Chapter 4 - The Cruel Proposal
Julian blinked in stunned disbelief, his heart hammering against his ribs. A promotion? After what happened? Victoria gasped softly, covering her mouth with her manicured hand as she exchanged a bewildered glance with the old billionaire.
“You’re… you’re not letting me go?” Julian whispered, the color rushing back into his pale cheeks.
“Do not mistake mercy for leniency,” Arthur replied coldly, his eyes narrowing. “You will retain your position at the boutique, but your commission structure is being permanently dissolved. Starting today, you will be assigned to a mandatory six-week corporate rehabilitation program overseen personally by Victoria. Furthermore, you will spend every Saturday working our downtown soup kitchen, scrubbing floors and washing dishes, without pay, until you remember what it means to look another human being in the eye without judging their clothes.”
Julian’s initial wave of relief evaporated instantly, replaced by a cold, hollow dread. Scrubbing floors? Saturdays at a soup kitchen? It sounded like public humiliation disguised as corporate training.
“Mr. Vance, with all due respect,” Julian started, his ego momentarily flaring despite his desperate situation, “is that really necessary? I made a mistake, an error in judgment. Surely a formal apology letter and a temporary suspension would suffice. Punishing me like a common laborer—”
Victoria shot Julian a look of pure horror, kicking his shin sharply under the desk to silence him.
Arthur let out a dry, humorless chuckle. He walked back to his desk, picked up a heavy gold fountain pen, and tapped it against the blotter. “A common laborer, Julian? Those are the very people who built this city, who bought the stock that funds your salary, and who ultimately own the building you are standing in right now. You spent yesterday afternoon looking down your nose at a man in a work jacket. I am simply giving you the opportunity to find out what is inside that jacket.”
Julian swallowed his pride, his jaw tightening as the humiliation burned hot in his throat. He had no choice. If he walked out that door, his career in retail was effectively dead across the entire tri-state area. Arthur Vance’s word was law in the luxury sector.
“I accept the terms, sir,” Julian muttered, keeping his gaze firmly fixed on the floor.
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“Good,” Arthur said, dismissing them with a flick of his wrist. “Go back to the store. Victoria has your schedule. Don’t be late.”
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