THIRTY FIVE

GRAYSON'S POV

"What up, Raymond?" I shouted, making sure my voice carried across the room. He turned, surprise flashing across his face as he saw me. I could tell he was thrown off by my loud greeting.

"What... what are you doing here?" he stammered, clearly caught off guard. I draped my arm around his shoulders, steering him closer to where the board members were now standing outside the meeting room, watching the interaction with interest.

"Hey, for my first assignment," I said loudly, making sure everyone could hear, "I want my friend Raymond here headlining the runway show. I want his face all over the billboards and campaign posters. I want the whole of New York to know there's a new model to look out for."

Raymond's confusion deepened. "What is going on?" he murmured, barely loud enough for me to hear.

I released my arm from his shoulders and turned to face him directly. "I just bought this company, stupid," I said with a smile that didn’t reach my eyes. "And I just made you the