Chapter 20 20
Roman's Pov
If Xavier was nervous, he didn't show it.
My good mood faded at the sight of him.
He looked up from the menu, and an oily smile spread across his face before he strode toward us.
Beside me, Maisie eyed him with disdain she didn't show which deepened my foul mood. Xavier didn’t deserve an ounce of her attention.
“Jason, you're here!” He smoothed a hand over his tie, then chuckled at heaven-knows-what. His chuckle scraped against my skin like acrylic nails against a chalkboard.
When he noticed my cold gaze, I expected his smile to dim for just a fraction but the bastard kept smug like he won a lottery.
I knew Xavier was a bottom feeder, but I didn't think he was this dumb to not recognize the murderous aura oozing out of me. I started contemplating a bullet hole in his forehead. It would be quick and painful and he would die young. Forever thirty-three.
Xavier turned to Maisie, who’d been silent. “Thank you for agreeing to meet me, Miss..”
“Chloe Thompson,” the lie left her lips as easy as breathing and she even graced him with a tentative smile.
Something dark and volatile burned in the pit of my stomach.
“I’m Alpha Xavier, CEO of Dominion Industries. We met yesterday.” He oozed sleazy charm as he held out his hand.
Maisie didn’t get a chance to shake it because I cleared my throat.
“Our table is ready, sir.” I said, forcing a smile on my face.
“Oh, right.” He said and led us to our reserved table.
His face flushed a satisfying shade of crimson when I pulled out a chair for Maisie.
“Thank you.” She replied
I fought a smile as her cheeks turned an adorable brick-red.
Xavier smiled and lifted the menu. “Shall we?”
After ordering our meal, we went down to business.
Xavier straightened up. “You must be wondering why I insisted on talking to you instead of your boss but… I'm a bit uncomfortable when he's around. Does that sound odd?”
Of course, it does, asshole!
“Of course not,” Maisie smiled. “i hope it changes in the future.”
Xavier smiled. “I hope it does. Shall we discuss this investment you're so interested in?”
Maisie's lips curved into a small, polite smile. “Of course, Alpha Xavier. I wouldn't waste your time otherwise.”
Xavier gave her that oily smile of his as he sipped his coffee. “I think you'll find our company has some exciting opportunities ahead.” He continued, oblivious. “Dominion Industries has had a few setbacks, but with a strategic partner like you —”
“Stop,” Maisie said, her voice cutting through his monologue.
Xavier blinked, momentarily thrown off. “I'm sorry?”
Maisie's smile sharpened. “We’re not here for a partnership, Mr. Dominion.”
Xavier's smile died, confusion clouding his face. “What are you talking about?”
Leaning forward slightly, her eyes glinted with satisfaction. “We’re only here to buy shares.”
Xavier turned to me for help and I nodded.
“Miss Thompson, I believe a partnership between our company and yours would benefit us both. Your company specializes in construction as well as other business ventures. We can supply whatever material you need for production.”
It sounded like we were begging but this was all part of the plan.
Maisie pretended to think hard for a moment before she sighed. “I don't think so. We're not here for a partnership.”
I turned to Xavier who looked like he would flip the table any second.
“Chloe, please,” he choked, losing all resolve.
That was quick.
Maisie smiled but instantly hid it with a look of surprise. “Alpha Xavier…”
“Come on. We're grasping at straws here.” he said desperately.
“Fine. I'll talk to my boss.” She finally said.
Exactly like we planned. The idiot fell for it.
“Thank you.” Xavier smiled. If only it would last.
After helping ourselves to breakfast, Xavier shifted gears to the conversation, looking between me and Maisie.
“I hope you don't mind me asking but…” he began slowly, “...but are you in a relationship, Miss Chloe?”
Maisie blinked. But before she could answer, I cut in smoothly.
“Yes,” I smiled, taking her hand in mine. “She's my girlfriend.”
Maisie turned to me as if to say : ‘That wasn't part of the plan!’
I blinked, giving her a signal to follow my lead.
Xavier seemed taken aback for a second before he finally asked. “Oh really? How did you meet?”
“That was at a Tech conference in Bali last year. I saw her across the room and asked her to dinner. The rest is history.”
That was far from the truth but Xavier didn't know that. In fact, the man was boiling with jealousy.
He seemed to recover quickly because he smiled. “Since both of you are in a relationship, why don't you come work for me, Chloe? I mean, it'll be easier. You'll get to see your mate every day.”
My chest tightened at the sound of the word “mate” but I didn't let my emotions show. I hadn't heard that word in years. The last time I heard it, she walked out on me.
Maisie linked her fingers with mine and turned to Xavier. “I appreciate the offer, Alpha Xavier, but I'm comfortable where I am and if I wasn't, I wouldn't want to work in the same place as my mate. Fraternization with co-workers is simple. I'm strictly against it even in a relationship.”
Maisie made it sound so easy. I looked at her but she wasn't looking at her. Her hands only squeezed mine as if reassuring me that she was here. That everything was fine.
Xavier chuckled. “Ah. I see. That's an amazing way of thought.”
“Thank you. Jason loves that about me.” She leaned into me, smiling lightly and my heart swelled with pride. I wished she'd do it again.
A notification ping sliced through the air and Xavier reached for his phone. His brows dipped and he pushed back his seat.
Oh, I guess he has seen it.
“Is something wrong, Alpha?” Maisie asked with genuine concern. I didn't tell her what I did last night. I'd been too pissed too. Heck, I didn't even mention the apartment but that'll be later.
Xavier gave me a wry look. “Jason…”
I pushed back my seat while he extended his hand to Maisie. This time she took it. “It was a pleasure meeting you, Miss Chloe. We'll be in touch.”
Like fuck you will.
Then he dashed out of the restaurant.
The second we got into the backseat, he slammed his fist in the side next to him.
“How the fuck did this happen?!” He screamed.
I took his phone and peered at the screen.
It was a news headline from THE CLOUD, one of the biggest media outlets in the city and sitting prettily the front page was a picture of Xavier with the bold italicized heading :
CEO OF DOMINION INDUSTRIES, ALPHA XAVIER DOMINION CAUGHT IN EMBEZZLEMENT SCANDAL.
“How the heck did this happen?!” He snapped. “We need to fix this! Call the press and take down that article now!”
“Don’t worry, sir. I'll handle this,” I said, whipping out my phone from my pocket then I forwarded the article to six more media outlets and told them to publish it at the same time.