Adrian's POV
"Are these all the performance reviews?" I asked.
I glanced at the files on my table and stopped on a blue file.
There it was. The Marketing team report.
"Yes, sir. I made sure to include everything from the last quarter."
I scanned the key metrics and KPIs. I flipped a page, scanning the team tasks and timelines, until it came to a stop at a name.
Brian Cordy.
I dropped the file, my finger thrumming slowly on the desk as my mind reeled. I stood up and walked to the window, slipping my hands into my pockets.
I could feel the hushed breaths of the executives behind me but paid them no mind.
I'd hoped to find a flaw in the reports—something that showed just how inadequate and incompetent the man Amelia chose was.
But that didn't result in much. So far, his team had the highest ROIs, making a 13.1% profit increase in the past quarter alone.
My jaw clicked. There was only so much a paper could say about a man. I needed to see him for myself.
I needed to know what kind of man she thought she could replace me with.
Someone cleared their throat. "Sir, if we knew you were coming, we would have—"
"I need to meet with the marketing team," I said.
"They're in the conference room right now," one said.
I raised a brow. "Good. Show the way."
"Here we are, sir."
The room went silent when I stepped in. My gaze zeroed in on him. Brian Cordy.
He stood at the front of the room, sleeves rolled back. His blonde hair was longer, falling over his forehead.
I scoffed.
I sat at the head of the table, taking a quick scan across the room, before stopping at Brian. He cast a questioning look at the executives.
"Proceed," I ordered.
Curiosity flickered across his face. He masked it quickly before going back to his presentation. He pressed a button; a different slide came on.
His tie was loosened, there were bags under his eyes showing his lack of sleep.
The corner of my lips twitched.
Even with his haggard look, he appeared…confident. My fingers twitched with each second that passed.
He was good. Not extraordinary. Just…good.
The kind of man you trust with long-term plans.
Predictable.
Boring.
Safe.
Of course.
He didn't look broken. That offended me.
"This would put us above our competition whether they like it or not."
Scattered applause filled the room. My brows knitted.
I understood why his team was in the lead. Boring as he was, he was…competent.
Hushed whispers made me look up. Every pair of eyes watched me closely—some filled with curiosity, others expectant.
I met his gaze. He maintained eye contact, brows slightly raised as if mocking me.
I let out a low growl.
"Everyone except Mr. Queens and Mr. Cordy, leave," I said.
One of the executives stayed behind, walking towards me, Brian in tow.
"Mr. Cane, this is Brian Cordy, one of our very best," he said.
"Brian, this is Mr. Cane, CEO of Cane Industries."
He fixed his tie quickly and gave a polite nod. "An honor, sir."
I stretched out my hand. He grasped it firmly, maintaining eye contact.
"I've heard promising things," I said.
He flashed a smile. "Thank you, sir. I try my best."
I pulled back my hand, shoving it into my pocket.
"If I may ask, sir, what did you think of my presentation?" he asked.
I paused. He sought approval.
"It was average at best." I stared at the screen. "I expected better from a team leader."
His brows twitched. I smirked.
"I've chosen a venue for lunch." I turned to him. "Would you like to join me?"
His face lit up instantly. "Of course. It'd be an honor."
"Good."
I took him to the venue I'd carefully chosen—one I was sure he was all too familiar with.
"This is…" he trailed off.
"What?"
"My girlfriend's friend owns this café," he said.
"You don't say."
I glanced at the brunette wearing an apron behind the counter. She smiled politely when she saw me and walked over.
"Welcome. What can I get—"
Her eyes widened in surprise when she saw my date.
"Brian, what are you doing here?" she asked.
"Emily, hi."
I watched them closely, the two people Amelia had replaced me with. What exactly did she see in them?
Did they see the broken girl I knew her to be? Or did they see someone different entirely? Who was the Amelia they knew? And just how deeply did they know her?
"This is Mr. Cane, my boss," Brian said.
I cast an uninterested glance at her. "I believe this place serves food?"
"Yes, of course." She brought out her notepad. "What can I get you?"
I stared at the array of sweet desserts behind the counter.
Ugh.
"Black coffee."
She scribbled something on her notepad. "Will that be all?"
I nodded.
She turned to Brian. "And I'm guessing you want your usual?"
He smiled. "Thanks, Emily."
I paused when I saw them exchanged looks.
Brian cleared his throat. "Mr. Cane, while I'm honored to have lunch with you, I can't help but wonder why."
All in due time.
I leaned closer, stealing a glance at Emily. "Is there anything going between the two of you?"
He followed my gaze. "Emily? Of course not. She's just a friend."
I tilted my head, watching him closer. "It didn't seem like it."
He straightened. "I assure you, Mr. Cane, I am not that kind of man."
"I would never do that to Amelia," he said.
I raised a brow. "Amelia. Is that the girlfriend?"
He nodded, smiling. "She's the love of my life."
I gritted my teeth. "Is that so?"
Emily walked over, carrying a tray.
"And how did you two meet?" I asked.
Brian smiled. "Emily introduced us."
She chuckled. "I love playing cupid."
I took a sip of my coffee. "So, you two were friends first?"
Trey left that out of the report.
She nodded. "Speaking of…"
She turned to him. "Brian, hope you didn't forget to check her ring size. The shops close early today."
"Emily," Brian hissed, casting a glance in my direction.
My hand slipped, spilling the hot coffee over my suit. Emily gasped, while Brian shot up, eyes wide in concern.
"Are you okay, Mr. Cane?" he asked.
The hot liquid seeped through my suit, scalding me. But I couldn't feel the pain above the loud thrumming in my ears.
"Ring? You're going to propose to Amelia?"
He nodded slowly. "Yes, but Mr. Cane, are you sure you're okay?"
The smell of scorched fabric hit me, leaving a metallic taste in my mouth.
I stood up. "Let's reschedule lunch. Something came up."
"Mr. Cane, I—" My silence cut it off, stronger than any reprimand.
I walked away, my jaw clenched.
She doesn't get to move on. She doesn't get to be whole without me.