The Billionaire Hidden in Plain Sight

Chapter Seven

In the plush executive lounge on the fortieth floor, Patrick Miller lounged in a leather chair, his legs stretched out confidently. The floor-to-ceiling windows framed a breathtaking view of the city below, but his attention was fixed entirely on the woman beside him.

Tara Carter perched on the edge of her seat, practically vibrating with excitement. Her designer purse sat open on her lap as she typed furiously on her phone.

“I can’t believe this is finally happening,” she whispered, her fingers flying across the screen. “Grandmother Margaret is going to be so impressed.”

Patrick adjusted his expensive watch, flashing a smug smile. “I told you not to worry, sweetheart. With my connections, this deal was always guaranteed.”

“When President Leonardo signs the partnership agreement,” Tara continued, eyes gleaming with anticipation, “I’ll officially become the new company president. Finally.”

“And after that,” Patrick leaned closer, his voice dropping to an intimate murmur, “we’ll plan our wedding. The Miller–Carter alliance will be the most powerful this city’s ever seen.”

Tara giggled, leaning into his embrace. “We’ll be unstoppable. The Harper family will finally bow to me and that would be the happiest day of my life”

Patrick’s expression soured slightly. “Speaking of the Harper family—did you see Emma’s pathetic husband downstairs? What was his name again?”

“Liam something,” Tara waved dismissively. “Nobody important. Just some charity case Emma’s grandfather took in.”

“The audacity of that man,” Patrick scoffed, shaking his head in disbelief, “Acting like he belonged here. He is lucky security didn't get the chance to throw him out.”

“He probably thought he could beg for a janitor position,” Tara laughed cruelly. “As if Titan Global Holdings would ever hire him.”

Their laughter was cut short by the sharp click of heels. They turned, expecting President Leonardo. Instead, Laura Montenegro, Nina’s secretary, stood in the doorway… her expression is as cold as glass.

“Mr. Miller,” she said, her voice crisp and formal. “I need to speak with you. Immediately.”

Patrick straightened, sensing something amiss but maintaining his confident facade.  “Of course, Laura. Is President Leonardo ready to see us?”

“President Leonardo will not be seeing you.” Laura said flatly.

“What?!” Tara blinked. “But we have an appointment—”

“Mr. Miller,” Laura continued, ignoring Tara’s interruption, her tone icy. “Your employment with Titan Global Holdings is terminated, effective immediately.”

The words hung in the air like a death sentence.

Patrick stared at her, certain he misheard. “I’m sorry—what?”

“You’re fired,” Laura repeated, each syllable pronounced with crystalline clarity, cutting cleanly through the air.

"Fired?" Patrick’s voice cracked. "That's impossible! There must be some mistake!"

"There's no mistake."

"But I'm a senior manager! I have contracts! I have projects!" Patrick scrambled to his feet, his face flushing red with panic. "You can't  just—"

"I can, and I have." Laura’s expression remained coldly professional. "Security will escort you from the building. Your personal belongings will be sent to your home address."

Tara’s phone slid from her hand. She stared in shock.

“This is insane! Patrick, tell her this is insane!”

“Laura, please listen to me,” Patrick’s tone turned desperate, pleading. “I don't understand what is happening. What did I do wrong? I’ve been a model employee for the past three years!”

For a brief moment, Laura’s composure wavered, revealing a flash of genuine anger.

“You offended someone powerful without realizing it,” she snapped. “So powerful that your stupidity nearly got me fired too.”

Patrick’s face went pale. “Offend someone powerful?… who? When?

“Figure it out yourself.” Laura turned on her heel. “Security will be here in thirty seconds.”

She left without another word, heels clicking sharply down the corridor. Leaving Patrick and Tara alone in the suddenly oppressive silence of the executive lounge.

“This can’t be happening,” Patrick whispered, sinking into the chair. His hands trembled as he pulled out his phone. “I need to call someone… my contacts… my connections.”

“Who did you offend?” Tara demanded, her voice rising. “Who could possibly be powerful enough to get you fired like this?”

Patrick’s mind replayed the morning’s events. Desperately searching for answers. Then his face drained of color.

“The man downstairs,” he murmured. “That nobody… Liam.”

“Liam?” Tara gawked. “You’re saying that street nobody got you fired from Titan Global Holdings?”

“It has to be him,” Patrick whispered. “He made that phone call, and then President Leonardo came running.”

The realization hit Tara like a physical blow. Her face contorted with rage and disbelief.

“You idiot!” she screamed, jumping to her feet. “You provoked a mysterious big shot and ruined everything!"

“I didn’t know!” Patrick shot back. “How could I have known he was connected?”

"You should have known!" Tara’s voice reached a pitch that made nearby office workers turn their heads. "You should have been more careful! You should have—"

"I should have what?" Patrick’s desperation transformed into fury. "How was I supposed to guess that some bicycle-riding nobody was secretly powerful?"

"I don't care how you were supposed to guess!" Tara grabbed her purse, her movements sharp and angry. "All I know is that you destroyed my chance to become company president!"

"Your chance?" Patrick's laugh was bitter and harsh. "What about my career? What about my future?"

"What about it?" Tara’s eyes were cold as ice. "You're finished, Patrick. Completely finished. And I'm not going down with you."

"What are you saying?"

"I'm saying we're done." Tara slung her purse over her shoulder with finality. "I'm breaking up with you. Right now."

He stared at her in shock. “You can’t be serious.”

"Dead serious," her voice was heartless. "I need a man who can help my career, not destroy it."

"You gold-digging witch!" Patrick’s voice exploded with rage. "You were all over me when I was a manager! Calling me darling, planning our wedding! But the second my position disappears, you run like a coward!"

"So what if I do?" Tara shot back without shame. "You think I loved you for your sparkling personality? You were useful, Patrick. Now you're not."

"Useful?" Patrick's face turned purple with fury. "You mercenary snake! You never cared about me at all!"

"Of course I didn't!" Tara laughed cruelly. "You were a stepping stone, nothing more. And now you're a broken stepping stone that I'm throwing away."

Their shouting match echoed through the executive floor, drawing stares and whispers from employees and visitors alike.

"You heartless—" Patrick started.

"Loser!" Tara finished. "That's what you are now! A complete and total loser!"

The elevator doors opened, and three security guards stepped out, their expressions grim and professional.

"Mr. Miller," the lead guard called out. "Please come with us."

"This isn't over!" Patrick shouted as the guards approached. "I'll find out who did this! I'll make them pay!"

"Good luck with that," Tara sneered. "Maybe you can ask for help while you're begging on street corners."

The guards flanked Patrick, gently but firmly guiding him toward the elevator. Tara followed at a distance, her head held high with false dignity.

"Ma'am," one guard addressed her politely, "we'll need you to leave as well."

"Of course," she replied with icy composure. "I was just leaving anyway."

As the elevator doors closed on the arguing couple, their voices could still be heard echoing down the shaft.

~~~

Back in Nina Leonardo’s office, the atmosphere was calm and composed. Liam sat comfortably across from her in the leather chair, while Nina took notes on a legal pad, her attention focused entirely on his words.

“There are two things I need you to handle,” Liam said, his tone even but carrying quiet authority.

“Of course,” Nina replied, her pen poised over the paper . “What are your instructions?”

“First,” his voice hardened, “Titan Global Holdings will cut all ties with the Morgan family. No cooperation whatsoever.”

Nina nodded, making a note“May I ask the reason?”

“Ethan Morgan has improper intentions toward my wife,” Liam said coldly. “He’s been using business leverage to pressure her into a marriage proposal. That ends now.”

“Understood completely.” Anger flickered across Nina’s eyes. “The Morgans will be blacklisted immediately. All existing contracts will be terminated.”

“Good.” Liam leaned back, his expression softening. “Second, I want Titan Global to launch a new project here in the city.”

“What kind of project?”

“A five-star hotel,” Liam replied. “Something grand, something that’ll require top-tier construction.”

Nina’s eyes brightened with understanding. “The Harper family specializes in construction and development.”

“Exactly.” Liam’s smile was genuine for the first time today. This will give them a fair opportunity to prove themselves, and strengthen their position. A partnership that benefits everyone involved."

“It’s brilliant,” Nina said, already noting details. “A legitimate business opportunity that showcases their capabilities while strengthening their financial position. A partnership that builds credibility for them and stability for us,”

“Can you have the proposal ready by tomorrow?”

“Absolutely,” she said, her confidence unwavering.

“I’ll have the legal team draft it tonight. The Harper family will receive an official invitation to bid on the project first thing in the morning.”