Chapter 68 - The Big Shocker (1/2)
”What merger are you talking about?” Gabriel says, but deep inside he already has an inkling—and it all feels ugly. Like someone has pulled out the carpet from under him.
”Come on, Gabriel,” Michelle says, still with that smile on her face. ”You know what I'm talking about. The merger. The one you and your chief finance officer have been cooking up with one of my companies. Relentless Holdings, remember?”
Michelle's words burn in Gabriel's brain. Relentless Holdings. Oh my God. How did this happen? This is impossible. Whatever happened to the supposed due diligence performed by his top finance persons, his legal team? Gabriel grinds his teeth. He feels betrayed. He smells a rat. But who among his people, he has no freaking idea.
”I'm here because I need to personally take care of my business interest,” Michelle says, parking her ȧss on one of Gabriel's luxuriously cushioned seats.
”No,” Gabriel says, and it comes off almost as a yell. ”Get out.”
”Oh my,” Michelle says, appearing offended. She glances at Claire who's standing in a corner, as if to say, ”Look how I am being treated here by your boss.”
”Get out, Michelle, before I forget that I have already come to terms with what you've done to me.”
”Come on, Gab,” Michelle says. ”Past is past. Let's move on. Start acting like an ȧduŀt. I come here bearing the dove of peace.”
”No,” Gabriel mutters. ”Get up and get out. Don't force me to throw you out.”
Michelle bolts up in outrage. ”How dare you. The ink hasn't yet dried on the contract, yet you're starting to self-destruct. I have a right to be here!”
”The only right you have is to get out of my fuċkɨnġ face,” Gabriel hisses. He's all red in the face. His eyes are on fire. Even Claire starts to feel like she should get out, too. Don't get in this man's way. Gabriel turns and sees on his desk his trenta-sized Starbucks drink, and in a mad moment flings it with such fury in Michelle's general direction. Michelle ducks just in time; the coffee explodes like a supernova on the white lacquered wall.
”You're crazy,” Michelle huffs, her eyes round and bulging in disbelief. ”You're crazy! You could have hit me, Gabriel!”
”Get out!” Gabriel hisses.
”Alright, alright!” Michelle yells. ”But I'll come back. You better be straight in the head when I do, Gabriel. I have a significant stake in this new company. Stop acting like a child or—”
Michelle never finishes her words as she dashes out when she sees Gabriel trying to yank out a painting off the wall to throw at her.
”Jesus Henry Christ, Mister Tan,” Claire mutters after Michelle slams the door shut. ”You're throwing furniture at a woman! You could have hurt her!”