Chapter 4

"Jace, I don't think you can help me," I chuckled and shook my head. No one could save me; I would have to remain strong for these two years. "There's a contract."

"It must have a termination clause, right? What's the cost?" Jace asked casually as if it were no big deal.

"Too much. They're asking for two years' tuition."

"Valerie, I can pay it for you." Jace shrugged.

I stared at him for a moment, wondering if he was joking, but his expression told me otherwise. "In return for what?" I wondered. There had to be a catch.

"Clever girl." Jace chuckled and shook his head.

"I know now that nothing comes for free."

"You're right. This may sound bizarre, but hear me out. I only ask for you to take a DNA test. It can help uncover things you might need to be aware of and such," Jace explained simply.

"A DNA test? That's it?" I frowned. How could it compare to two years of tuition at an Ivy League school?!

"Yes, and I will pay off any debts you owe to the company, maybe even help you find a better job."

“Jace, that sounds a little suspicious, why a DNA test?” I pointed out, still not seeing how such a large sum of money equals a simple DNA test. "I'm not looking for my ancestors."

“I don’t mean to be rude, but what if there’s some illness that runs in your family that you don’t know about? What if you're predisposed to cancer or diabetes or...” Jace started to explain. It just then sank in that I didn’t know what my family’s biological records were like. If I was supposed to be careful, practice a certain diet, or whatever else.

“But why?” I still wondered, feeling unsure still. "Seriously, you're giving reasons I should do it, but why do you care enough to pay?"

“Because I care about you, Valerie. You’re my friend, you matter to me,” Jace let out a sigh as he looked at me. “I can tell by the way you speak that you think about your biological family. Who knows, maybe if we submit it to one of those companies they’ll tell you who you might be related to.” He held my hand and gave it a squeeze.

"But Jace, you'd be wasting your money. You have grandchildren," I pointed out. I didn't want his family to accuse me of taking their wealth.

"And they are all well-off. Not to sound arrogant, but the amount it would cost wouldn't even make a dent in my savings," Jace explained. I was surprised for a moment. I knew he lived a comfortable life, but I hadn't realized he was so well-off.

"I don't know..." I mumbled.

"You deserve better, Valerie. You've worked so hard and given so much. You can go out there and get your dream job," he said convincingly, and it worked. He seemed less like a grandparent figure and more like a savvy businessman. “Let me do this for you.”

I was seriously considering it—no, I would accept this offer. A simple DNA test could remove Oliver from my path once and for all, and it would be glorious. I would finally have the chance to find a job that I could truly enjoy. I knew it wouldn't be easy, but at least my stress levels would return to normal.

***

Considering all of this over the next day or so, I made up my mind and accepted the offer. Thursday morning, before work, I met with Jace and accompanied him to the lab to have a sample of my DNA taken. Afterward, I returned to work and spent the whole day avoiding Oliver as much as possible, though, towards the end, it became rather difficult. I still needed his signatures.

I took a deep breath and entered the office. Oliver stepped out of the side door and entered the office as well, giving me a quizzical look. I couldn't help but notice his usual work suit had been replaced with a pair of well-fitting black slacks and a black button-up shirt that accentuated his physique. Everything about him seemed perfectly defined, and his hair was swept back to the right for once.

"What's wrong?" he asked, walking over to his desk and reaching for his watch.

"These documents need your signatures. They're the new policies that have been approved by everyone else, and they require your approval for implementation," I explained, placing the folder on his desk.

"Perfect," Oliver replied, his gaze lingering on me for a moment before asking, "I have a business meeting with Gravity Fuel. Should I wear the dark green shirt instead?"

I couldn't help but stare at him. I had seen him in green before, and it made him look ten times better. Part of me was relieved that he was such a jerk, as his looks alone could easily make me swoon.

"Uhm... the dark green would bring out your eyes more, but the black shirt looks nice too," I cautiously replied, hoping not to embarrass myself.

"I'll go with the dark green then," Oliver decided, unbuttoning a few buttons. "Are you working overtime?" he asked, and I quickly turned away as I caught sight of his tan, muscular chest becoming exposed.

"No, I'm heading home once I hand these in," I said, pointing to the folder.

"Okay," Oliver mumbled, placing his signatures on the documents after double-checking their contents. "By the way, I'll need you to join me for dinner tonight," he added, handing back the file.

"Excuse me?" I almost choked on the air, caught off guard by his invitation.

"You can come in late tomorrow to make up for it. I need a secretary for the business dinner," he offered, trying to sweeten the deal. It was tempting, but I wasn't entirely sure.

"But I don't even—" I started to protest.

"I know it wasn't planned. My brother was supposed to handle it with his team, but things changed," Oliver explained, giving his reasoning.

"I need your help, Valerie," he pleaded, his tone suddenly sweet and persuasive. It was a tone that could easily sway me to agree.

"Fine," I sighed, reluctantly giving in.

***

After handing in the documents, Oliver insisted on driving me to my apartment, claiming it would save us time. I hurriedly rushed upstairs and took the quickest shower ever.

As I opened my closet doors, I scrambled to find something suitable. Oliver had audaciously requested that I wear something green. My eyes fell upon the green satin dress I had worn at my graduation. It hugged my figure perfectly, but it left my back completely exposed and only covered a slim portion of my shoulders with its spaghetti straps.

With little time left, I realized I looked stunning in the dress and quickly packed some hair products and makeup. It would be more convenient to do my hair and makeup in the car.

"Shit," Oliver whispered as I entered the car. His intense gaze fixed on me, making me feel self-conscious about my bare neck and shoulders. I tugged at the skirt of my dress, hoping to pull it down a little, but it stopped just above my knees when I sat down.

"Is everything okay?" I frowned, fastening my seat belt tightly, eager to divert his attention.

"Yeah, sorry... uhm, you look lovely," Oliver stammered, his words catching me off guard. I never expected to hear such a compliment from him, but it sent a rush of warmth through my body.

I had just finished my hair and makeup — not too bad for being done in the car — when we arrived at the fancy restaurant. We were escorted to our seats at a table filled with wealthy businessmen accompanied by their secretaries. Funny enough, I was the only woman there, and I couldn't help but feel a bit out of place. It seemed like all eyes were on me.

I assumed the meeting went well, considering the successful documentation I had prepared and the positive responses. However, as we prepared to leave, Oliver appeared visibly frustrated.

"Hey, sweetheart," one of the men called out, but I chose not to look. "Miss Valerie," he said, capturing my attention.

"Yes, Mr. Kane?" I responded, trying to maintain my composure.

"If you ever want to step up to something better, I have an open position for you," he offered in an unsettling tone.

"I'll keep that in mind, but I'm treated well at Martinez Corporate Groups," I replied with a forced smile before quickly walking behind Oliver.

Silence filled the car as Oliver and I made our way back. Along the journey, he made a stop at a fast food joint.

Oliver purchased some burgers and placed the paper bag on my lap. "Legally, we're required to provide food for overtime," he explained, perhaps noticing that I hadn't touched the seafood.

***

Once we arrived back at my apartment, he unlocked the doors and turned to face me. His eyes roamed over me once again, taking in the sight. "Next time, try not to wear something so revealing," he said coldly.

"You're still representing Martinez Corporate Group, and I'd prefer the focus to be on the business aspect rather than you. You don't always have to be the center of attention," Oliver's words stung more than they should have. I looked at him, forcing a chuckle, and stepped out of the car. He was so hot and cold, but I had reached my limit.

"You know what, Martinez? I feel a sudden cold coming on, so I don't think I'll be in the office tomorrow," I huffed, slamming the car door forcefully. That would surely infuriate him, even more than simply calling him Martinez.