Playing with Power - Book 5: New Adult Office Romance by Adele Huxley

infidelity, he hadn’t been too specific.
    Lauren took a fortifying gulp of her Cosmo and forced herself to look Faith straight in the eye. “I found out a few weeks ago that Rochelle’s name is really Rachel. She’s not actually who she says she is. She works for a competitor and has more than likely taken a lot of our trade secrets back to them. I told Parker when I found out, figured it was his decision to make as CEO, yet he’s done nothing.”
    “How do you know all of this?” Faith asked incredulously.
    She took her hand and shook her head. “I’m sorry sweetie, I really can’t tell you. Just please trust that it’s true.” Lauren felt a pit in her stomach. That’s not all you should know about her but I can’t bring myself to tell you the rest. Please forgive me... “I really think you should talk to him about her, find out what he says.”
    Faith nodded and looked around the bar. “Sometimes I wish he wasn’t like this...I thought it was just something he’d grow out of but he seems to be getting worse.” The sadness in her voice brought another pang of guilt.
    “You can’t change him. That’s not your job.”
    “Lord, I know that,” she replied with a chuckle. It seemed like she was about to say something but Lauren got the feeling she shouldn’t prod. After a moment, Faith looked up and continued. “I know you’re leaving, probably just in time...”
    “How did you—”
    Faith smiled warmly. “I went out with Ali the other day and she accidentally let it slip. Don’t worry, I wouldn’t say anything to Parker about it but I’m really happy for you. It sounds like a great opportunity and you’re moving to California! I’m honestly jealous. She also said you’re with Landon DeWitt now. He’s a real hottie, good for you!”
    “I’m gonna kill her, you know. She can’t be trusted with any secrets,” Lauren grumbled. “Wait, what did you mean when you said I’m leaving just in time?”
    Faith looked around the bar conspiratorially, as if checking to see if the coast were clear. “The company isn’t doing too well... financially. ”
    “Well, I know we haven’t raised yet but there are still plenty of hats in the ring.”
    “No, it’s worse than that.” Faith leaned forward and dropped her voice. “Parker’s been getting cash injections from his father to keep the company afloat. Not to mention, both he and Philip have been giving themselves bonuses. That’s why Phil ended up in rehab and Parker bought his yacht. He actually just got a huge lump sum only a month ago and it’s all gone.” She exhaled loudly and seemed to sit up straighter. “God, that feels good to say. You know me, Wren. I hate stuff like this but because I’m with him and I’m essentially in charge of all the accounts...”
    Lauren couldn’t believe what she was hearing. She actually had never considered how the company was doing financially, figuring that if Parker was in control of anything, it’d be the money. His dad’s been floating us all along? Holy shit...
    “Wait, what about the books we show investors when the come in? Any accountant would be able to pick up on it.”
    “Probably, but no investor has taken it that far. The company essentially earns just enough money to break even but Parker makes it look like we’re really profitable by concealing his dad’s money here and there.” She crossed one arm under her breasts and lifted her drink. “I swear, if he spent half as much energy doing good as he does doing bad, he might actually be a half decent guy.”

7.
    Lauren berated herself the entire way home. Why didn’t I just tell her? After everything that happened with Nick, even though it fucking sucked, I’d still want to know. I feel so fucking scummy, like I’m covering for Parker. That poor girl deserves the nicest man in the world yet she’s stuck to that son-of-a-bitch. And everything she said about the company? Damn. I knew things were bad, but why didn’t I see it