Chapter 7

• ROBERT'S POV
• I was in my spacious office at the top of the Parker Technology skyscraper in Silicon Valley, lost in thoughts about the company's future and my plans to connect with the employees.
• Olivia entered my office with a worried expression, holding her phone with a nervous look. "Mr. Parker, we have a problem," she said, avoiding my gaze.
• I looked at her, frowning. "What happened, Olivia?"
• She took a deep breath and then delivered the news I wasn't expecting to hear. "Emma Williams has declined our offer to come back to the company."
• My initial reaction was one of disbelief. I was certain she would return without hesitation when I called her back after her unfair dismissal. However, reality proved otherwise.
• My hands clenched into fists, and I felt anger bubbling up inside me. "What? How dare she refuse? Doesn't she understand the opportunity she's missing?"
• Olivia seemed as perplexed as I was. "I don't know, Mr. Parker. She was quite determined when she declined. It seems like she's determined not to come back."
• My mind was in turmoil. I had carefully crafted a plan to get closer to the employees, showing them that I was involved and concerned about the company's well-being and their own. Emma's return would have been a significant step in that direction. Now, this key piece was refusing to fit into the puzzle I had envisioned.
• I stood up from my chair and began to pace around the room, trying to calm my anger and frustration. "We need to do something, Olivia. Emma Williams cannot refuse this opportunity."
• She looked at me with apprehension. "What do you want to do, Mr. Parker? What's the plan B?"
• I stopped and stared at her with determination. "There is no plan B, Olivia. Emma will return to Parker Technology, or my name isn't Robert Parker."
• My resolve was unwavering. I was willing to do whatever it took to ensure that Emma returned to the company. She was essential to my plans and to Parker Technology's overall success.
• Olivia nodded, understanding the seriousness of the situation. "Understood, Mr. Parker. I'll do my best to convince her to reconsider."
• I thanked her with a nod and looked out the window of my office, lost in thoughts about Emma Williams. Her red hair, piercing green eyes, and the way her lips moved as she spoke. She had sparked something in me from the moment I encountered her in the elevator, venting about the company and about me, not even knowing who she was talking to.
• I wasn't accustomed to being challenged, and the fact that Emma had publicly doubted my leadership abilities had stirred my ego. But it also intrigued me. There was something about her that drew me in—a flame of determination that piqued my curiosity.
• I wanted Emma back at Parker Technology, not just for the company's sake, but because I desired her. I couldn't get her out of my head, and the idea of having her work by my side was irresistible.
• Now, she was refusing my offer, and I was determined to have her back at Parker Technology. The challenge she presented only fueled my desire to bring her back.
• I picked up my phone, my fingers flying over the screen as I dialed important numbers. I had a list of contacts that included the CEOs of the biggest companies in Silicon Valley. They were my peers and my competitors, but I knew how to call in favors when necessary.
• The first name on the list was Richard Sullivan, the CEO of one of the largest tech companies in the Valley. He answered after a few rings, and I got straight to the point.
• "Sullivan, I need a favor," I began, my voice firm and direct.
• He seemed surprised by my call but agreed to listen. "Of course, Parker. What do you need?"
• "Emma Williams," I said, emphasizing the name. "She has declined my offer to return to Parker Technology, and I want her back."
• Richard fell silent for a moment, processing my words. "I see. What do you want me to do?"
• "I want you to ensure that she is not hired by any of your companies or any Silicon Valley partners," I declared, my voice leaving no room for arguments.
• He sighed on the other end of the line. "Parker, this seems a bit extreme."
• I wasn't willing to accept excuses. "Sullivan, I'll do whatever it takes to have her back. You can count on me when you need anything in the future."
• He hesitated for a moment before finally conceding. "Fine, Parker. I'll talk to some colleagues and ensure that Emma Williams is not hired by any company around here."
• I smiled satisfactorily, thanking him for his cooperation. "Sullivan, you won't regret it. I'll owe you one."
• The call ended, and I continued to dial other influential CEOs in Silicon Valley, repeating my request and ensuring that Emma Williams would find closed doors in every direction.
• As I proceeded with my plan, my mind returned to Emma and the spark of challenge she had ignited in me from the moment I encountered her. I was willing to face any challenge to have her back, and I was determined to show her that no one refused an offer from Robert Parker and got away with it.
• ***
• I was exhausted as I finally left the company and headed to the parking lot. Night was beginning to fall, painting the sky with shades of orange and pink as I walked toward my car.
• Midway to my car, I encountered my brother, Timothy, who was waiting next to his own vehicle. He looked at me with a curious and concerned expression. "Bobby, did you manage to resolve the situation with Emma Williams?"
• I sighed, shaking my head. "Not yet, Tim. But I'm working on it. She'll be back at the company soon."
• He nodded in understanding. "I'm sure you'll figure it out, Bobby."
• As we got into our respective cars, I took the opportunity to ask him a favor. "Tim, when we have dinner with Mom tonight, please don't mention anything about Emma Williams or my plan to go undercover as an assistant to get to know the employees."
• He furrowed his brow, looking somewhat surprised by my request. "Why not?"
• I knew that our mother could be somewhat controlling and protective, and I didn't want her to meddle in my work. "You know how Abigail Parker can be."
• Timothy agreed, offering a supportive smile. "My lips are sealed, Bobby. Don't worry."