Andi’s panic ratcheted up. "I didn't do anything. Noah, I swear. You know I would never do anything against Margaret."
/> I kept my eyes on Marcus, mostly because I didn't trust him. But I also knew if I looked at Andi, I might not be able to hold on to the show of strength. I needed Marcus to know that I was operating in what was best for the business and not out of some sort of blind love for Andi. He needed to know, even if my brothers didn’t, that I could hold my own in a showdown with Chen.
"I have to admit, Noah, I was expecting you to find the virus a lot sooner than you did. I must've overestimated your talent. Or maybe you decided to overlook Ms. Walker's betrayal because of your very clear feelings for her," he said with a glance towards Andi.
"No, you have to believe me. I would never —"
I held my hand up to stop her. She snapped her mouth shut. I saw the fire in her eyes because my gesture was rude, but I needed to focus on getting rid of Marcus.
"Tell me, Marcus, while you've been so busy trying to take over Strong Incorporated, have you been keeping a watch on your own company?"
Marcus’ eyes narrowed, but he kept his mask of smarm on. "My company is doing just fine, thank you. Even better now that Strong Incorporated will be added to the mix."
"I cannot tell you how relieved I am to hear that." I looked over at Andi. "Isn't that good news, Andi?”
Her expression was uncertain as she looked from me to Marcus and then back to me again.
She nodded. "Yes, that's good news indeed." Then, as if a light bulb went off on her head. She nodded more vigorously. "It's very good news, Marcus."
I turned and I smiled at him. “Well now that we've got that settled. Maybe you can be on your way, because I do have some things that I need to talk to Andi about."
“Noah, you can’t believe what Marcus is saying,” she said with desperation in her voice.
Marcus laughed and shook his head. “When you’re finished and need a job, Andi, you know where to find me. I’m heading to the Strong office building now.”
“My brothers will be there to greet you,” I said offhandedly.
“You’re remarkably calm about all this Noah. Then again, I suppose you never really worked for your grandmother, have you.”
“I haven’t, but that doesn’t mean I don’t support my family or the business.”
He smiled triumphantly. “Well, now you can support me.”
I shook my head. “I don’t think so. And might I suggest that before you go over to the office, you check in with yours.”
His eyes narrowed again, as he studied me. “I have no need to check in with my office.”
“I wouldn’t be so sure. Then again, it’s not your office anymore.” I looked at Andi. “I’m not sure how these takeover things work.”
She managed a smile to play along with me, but I could see the worry in her eyes.
“Perhaps you should be clear on what you’re trying to say, Noah,” Marcus said with annoyance.
“While you were busy buying majority stock in Strong Incorporated, we bought your company.”
He laughed. “It’s not possible. I own Strong Incorporated now.”
“Actually, your company owns Strong Incorporated, and now we own your company.” I smiled like the arrogant asshole I could be.
For the first time since I’d met him, Marcus looked concerned. “We’ll see about that,” he said, pulling out his cell phone.
“You do that.” I motioned to the door. “But can you do it elsewhere. I have business with Andi that can’t wait.”
“This isn’t over, Noah.”
“It is for now, Marcus.” I ushered him out the door, shutting it behind him. Then I turned to Andi. “Now. You have some explaining to do.”
30