Synergy: New Adult Romantic Suspense (U-District, #1) Read Online Free Page A

be wearing two hats until things improve.”
    Kenzie muted the commercial. “Maybe Gloria doesn’t want someone else running her company. She probably wants it to stay in the family.”
    “The lawyer said it was because Jade is passionate about the business.” Bryce stretched out on the couch and rested his head on the arm of the sofa.
    “You don’t believe it?”
    “Not in a heartbeat. I used to hear stories about how she loved to follow Gloria around the company when she was a little girl. By the time I came on board, she was a rebellious teenager who wanted to be anywhere but Synergy.”
    “Well at that age, she’d be more into boys. I know I was.”
    “You like boys?”
    “Very funny.” Kenzie pinched his leg.
    “Ow.” Bryce chuckled.
    “Do you know if Jade will accept the position?”
    “She left us hanging.”
    “At least you’ll be there to keep her from making any big mistakes.”
    “Yeah, fun. I get to be a babysitter if she accepts, and I’ll be looking for a new job if she doesn’t.”
    “Shh, it’s coming back on.”
    Bryce rolled onto his side. Although everyone at the company respected Jade as a Buchanan and as Gloria’s granddaughter, she’d have to start at ground zero to earn their respect as the head of the company.
    He wasn’t exactly sure how the management team would react to him becoming COO, considering he was a newbie manager and had been at the company for only six years. Still, he’d be forever grateful that Gloria had given him this opportunity. He doubted anyone would reject him too harshly. After all, he’d brought in a significant amount of new business.
    One thing he knew for sure, Gloria Buchanan had been a woman to take seriously, and she’d liked being in control. He understood why she’d want the company to stay in the family. Hell, he’d expected it.
    But why make Jade CEO?
    Perhaps Gloria had reasons he couldn’t yet see. At least he could be grateful for the promotion. It had been the last thing he’d expected when summoned to the lawyer’s office, but there was no way he would turn it down.
    This fits into my long-term plans perfectly.
    Whatever her reasoning, Gloria was still fully in charge of determining the destiny of Synergy Technologies, at least for the next year.
    “Where are you going?” Kenzie asked when he got up.
    “I’ve got some calls to make.”
    “Okay, hurry back.”
    Bryce went into the kitchen, grabbed the portable, and dialed.
    He’d watch over Jade, make sure she didn’t make any fatal mistakes, ones that would destroy the reputation of the company. Once running it proved too much for her, he’d be more than willing to take control.

 
     
     
CHAPTER 4
     
     
    THE VERDICT WAS IN. Jade wouldn’t call it a decision so much as giving in to her grandmother’s wishes. She resented Gran for the “choice” forced upon her—as if selling the company was even an option.
    Between studying for finals and moving back to Seattle from Stanford, Jade had spent the past two weeks in a blur. Now that she was home for good, and today was her first day as CEO, the memories of her grandmother came flooding back. She wanted to be angry with Gran. Instead, her chest was heavy with loss.
    Driving fast down the empty streets at five a.m. and listening to the throaty hum of the BMW’s V8 engine didn’t provide Jade the gratification she’d normally have felt. Even the sunrise casting a golden glow on the Seattle skyline and highlighting the classically designed granite-and-emerald-glass building didn’t brighten her day when she arrived at Synergy headquarters. Jade parked Gran’s Beemer in the VIP slot of the parking garage and continued to grip the steering wheel.
    What if I fail? What if I don’t live up to her expectations, again?
    A deep breath filled her lungs.
    I have to try.
    The buzz of her cell phone startled her. “Mr. Greenberg?”
    “Good morning, Jade.”
    No it isn’t.
    “I was hoping you might reconsider my generous