Free Without Limits: Austin (Rugged Riders Book 4) by Ambrielle Kirk Page B

millionaire and most everyone knew it.
    She finally turned to address him. “Who's to say you won’t up and leave after a year like you’ve done all those other companies and go somewhere else?”
    “Who’s to say I won’t?” Trent retorted, his eyes darkening in challenge and his lips coming together, silent and waiting for her response.
    She couldn’t give any. Her tongue wouldn’t move and her lips wouldn’t obey. The man had some kind of powerful edge on her. How? And why?
    “Every day in the business world, top level management changes constantly,” her dad spoke. “Many times this is for the good of the company. Times change for the better and so should techniques and strategies that aren’t working.” Her dad sat back in his chair. “I’m embarrassed that you challenge my decision and that you act out like this in front of my R.R. brothers. I have no sons. You won’t step up. The men you see in this room are the men who will take my place when I am gone, Zaira. I could be gone tomorrow. I could be gone in twenty years. Do you have anything else to say, young lady?”
    Zaira swallowed.
    “I trust Trent to do this job and he’s said he will and he’s already accepted.” Her dad picked up a pen and began writing on his pad. “What I need you to do is hand the reins over to him.”
    “Fine. I’ll gladly do it.”
    “But first…mentor him in the position and assist him as it is beneficial to the company. You will share your knowledge about this company before your assignment is over with Svelte. I looked at your contract with Thompson and Theago and you have about a month left. That should be adequate time to show Trent the business and financial model. If we need to extend the contract to get you paid correctly, we will.”
    “Dad, you’ve got to be kidding me?”
    Dad looked up from his pad. “I’m scheduled to be in Italy for an extended period of time. Do I need to cancel this business trip because you can’t act like a business professional?”
    “No, you don’t, but what about Marcus?”
    Marcus coughed on the other end.
    “We’ve already discussed this. Marcus volunteered, but I’ve handed my duties down to him while I’m away. He’ll have his hands full.”
    She shrugged. “Well, then…everything has been decided without me. Why did you need me in here today anyway?”
    “You failed to check your voicemail. I called you twice inviting you to attend our first meeting. There was no answer.” Her dad said, and then turned his attention back to the notepad.
    This time it was Trent who cleared his throat.
    “I had a long night,” she said, deciding to accept her defeat here today. “I apologize for the way I’ve acted here.”
    “Maybe you should get a good night’s sleep tonight,” her dad suggested. “Let’s call this meeting adjourned. Everyone take a break if you need it and I’ll see you in the morning before my flight leaves.”
    Before anyone could address her, she scurried out of the office without even looking back. Her fate had already been decided, but no matter how calm and nonchalant Trent appeared, she couldn’t even manage to look him in the eye.
    She’d acted like a complete fool twice in less than twelve hours in front of him. She didn’t bother checking out at the receptionist desk as she swiped a vacant elevator just as another person walked off of it.
    Grabbing her phone, she immediately used the speed dial feature. She tapped her heels waiting for her best friend, Tanya to pick up.
    “Hi Zaira!” Tanya was always cheerful these days.
    “Girl, you will not believe! Ugh!” Zaira squeezed the phone tightly in her palm.
    There was a pause. “I think I know what you’re talking about,” Tanya said softly on the other end.
    “What? You do?”
    “Doesn’t this have something to do with Trent and the CFO position? Because Marcus and I talked last night.”
    “Why didn’t you tell me? I wish I had known before I walked up in there like a