Protect His Secretary, Abandon His Wife - Chapter 9: Chapter 9

I finally apologized to my father for my past behavior, and to my surprise, he said he'd let it go years ago. It hit me then - I'd been the one clinging to our family issues all this time. As we sat together on the lawn, our casual chat took an unexpected turn when Luke dropped his question like a bombshell: "So Rosaline, how was working with David really?"
"Why do you ask?" I deflected, noticing Dad's sudden interest in my answer.
"No reason," Luke shrugged, too casually. "Just curious. His company skyrocketed right after you came onboard."
"Flattery will get you nowhere," I joked, avoiding their probing stares. I could practically see the unasked question burning in their eyes about why I'd suddenly left David's firm.
Luke, ever perceptive, changed tack. "Well, you bailed at the perfect time. David's in deep trouble now."
My coffee mug hit the table with a clink. "What? What's going on?"
"You really don't know?" Luke exchanged a loaded look with Dad before lowering his voice. "We assumed that's why you left."
"Personal reasons," I said flatly. "What exactly is happening? The company was doing great when I left."
"Until Marcus made his move," Luke chuckled darkly. "David just discovered Marcus planted moles to destroy him from within. You know how Marcus operates - he eliminates competition before they even become real threats. David's firing good people left and right in his mole hunt. Total disaster."
"Put faith in the wrong people, pay the price," Dad remarked. I nearly choked on the irony - if only I'd listened to his advice sooner.
Luke leaned in. "You worked with David eight years. You must've heard about Marcus. Know anything useful?"
His question froze me. I had met Marcus - an "honor" few received - but understanding him? Impossible. "No idea," I admitted. "The man's a ghost. Can't trust someone that shadowy."
Luke fell silent, finger tapping his chin like some cartoon detective. I couldn't help laughing. "What's with the intense thinking face?"
"Nothing," he said, then grinned. "Actually, this coffee date has an agenda. Dad and I made a decision."
"Let me guess," I teased. "Some arranged marriage for business connections?"
"Are you insane?" Luke scoffed. "I just got my sister back. No bastard's son is taking you away - over my dead body!"
Our laughter faded as Dad turned serious. "I've reconsidered your proposal these past years. You were right - we should expand overseas."
My jaw dropped. "You're serious?" Eight years really could change everything.
"Dead serious," he affirmed. "Luke and I want you to lead our international headquarters. You thrived in New York managing David's operations. With full authority over our company, you'll shine brighter."
Tears welled as I hugged him. "Thank you, Dad. For trusting me."
"Who else would I trust?" He ruffled my hair. "My enemies?"
Breaking away, I turned to Luke, mind racing. "We'll need major multinational partnerships to expand. Any CEO candidates come to mind?"
Luke's grin turned wolfish. "How about Marcus Smith? That ruthless, brilliant president of Smith Group?"