Accident Prone

Quentin made sure that Brianna was part of the conversation as well, and Joseph was impressed by her knowledge about Seattle and the financial companies in that area. Brianna knew information about the current leaders in the specific areas and she also analyzed what they are lacking.

Joseph told Brianna that they will talk about it in more detail after lunch. It was obvious that he was very proud of her.

Thomas felt left out. He didn't have knowledge about Seattle's market, and he does not have contacts in that area, so he was unable to participate in the discussion actively. A few times he tried to strike a conversation with Quentin, but Quentin only responded briefly before turning his attention to Brianna and Joseph.

Thomas' fury was rising. He booked this place. Without him, this lunch would not be possible! Yet, here they are, chatting in a good mood, while ignoring him completely. 

Quentin was the one who stood up first as soon as he finished his meal. "I apologize for leaving so quickly, but I have another meeting I need to attend." He turned to Brianna. "I am aware that we have more to talk about. I will be in the area for another day, but I can't make any promises before I check my schedule."

Brianna smiled. "You know how to reach me."

Quentin left, and Joseph beamed at Brianna. "This is great! How come you didn't mention it earlier?"

Brianna looked at her father and blinked innocently. "Daddy, Mr. Reynolds mentioned that he can be of help if we decide to expand to Seattle, but I wanted to ensure those are real contacts and not empty promises before I bring that information to your table."

Joseph bobbed his head. "True, true. You should always check your sources first. Smart." He turned to Thomas. "Did you see that? I hope you were paying attention. My Bri is back. She is smart, fast, and covering her bases. No one can take advantage of her. Bri, sweetie, make sure you play your cards well. When Mr. Reynolds has time to meet with you, clear up your schedule..."

"Yes, daddy..."

Thomas forced a smile and reminded himself to stay calm. He has nothing nice to say now, so he will find a chance to talk to Joseph once he comes up with something.

Later that afternoon, at Harper Investments…

Thomas went to the CEO's office, with an intention to get some of that much needed one-on-one time with Joseph. He wanted it to be during lunch, but Brianna invaded and made it about herself.

"CEO is busy…", Joseph's secretary told Thomas when he was about to knock on the door.

Thomas frowned. "With what?"

"Miss Harper is inside. CEO Harper said that they should not be disturbed unless it's important." The secretary explained. "Do you have something important to discuss with the CEO?"

Thomas balled his hands into fists. Brianna, again! And they must be talking about the Seattle market! Why was he not invited? Thomas fumed, but he didn't want to barge in and make a spectacle because, in Joseph's eyes, Thomas needs to maintain the image of the perfect worker.

"Can you let me know when they are done?" Thomas asked stiffly.

The secretary confirmed.

…

After work, Brianna returned to her apartment with a bottle of wine and a big smile on her face.

Quentin saw that she is in a good mood. "It went well?"

Brianna hopped into his embrace. "It's all thanks to the amazing Mr. Reynolds. I spent the afternoon with my dad, discussing ideas about expansion to Seattle's market. My proposal was not complete, but he likes what he heard and by the end of the week, we will get analysts to investigate the possibilities. I will be in charge of that project!"

Quentin smiled smugly. "I am amazing."

Brianna could not deny it. "It's thanks to you that my dad is taking it seriously. You convinced him that if we have a branch in Seattle, Reynolds Publishing will be a regular client and that you will bring in a few more."

Quentin nodded. "That is the truth. I will be happy to let you handle most of the transactions for Reynolds Publishing. You know that Max is struggling to find a steady financial institution for the Alpha group. And I have a few more friends who will be willing to cross over if you give them good conditions."

Brianna sank into his embrace. "You are taking care of me."

"What are the timelines?" Quentin wanted to know how fast Brianna can come to Seattle.

"If the results are promising, we can start scouting for locations in about one month from now."

"So… in one month, you will be in Seattle." Quentin wanted a solid confirmation.

Brianna smiled. "Yes. I will stay in Seattle until we find a location and manage the renovations. I still need to secure the position of the branch manager, but I don't think that will be a problem. Considering that it was my idea and I'm driving the efforts, my dad will give me the ownership."

Quentin was elated. Brianna will come to Seattle and stay in his apartment. She said in six months, but thanks to him, it's down to one. Everything seems to be going smoothly except for one thing... "What about your cousin, Tom?"

Brianna snorted. "Who cares about him? This is between me and my dad. He is acting like a spoiled brat, but I assume that he will return to normal once I leave his sight. As long as his hostility is contained to the office, I don't want to think about him."

Quentin was not so carefree about Tom. He saw that the man was boiling from rage during lunch. But Brianna is right. Soon, she will come to Seattle, and Tom will be an afterthought.

"Let's go out for dinner and celebrate." Quentin suggested.

Brianna refused. "I've got wine. Let's order delivery and celebrate here…"

Quentin is not the one to refuse private time with Brianna. "OK. I will order. You can freshen up and change…"

"I feel like Mexican food. Get me chicken fajita and an extra-large margarita."

Quentin stifled a laugh. "Margarita AND wine?"

Brianna nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, yes. We are celebrating!"

…

Brianna got out of the shower and dressed up, when the doorbell rang. She assumed that it's food delivery.

"Tom?" Brianna asked with confusion obvious in her voice. "Why are you here?"

Tom pushed Brianna to the side and walked inside her apartment like he owns the place. "I wanted to talk to you in the office, but you were busy."

Brianna frowned. How did he get here? There is a security guard. But then she remembered how she needed to put two local people as emergency contacts, so she put her father and Tom. If she showed an identification, he would be able to come up. Probably. But there is another pressing issue... Brianna nervously glanced toward the spare bedroom from where Quentin is working. What if Tom sees Quentin?

"What do you want to talk about?" Brianna wanted Tom to leave. As soon as possible.

"I want to know what your agenda is."

"My agenda?"

Tom nodded frantically. "It's one thing to come back, but you are taking over. I'm working on proving myself for years, and you came in and suddenly everything is about you!"

Brianna was irritated. "Tom, this is not a popularity contest. I'm doing my job. Why are you seeing that as me attacking you? Maybe if you are more capable, you would not feel that you are in danger."

Tom wanted to retort, but his attention got drawn to the side door which opened.

Quentin heard the doorbell and assumed that it's food. And he wondered why Brianna is not calling him. Well, now he knows. It's not food. It's Tom.

Tom's eyes darted from Quentin to Brianna a few times, and then he sneered.

"I see… now I understand how you managed to strike all those deals and to get the customers to praise you. You are sleeping with them!"

"That's not true! Don't make up stuff!" Brianna shouted. It's not that she has a clean past, but she never slept with her customers, other than Quentin. But she slept with him before he was a customer, so that doesn't count. 

"Not true? What is this?" Tom gestured toward Quentin. "Are you denying that you are sleeping with him? You slut! That is how you made your way up! I will have a blast tomorrow telling Joseph about the tramp he raised and…"

'POW!'

Quentin's fist landed on Tom's face heavily.

Tom fell on his butt and reached for his aching jaw. "Why are you defending a slut who is sleeping with everyone!? Do you think you are the only one?"

Quentin saw red.

He grabbed Tom's collar and started raining punches on him.

"Enough… enough…" Brianna pleaded while holding Quentin from behind. Tom was unconscious and his face was bloodied. Brianna was happy that the floor is hardwood, it will be easy to clean.

Quentin let go of Tom and turned to Brianna. "I'm sorry, but I could not let him talk shit about you."

Brianna hugged Quentin. "Thank you for defending me. But what are we going to do now?"

"Give me a minute…" Quentin went to the bathroom and he washed the blood from his hands while coming up with a plan.

Quentin returned to the living room and looked at Brianna seriously. "How badly you want to get rid of this guy?"

Brianna pressed her lips into a line and firmed her resolve. "It's one thing if he is after me at work, but he is meddling in our relationship. You heard him. He is selfish and narrowminded, and he will not give up easily. I personally don't care about him, but with him around, I won't be able to sleep peacefully..."

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