubts about Teresa and Margaret. It felt like we were on the verge of unraveling the mysteries behind Timothy’s and Bryant’s mother’s deaths.
Yet, an unsettling feeling lingered inside me, the roots of which I couldn’t quite place.
As I arrived at the Ferguson Group, the atmosphere differed from what I remembered. Everyone seemed to be in a rush, their expressions painted with severity. Stepping out of the elevator on the top floor, the intensity of the ambiance peaked.
Kevin was there waiting for me, ready to escort me to the CEO’s office. Sensing my curiosity, he sighed, “The stuff circulating online has hit us hard. Several deals, practically in the bag, are now up in the air.”
I frowned, “Is it that bad?”
Gregory’s actions were causing more damage than expected, throwing the Ferguson Group into a crisis they haven’t faced in years.
“Indeed, it caught us all off guard.” When glancing toward the CEO’s office, Kevin added, “Since the scandal, Mr. Ferguson has been burning the midnight oil.”
I remained silent, unsure how to respond. Professionally, I was no longer part of the company. And I was on the verge of becoming Bryant’s ex–wife.
Entering the CEO’s office, I saw Bryant by the window, phone in hand, exuding an aura of determination. “Not an inch,” he demanded into the phone, “Let them know we’re not pushovers.”
After hanging up, he noticed me, his demeanor shifting from stormy to somewhat serene, though fatigue was evident in his voice, “You’re here.”
“Yep,” I replied, taking a seat and accepting the coffee Kevin offered before he left us alone.
Bryant approached, tugging at his tie. Then, I noticed the redness in his eyes, confirming Kevin’s insights.
My heart twinged as he moved to extinguish his cigarette against his wrist before catching my gaze and opting for the ashtray instead. The burns were self–inflicted. His battle with depression appeared far from over.
Avoiding my eyes, he briefly acknowledged, “Yeah”
Changing the subject, Bryant inquired about Cheryl’s well–being. I reassured him of it and thanked him for arranging security at the hospital to keep an eye on things and prevent further harm from Allen.
He checked the time. “They should be there soon.”
“Already?” I was genuinely surprised. It was rare for him to show such concern for my affairs.
He offered a self–deprecating smile, “You’re making me out to be some kind of bad guy.”
“Not exactly,” I said, trying to steer the conversation back on track. “You wanted to discuss what Margaret mentioned about Teresa being the other woman?”
A flash of pain crossed his eyes, “Yeah.”
I knew his feelings for Teresa were complex, not entirely maternal but rather a form of solace. Yet, Teresa’s sacrifice, leaving her in a vegetative state, had undeniably deepened his trust in her.