Redeeming His Reputation

Redeeming His ReputationREBECCA GANNON Copyright © 2023 Rebecca Gannon All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without the written permission of the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a review.This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.newsletter, blog, shop, and links to all social media:www.rebeccagannon.com More by Rebecca GannonPine CoveHer Maine AttractionHer Maine ReactionHer Maine RiskHer Maine DistractionCarfano Crime FamilyCasino KingThe BossVengeanceExecutionerCarfano Crime Family Box Set Vol. 1 (books 1-4)Wild Ace (coming Summer 2023)Standalone NovelsWhiskey & WineRedeeming His Reputation To everyone who grew up not knowing what love looks or feels like,I hope you know it now.And if you don’t yet, know you’re not alone. Chapter 1AmeliaLooking up at the imposing building in front of me, the warm city air blows my hair around my shoulders and I tuck a few wayward strands behind my ear.The morning sun glints off the dark reflective windows of the Lancaster building, shining like a black diamond amongst a skyline full of silver.I’ve dreamt of working for Lancaster Industries since I was a freshman in college and their CEO, Richard Lancaster, came to speak at a business seminar. He’s a brilliant man who built his company from the ground up when he was only twenty-five. It took years for him to be taken seriously because of how young he was, but now no one would dare make that mistake.He has his hand in every aspect of business. From industrial plants and factories, to hotels and resorts, mining, trucking, aeronautics, and everything in between.He’s known for buying companies that are struggling or want to expand and don’t have the means to, and then turns them around to make a profit within the year. He doesn’t just fire everyone who works there either, but rather has a team come in to assess and train those already in place so they’ll function seamlessly. It’s how he’s gotten so many companies to place their trust in him.I was so enamored by him and his business model, I knew from that day on I wanted to work for his company in any aspect I could. I want to be a part of something that literally makes the world work and makes it a better place to live in.I studied day and night all four years of college, had internships every summer, was in every extracurricular club I could be in, and worked part-time during the school year to ensure my resume was more desirable than every other applicant. I wanted to stand out. And a few months after graduation, I was able to score an interview with Richard Lancaster’s senior assistant.A junior assistant position opened up, and if I nail this interview, then I’ll have reached a major stepping stone in securing a future for myself that I have control over. A stable one where I don’t have to worry about how I’m going to pay my bills, eat, or keep a roof over my head month-to-month.Taking a deep breath, I open the door and step into the lobby, my eyes widening at the grandeur.The floor, front desk, and columns around the space are all made of the same beautiful black and white marble. The walls are covered in a black textured wallpaper with large paintings hanging every few meters framed in thick, extravagant, gold gilded frames that look to be museum quality. Black leather chairs and gold framed glass tables are scattered about to make the lobby appear homier, but when I look up, I have to keep my mouth from falling open at the three large gold chandeliers hanging across the width of the ceiling, dripping in crystals.If the goal was to intimidate and strike awe in everyone who walks in, then they nailed it.My heels click on the marble and echo around me as I make my way over to the man sitting behind the lobby desk.“Hi,” I greet with a smile. “My name is Amelia Reynolds and I’m here for an interview with Sheila Jones, Mr. Lancaster’s senior assistant.”“One moment, please,” he says, picking up the phone. “I have an Amelia Reynolds here for Sheila?” he inquires to someone on the line. “Alright.” Hanging up, he gives me a small smile. “Give this card to the security guard at the elevator all the way to the left. It’s the only one with direct access to the top floor and someone will greet you when you arrive up there with further instructions.”I take the card from is outstretched hand. “Thank you so much.”“You’re welcome. Good luck.”Smiling, I nod my thanks and head over to the elevator he directed me to. The small black card he gave me simply has ‘Lancaster Industries All-Access Security Granted’ written on it in white lettering. I hand it to the security guard and he waves a keycard in front of a scanner so the doors open for me immediately.“Thank you.”He gives me a curt nod and turns to stand guard against the wall again.Pressing the button for the top floor, the doors slide closed and I take a deep breath to keep myself calm. Nothing good comes from freaking out or worrying about all the ‘what ifs’.I’ve worked hard for this opportunity and I don’t have any intention of falling flat on my face when I’ve come this far. Getting an interview here is all the validation I need to believe in myself.When the elevator doors slide open again, I’m greeted by the smiling face of a pretty blonde who doesn’t look to be much older than me.“Hi, Amelia, I’m Casey. I’ll show you where you can sit and wait until you’re called in for your interview.”I give her a polite smile. “Thank you.”Casey walks me