Chapter 553 Holding On
Patricia stared at James, taking some time to find her voice again. "You're leaving?" Her voice betrayed a sense of loss she hadn't noticed.
James nodded. "When Alan first brought me in, it was to help the Langley Group through its immediate troubles. Now that we've made it through and the company's future is looking bright, I'm no longer needed."
Patricia's mind went blank, her thoughts ceasing, as she clutched his hand. "What do you mean, 'not needed?' You are needed."
James had taught her so much during this time: how to navigate through a crisis, how to lead employees in a way that they follow willingly, and what to consider when negotiating a partnership. Everything. It was all him. Over time, she had grown reliant on him, convinced that with him by her side, there was nothing they couldn't accomplish.
Hearing him talk about leaving now sparked an irrational panic in her, a fear that felt like losing a vital pillar from her heart.
James felt a tightness in his chest as he saw the sincerity in her eyes and the urgency on her face. Despite his reluctance, he pulled his hand away, and said softly, "You need to learn to stand on your own two feet. You can't always rely on others. Believe in yourself; you can do it."
"But I want to rely on you!" Patricia said, then immediately froze.
James froze too.
She blushed, not understanding why she had suddenly made such a confession.
Her eyes flickered guiltily as she stammered, struggling to clarify. "Don't get me wrong; that's not what I meant. I just think you're really capable, and I feel secure with you around. Please, stay! Whatever you ask, I'm willing to agree. We can negotiate the terms, and whatever your price, I can meet it."
James gazed deeply at her, his eyes calm as a lake on the surface but stormy beneath. "I—
"One year!"
"What?"
"Just one year, stay and help me for one more year. After that, I promise I won't hold you back," she said.
A deep pain flashed through James' eyes, well concealed.
One year? He wished to stay by her side for another year too.
"I'm sorry..." he started.
Realizing he was about to decline, Patricia stepped back. "Then ten months, if that's too long, six months. Just help me out for another six months. Is that okay?"
She couldn't understand the importance of keeping him there; the company was stable, and she and her colleague Alan were fully capable. Yet, a desperate voice inside her screamed for him to stay.
"I..." James began again, a sharp pain shooting through his heart. He clenched his fists, gritted his teeth, and tried to refuse through the overwhelming anguish.
Patricia, conceding so much and yet facing his refusal, felt her eyes well up with tears.
"If six months is still too long, then three! I've come this far. Can't you agree to that, at least?"
James nearly softened at her crestfallen look; he was so close to giving in to her plea. As he was about to speak, a sudden rush of air choked him, and he covered his mouth, coughing lightly. This snapped him back to reason.
After clearing his throat and catching his breath, his gaze once again grew resolute. "I can't— "
The office door burst open, and Alan strode in, bubbling with excitement. "Great news, folks!"
Patricia kept her eyes on James, asking, "What's the news?"
She was weary of the so-called 'good news' that seemed all too frequent these days. Was it another spike in stock prices, a surge in sales, or ballooning profits? She was more concerned about James's decision. Would he stay?
Alan's announcement broke her train of thought. "I just got a call from HD Group. They're interested in a partnership. They've taken a fancy to our chips and the new operating system," he said excitedly.
"The HD Group? The global leader in computer sales?" Patricia said, turning to Alan.
Alan nodded. "Yes, they're not only satisfied with our systems and chips—they're even considering purchasing our newly launched operating system."
Patricia was skeptical. "Is that even possible? Could it be a setup?"
Alan paused. "We'll have to meet them face-to-face and discuss the details to be certain. If we clinch this partnership, your position as President will be more secure than ever."
Patricia nodded. "Alright. For such a major endeavor, I want a meeting with their top decision-maker."
"Their CEO isn't in Ivara City at the moment," Alan added. "To hammer out the details, you'll need to fly out to Country M."
Patricia frowned at the mention of Country M, a place fraught with painful memories and scars. She had a bad feeling about the trip, as if Hunter had set a trap there, just waiting for her.
Alan, oblivious to her inner turmoil, said, "It's a significant project; I'll go with you."
Patricia looked at James. "We'll discuss your staying or leaving after we've dealt with this project, okay?"
"You're leaving?" he asked James.
James nodded. "We had an agreement that I'd leave once the crisis was resolved. Now that things have calmed down, it's time for me to go."
Patricia caught his hand. "Help me out just one more time, please? Just this once?"
James, unable to refuse her earnest request, nodded. "We can discuss the partnership, just the two of us. Alan, you'll hold down the fort at the office. Patricia and I will handle this."
His tone inadvertently carried the authority of a leader. Patricia felt a strange stir in her heart at his words.
After making arrangements, she hastily packed her bags, and together with James, they boarded a private jet bound for Country M.
Upon arriving, Patricia was hit by a wave of emotions. The sharp wind seemed to cut her skin.
They were staying at the Manhattan Hotel, just a floor away from Howard Duncan, the CEO of HD Group. To her surprise, Alan had booked only one suite for her and James.
Irritated, Patricia called Alan. "What are you doing? Why did you book only one room for us?"
"There are only two presidential suites," Alan said, barely containing his laughter. "Duncan took one, so we got the last one. It's convenient for business. Besides, you could use this as an opportunity to have a good talk or, if it comes down to it, work a little charm to keep him around. Bye, now!"
Patricia laughed off her frustration.
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