Chapter 6

Archer held his breath as the elevator headed to the top floor, the highest in the building.

Within minutes, the elevator opened.

Seeing how big and exuberant the building was, he wasn't surprised to see the interior as lovely as the company's reputation.

His heart thumped faster as it now dawned on him that all of this was his.

There was only one office facing the elevator and that belonged to the CEO.

He knocked.

Archer stepped into a room adorned with minimalist elegance. At the imposing desk sat a young woman, her gaze focused on her laptop.

He took his time to study her.

The CEO, Madison Hale, was just about his age but according to Gabriel, cutthroat would be the best word to use for her.

She exuded capability and independence. Her sharp eyes, framed by a cascade of auburn hair, met Archer's as he entered.

She stood up with a bright smile and walked around her desk to meet him.

"Mr. Archer, I presume?" Madison stood, extending a hand in greeting. "I've been expecting you."

Archer, maintaining a stoic demeanor, shook her hand firmly. "You're well-informed, Ms. Hale."

"Call me Madison," she insisted, motioning for him to take a seat. "When I heard the owner was coming, I was quite nervous."

"Why?" He asked.

Madison shrugged, "It's not every day someone threatens your position but I was shocked when you requested to learn from the ground up."

"I cannot assume a position I know nothing of, that would be unfair. You seem to be doing a good job." Archer said.

Madison smiled at him, "I am glad you think so. I am the only one that knows your identity and we plan on keeping it that way."

"Thank you," Archer said.

Archer had to admit that Madison was beautiful, she was confident too.

Madison studied Archer too, she had to keep herself in check in order not to appear like a creep.

"Please let me know if you need anything, I am at your beck and call."

Archer chuckled, "Actually, there is one thing." he said.

Madison walked back to her chair and sat down giving him her full attention.

"What is it?"

Archer leaned back, studying Madison with an appraising eye. "I have a situation that requires your cooperation."

Madison's curiosity was heightened, "I am listening."

"You recently approved a deal with another company, correct?" he asked.

Madison nodded, "Yes, we were supposed to collaborate. He is my next appointment as we speak."

She made a show of checking her watch.

"You need to go with the other company," Archer said.

"Oh, why?"

Archer narrated his ordeal with Jack at the entrance.

Madison absorbed the details, her expression shifting from curiosity to concern.

"I am not telling you how to do your job but it wouldn't be wise to go ahead," Archer concluded.

"You're asking me to cut ties with him," Madison deduced.

Archer nodded. "His intentions are far from honorable. I need your assurance that Sky Corporation won't become entangled in his schemes."

Madison's eyes narrowed, "You have my word, Archer. Sky Corporation won't be a pawn in anyone's game. But we need to handle this carefully. What's your plan?"

"I don't have any. You are the CEO." he shrugged.

"Very well, leave it to me, Archer," Madison assured him.

Archer watched as Madison made the call to have Jack come to the top floor.

He sat down and folded his arms.

Madison leaned back in her chair, her expression unreadable as Jack entered the room, a smug smile playing on his lips.

"Miss Hale, thank you for seeing me." Jack's confidence was evident.

Madison gestured for Jack to take a seat. "Yes, Mr Callaghan. Please, have a seat. We have matters to discuss."

Jack's smugness went off the roof. Archer was glad the pillar hid him because Jack had yet to see him.

Archer cleared his throat and Jack's eyes flew to his.

Jack's face paled.

"W...what is he doing here?" he stuttered.

It was Archer's turn to be smug.

Madison cleared her throat directing the attention to her.

"Please sit." she gestured to the chair.

Jack gently lowered himself to the chair, the sweat already forming on his forehead.

"Oh, that's our new employee. He started today."

Jack visibly relaxed, "Oh. Miss Hale, about the contract..."

"We won't be going forward with that. " Madison said sharply.

"W...what?" Jack asked.

He shifted uncomfortably as he looked between Madison and Archer.

"We have decided that it won't work in our best interest if we go ahead with this deal," Madison said.

Archer held in the urge to smirk, seeing Madison in action made him so happy. He couldn't wait to step into his role.

"There has to be a reason," Jack argued.

"Well, we don't make it a habit of indulging. The deal has been canceled, end of story." Madison said sharply.

Jack ran a hand through his hair as he cut a sharp glare to Archer.

"You did this!" he pointed a finger.

"What?" Archer asked innocently.

"What did you say to her? Did you tell her I slept with your girlfriend? Is that why it's being canceled?" Jack sneered.

"What's happening?" Madison muttered more to herself.

Jack was already up from his chair, "You ruined this!"

"Security!" Madison yelled.

"This isn't over!" Jake snarled.

He stormed off before the security could come in.

The uncomfortable silence worried Archer.

"What was that?" Madison asked.

"Beats me if I know."

"It looks like you have a history with him."

"I don't. I met him when he was in bed with my girlfriend. Nothing more to it." Archer shrugged.

Madison stared at him, he didn't appear sad or heartbroken.

"Okay, let me show you where you would work from."

"Thank you,"

Madison led the way out of the office and Archer followed.

The excitement was back but he tried to control it.

Madison led him to a door, "You would be working in the strategy department." she informed him.

Archer nodded.

Madison handed him some documents, "Here, report to HR and get your employee records."

She left him standing there.