Chapter 29It's been a week since Archer spoke to Hailey. They have done a good job of staying out of his sight. A long day at work was finally over and all Archer wanted to do was to flop on his bed and drift off to a deep sleep.He came out of his building and took a deep breath, the clean, refreshing air calming himArcher looked to his colleagues who were trooping out of the building. He waved at Lola who sought him out from the crowd.He watched her get into her car and peel out of the parking lot. He attempted to call his driver but his phone rang before he could, jolting him out of his thoughts. He picked it up, noting Madison's name on the caller ID."Hey, Madison," Archer greeted, trying to sound less tired than he felt."Archer, where are you?" Madison's voice was firm."Just wrapping up at work. Why?" Archer replied."I need to see you. It's important," Madison informed him.Archer sighed, feeling the weight of the day on his shoulders. He just wanted to sleep. "Madison,
Madison couldn't help but chuckle as she observed Archer's shocked expression. "What's got you so surprised?" she asked with a playful glint in her eyes.Archer, still processing the bold move on the paper in his hands, looked up and grinned. "It's just... I didn't expect someone to take such a daring approach. It's impressive."Madison leaned in, her curiosity piqued. "Well, what is it? Don't leave me hanging."Archer handed her the paper, his smile widening. "Your enthusiasm is refreshing. But I will work on a pitch and get back to you."He was surprised. He knew the woman had a nice work ethic but seeing it firsthand was so exciting. She was ready to take risks just to achieve her goal and it was the one trait Archer loved in anyone.Her kind, their kind was unbreakable.Madison raised a brow but Archer snatched the paper from her hands gently and looked at it before nodding."I mean, you have no clear approach. Just a strong idea but with the right move, the company will be yours
Jack chuckled under his breath and Archer's nose flared.He cut Jack a hard glare, " I dare you to say that one more time and watch me knock your teeth to the ground."Jack laughed again and opened his mouth but he clamped it shut when he saw the kook on Archer's face.He checked his odds and judging by the defensive stance, Jack did not doubt that Archer would beat his ass.Jack smiled and retreated."I have no doubt you would try that but I am not the type to pick fights in public spaces," he said as he looked around the restaurant.The rest of the patrons were already staring at them with disapproval on their faces.Archer shook his head, "You are right, they shouldn't let you into some places. You are bound to cause trouble.""Don't get me started about who they should let in. This place is too high a standard for you. I can only guess Madison is paying."Archer moved forward but Madison's arm stopped him before he could. He looked at her and she shook her head subtly at him.He t
The next day at work, Archer was seated in his cubicle chatting with Lola when the shrill ring of his phone interrupted his peaceful moment.He sighed when he saw that it was Madison, and he picked it up."Hello?" Madison's voice on the other end instructed him to head to the conference room immediately.Archer smiled, and finally, the board was ready to see him. He had spent time thinking about what they would say to him.Would they cheer him on to keep doing good work or recognize him for the one he has done?So many options in his head, Madison already told him that they would try and intimidate him. He was ready for that.With a little fist pump, he headed out. He ignored the stares of his colleagues as he grinned to himself.Lola gave him a look but he ignored that too. He didn't need her asking questions.He made his way to the elevator and pressed the button, it took him to the top floor.As he strolled down the hallway, he noticed a man, slightly aged, appearing lost. Arch
Archer was surprised at Ferguson's tone. He waited a breath for people to counter him but nobody did.He saw the old man sigh from the corner of his eyes."Why?" Archer gathered up the courage.Ferguson's eyes narrowed, "What do you mean why?""Why are you asking me to leave?"Ferguson snorted, he turned a glare at Archer for speaking to him like a child."Next time we summon you, come early, and don't keep anyone waiting." Ferguson snapped.Archer held in the scoff that threatened to leave his lips. He met Ferguson's gaze and nearly grinned at the man."So?"Mumbles filled the room at his words but Archer kept his face stoic.Mr. Maxfield, the old man adjusted his tie as he cleared his throat. The room hushed into silence."Nobody is going anywhere," he declared, his voice carrying authority. The board members exchanged glances, curious about the unexpected announcement.He looked around the room, "What exactly is happening here?" he asked.Ferguson sat up straight, his face red fro
Ferguson opened and closed his mouth like a gutted fish. His eyes were as wide as saucers. He looked around him and everyone was looking at him, wondering what he would do.He was in disbelief about how Archer spoke to him. His fist clenched and unclenched as he tried to calm himself down.He glared at Archer who widened his smug smile at him as if he was daring Ferguson."Now, you listen here, you stupid...""That's enough!" Maxfield said firmly."But...""I said, that's enough." Maxfield snapped.Ferguson snapped his mouth shut.Archer chuckled, he looked at the wimpy director who only feels superior when he puts others down. It was almost comical to see him submit to a higher authority.It was plain pathetic."Let's begin," Maxfield said again as he gestured to Madison.Madison took the floor, a file in her hand. She took a deep breath and squared her shoulders. The look in her eyes screamed confidence.She tilted her chin and looked everyone in the eye."Let's begin,""You asked fo
Archer returned to his department and leaned against the doorframe. He watched his colleagues talk amongst themselves and sighed.He walked straight to his desk and took a seat. Lola skipped over to him immediately. Her wide grin immediately changed his gloomy mood."Hey, Archer, what's got you looking so gloomy?" she chirped, a curious smile on her face.Archer glanced at her, "Nothing at all, I am just exhausted.""You were gone a long time, is everything okay?" she asked with concern.Archer nodded, "I am, don't worry about me."Lola narrowed her eyes but she smiled at him."Guess what?"Archer turned to look at her, "what?""They fired the manager."Archer played the surprise card, "What? Really?"Lola nodded happily, her head bobbing up and down with excitement."Yes, heard it this morning."Archer shrugged, "Serves him right. He deserved it."Lola furrowed her brows, studying Archer's expression. "You don't seem too surprised about it. Did you have something to do with it?"Arc
Archer stared at her with so much on his face. His lips pursed as he looked for a way to answer her.His ears rang with the waves of mistrust coming from her. He had no idea Lola would question him like this."I can't believe you would even ask me that,""Oh stop it! Why can't I ask?" Lola snapped, her hands flailing around making her look even more furious.Archer was shocked by the amount of venom in her voice. She had never spoken to him that way before.It didn't stop Lola, she glared at him so fiercely and started yelling. Everybody started staring and the whispering started again."How could you deceive me like this? I thought we were friends. You used me just like every other man out there..." "Shut up," Archer snapped.He ran a nervous hand through his hair to keep calm.Lola clamped her mouth shut, her eyes wide with disbelief as she stared at him. Archer sighed.He took a deep breath to remain calm so as not to spook her."Let's go get some coffee."Lola shook her head, "are