Chapter 5 - The Executive Suite
The private express elevator at Vance Global Enterprises shot up forty-two floors in a matter of seconds, the digital floor numbers flashing past in a blur of gold and white.
When the polished brass doors slid open, I stepped out onto a floor of dark imported marble, minimalist art, and floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a panoramic view of the entire city skyline.
A woman in a sharp, charcoal-gray Chanel suit was waiting by the elevator lobby. Her dark hair was pulled back into a severe chignon, and her posture was so rigidly upright she looked carved from marble.
"Mr. Cole," she said, stepping forward with her hand extended. "I am Victoria Vance, Chief Operations Officer of Vance Global. Thank you for coming."
I shook her hand, noting the firm, unyielding grip. "Thank you for having me, Ms. Vance. How is your mother?"
"Mother is resting comfortably," Victoria said, turning on her heel and gesturing for me to follow her down a wide, sunlit corridor. "Her cardiologist confirmed that your prompt intervention prevented catastrophic cardiac arrest. She is stubborn, demanding, and already complaining about hospital food—which means she is making a full recovery."
A small, genuine smile finally broke across my face. "That sounds like a good sign."
"It is," Victoria replied. She stopped outside a set of double mahogany doors bearing a brass plaque that read Office of the Chairman. She turned to face me, her sharp eyes studying me with an intensity that felt like an X-ray machine. "When Mother called me from the hospital bed, she told me two things. First, that you saved her life. Second, that you mentioned you had just been fired from your marketing agency because you stopped to help her."
My smile faded slightly, the old sting returning. "Yeah. Well... timing isn't my strong suit, apparently."
Victoria didn't smile back. Instead, she reached into her pocket, pulled out a folded piece of white paper, and handed it directly to me.
"When I checked into the circumstances of your termination, I discovered something fascinating, Mr. Cole," Victoria said quietly, her voice dropping into a register that sent a shiver down my spine. "The client whose presentation you missed this morning wasn't just any ordinary client. It was the municipal transit authority account."
I blinked, staring at her. "How did you know that?"
"Because Vance Global owns controlling shares in the municipal transit authority," Victoria said, a cold, dangerous glint appearing in her eyes. "And my mother happens to be the primary voting member on the board of directors that was evaluating your agency's bid this morning."
My breath caught in my throat.
Victoria stepped closer, her hand resting firmly on the brass handle of the double doors.
"When Nick’s agency called my office three hours ago to gloat about your firing and beg for a second chance with the account," Victoria whispered, "I personally reviewed their entire portfolio—and then I canceled their contract permanently."
May you like
She pushed the mahogany doors wide open, revealing a sprawling, sunlit office overlooking the entire financial district.
"Welcome to Vance Global, Mr. Cole," Victoria said, gesturing into the office. "My mother wants to talk to you about heading up our entire global marketing division. And let me assure you... we never punish people for doing the right thing."
