32

EVA

I head to my room, and once there, I discard my clothes to put on something more comfortable. As I do, I fall onto my bed and grab my phone. It's not too late yet, so I decide to call Harmony; I'll need her help. I need someone in the apartment with Louis while I'm not there, and only she can help me. Besides, she has known Louis for a long time, and he will feel much more comfortable with her.

She answers on the third ring.

"Eva, hi. How are you?"

"I'm fine. How about you?"

"The same; I'm fine. How's Louis?"

"He's doing well. I see him getting better every day. He's still recovering."

"I know. He's very brave."

"Yes," I smile and pause, "Actually, I'm calling to ask you something..."

"Yes? Tell me."

"I need you to come back, I mean, if possible, come back to work here, in my apartment. I'm busy with my job, Carol has things to do, and I need your help. Louis can't be left alone. Do you think you can come here?"

"Of course, do you need me to come tomorrow?"

“Yes, if possible, in the morning. Carol will be awake, so she will open the door for you; otherwise... call me.

“Of course. Rest well.

“You too, goodbye.

“Goodbye.

I hang up the call and leave my mobile phone on the nightstand. I turn off the lamp illuminating the room and cover myself with the blankets. I close my eyes, trying to fall asleep, but as it usually happens, it's impossible for me. I lie on my side, but I end up shifting until I'm lying on my back. Countless thoughts cross my mind, and I don't know what to do. One part of me can't stop thinking about Jonas, while another part can't help but think about those bluish eyes and the depth they radiate every time he looks at me. What am I thinking? He's my boss, I remind myself a million times, but I feel like an idiot after remembering what happened between us in his office. I should have backed off, and I don't know what happened. I lost control.

I have several concerns, like taking Louis for a medical check-up in the next few days to make sure everything is fine, having to face Nicholas Hills again, work, and... Jonas.

He still gets on my nerves, especially being aware that he and I are in the same city now. His silence also drives me crazy, and I don't know what's worse: his silence or receiving a threat from him. I still believe those stray bullets had something to do with him, but I don't think he intended to kill me, maybe hurt me? Perhaps, but one thing I'm aware of is that he doesn't want to kill me, at least not for now. His obsession wouldn't allow it; he wouldn't let me die just like that.

Jonas always has something in mind. He didn't come back for anything; he must be planning something, and I'm afraid it involves me.

After a few years, I thought everything had somehow ended.

But I was completely wrong; now he's here.

I bring my hands to my face. I need to rest; I have a feeling tomorrow will be a long day. I settle on the bed, trying to find a relatively comfortable position to sleep, and once I do, I close my eyes and focus on my breathing until I fall into a deep sleep.

The next day, I woke up instantly. I take a shower, get dressed, fix my hair a bit, and head to the kitchen. It's early, and Louis is still sleeping, but Carol is awake, and I know it because I hear her voice coming from the kitchen. As I arrive, I see her standing there with Harmony; they're engaged in a conversation, but they instantly notice my presence.

“Eva, good morning “Carol greets me.

“Good morning. “I approach to grab a cup of coffee and greet Harmony with a kiss on the cheek”. How are you? “I inquire.

“Good. Carol was telling me a bit about you. “She smiles at me”. So, do you need me to stay until the evening? “I nod”. The whole week, and then continuously?

“If you're available, yes...

“Yes, don't worry.

I barely have time to chat with them; I know if I get distracted, I'll be late, and all that will provoke is my boss's bad mood.

“If you'll excuse me, I have to leave, “I say”. Harmony, if you need anything, just call me.

“I will.

I share one last look with Carol and finally leave the apartment.

"A maximum height of 541.3 meters would be correct," Mr. Grimaldi asserts.

As soon as I entered the building, I had to go into the conference room. I arrived just in time, and I'm grateful for it because otherwise, I would have triggered Mr. Hills' anger.

“With 94 floors and a rooftop of 417 meters, it wouldn't be bad," Mr. Libeskind suggests.

“Or a rooftop of 426 meters," Mr. Seinuk proposes, opening his blueprint that shows all the measurements.

“I don't think that's a good idea; the ideal would be bulletproof glass, steel, and aluminum as materials. A rooftop of 417 meters would be a complete waste of time for such an important project," Mr. Owings contradicts”. Mr. Hills, I insist, a rooftop of 426 meters would overcrowd the space; it would be a waste of time.

All eyes turn to Mr. Hills, including mine. I don't know if it's just me, but he has been more distracted than usual today. He said what he had to say right at the beginning of the meeting and then fell silent, staring into nothingness. Mr. Hills looks at everyone and suddenly regains his characteristic arrogance that takes over his features. Is he even listening? How can he stare into space and still exude confidence? I'm starting to believe this man is not normal. I'm trying to pay attention, and if I get even slightly distracted, I lose track of the conversation. Besides, Mr. Hills made it very clear that he likes his secretaries to be informed about all the company's projects after that meeting where he forced me to speak.

“I don't agree with any of you," he says. Everyone looks at him”. With such a large plot of land, you're suggesting very inaccurate measurements” Everyone looks at him as if what he's saying is something out of this world”. Why not a maximum height of 472 meters and 98 floors?

“But, sir... that's impossible," Owings says.

“Why? Just because you think it's a failure doesn't mean I do too. I get what I want, no matter how difficult it is. Ask my partners, and you'll get the answer. “As soon as he says this, the room falls into imminent silence”. It's my company, and we do what I say.

“Of course," Owings murmurs, stunned.

I feel trembling throughout my body as his blue eyes lock onto mine. Damn.

“Miss Miller, is there something you'd like to add? Are you listening to us?

His gaze makes me nervous; I swallow hard.

“Yes," I simply say.

I observe the amusement in his eyes, and I know he's going to destroy me.

“Do you agree with a height of 472 meters? Perhaps you'd like to say something?

My stomach tightens. Why me? He wants to mess with me.

“I think Mr. Owings was right in suggesting the idea of a rooftop, but the measurements were taken incorrectly," I say, leaning my hands on the oval table”. A rooftop would be a good decision, but only if the measurements are taken correctly.

He licks his lips and looks at me as if to encourage me to keep talking.

"Perhaps a rooftop of 287.9 meters would be a quite acceptable decision. The maximum height could coincide with 365.8 meters, that option would also be acceptable," I say, picking up the plan from the middle of the table. "The measurements on this plan by Mr. Seinuk are not inaccurate either, but they could be utilized in different ways."

Everyone looks at me, clearly surprised, except for Mr. Hills. His stern gaze still rests on me. Although, this time, I can see something more, and I would dare to say it signifies one thing: intrigue.

"Or perhaps a maximum height of 219 meters and a rooftop of 229 meters would also be a good decision. Isn't that right, Miss Miller?" he says, his tone of voice... challenging?

It's as if he wants to compete with me.

"Go ahead. Proceed, please. I want to hear it," I clear my throat.

"Yes, I agree, it would also be a... good decision," I admit. "There are many opportunities that could be taken, depending on the perspective you take."

"Interesting," he murmurs. "Everyone, leave. The meeting is over."

Everyone stands up and quickly leaves the room. I rise from my seat, pick up my bag lying beside me on the floor, and regain my composure. I still feel Mr. Hills' gaze buried in my back, and instinctively, I turn around.

"Are you looking for something or...?" he questions.

"No," I mumble. "Good morning."

He nods his head at me and I make my exit.