CHAPTER 59 - Lies

What I just saw explains his refusal to follow me to the meeting with Mr. Moreau. He stayed back just because he wanted to fuck another girl. I never knew he was such a man hoe.

Shutting the door in his face, I press my back against it, sliding down as I rake my fingers through my hair and let the tears flow freely. A heavy mix of regret and hurt weighs on my chest. I should have known I was just another girl to him—someone he thought he could toy with as he pleased. By kissing him yesterday, I proved him right, and if it hadn’t been for my bodyguards’ interruption, more would have happened. You’re such a fool, Ivory.

Luca keeps pounding on my door, but I don’t answer. After a while, the noise subsides. Gathering the last of my energy, I stumble onto the bed, and I don’t know how long it takes before I fall asleep.

The next day, I’m up early. We have a flight to catch to London, where a meeting with the first shareholder there is scheduled just one hour after our flight.

Although still low in spirits, I have to brace myself up for the long day ahead. After a quick breakfast of coffee and croissants, I leave my room. Luca and I don’t speak on our way to the airport; I had half-hoped he’d turn back and return to New York, but he follows us all the way to London.

Our meeting with the shareholder, Bramwell, is in a small café. We arrive five minutes late, finding her already waiting. My bodyguards discreetly position themselves at a nearby table.

“I apologize for the delay,” I say, offering a smile and extending my hand. “We encountered some unforeseen circumstances.”

“Oh, it’s fine.” She smiles and shakes my hand, then looks over at Luca, extending her hand to him. “And you are…?”

“Luca. Her P.A.,” he replies, and I try not to roll my eyes.

We settle at the small breakfast table, and the meeting begins.

After I explain the situation, she laughs incredulously. “They must be kidding. This is no reason for impeachment! You’re the victim here, Ms. Hastings, so why are they making such a fuss? This election shouldn’t be happening at all.”

I feel relieved that we’re on the same page. “So, is that a yes?”

“Without hesitation!”

A wide, grateful smile stretches across my lips. “Thank you so much, Mrs. Bramwell. I truly appreciate your support.”

“Oh, it’s nothing.” She blushes slightly, waving her hand dismissively. “I do have another meeting with a client, so I’m afraid I’ll have to leave now.” She stands up immediately, and I stand after her.

“Safe travels back home. And before I forget, my condolences,” she says, shaking my hand.

“Thank you.” A tight smile forms on my lips.

After shaking Luca, she leaves.

Once we’re alone, Luca breaks the silence between us. “Why aren’t you speaking to me?”

“Am I not?” I raise my brow, pretending to be oblivious about what he is talking about.

“Don’t play dumb, Ivory. Are you upset about what you saw yesterday? The girl—”

I cut him off. “Why would I be upset? You’re free to live however you want, and if that includes sleeping with random girls, then that’s your business.”

His eyes narrow. “You think I slept with her?”

“Did you?” I challenge, seething.

“She’s my cousin, for God’s sake,” he groans.

Of course. The typical lie. I’ve heard it all before.

“Lies,” I mutter.

“I can prove it.” He pulls his phone from his pocket, scrolling before holding the screen out to me. “See her there? Third person from the right, first row. That’s my family picture.”

I shrug. “How should I care? She could be your cousin, a lover, or anyone else. I don’t give a damn.”

He slips his phone back into his pocket, studying me with a smirk. “Jealousy looks cute on you.”

“I am not jealous!” I snap.

He shrugs, his smirk deepening. “If you say so.”

Our meeting with the next investor, Mr. Russell, is in the next hour at the same café, so we decide to wait.

“So…” Luca leans in, planting his elbows on the table. “We were supposed to go on a date yesterday. How about we reschedule for today? I know a great restaurant here in London.”

I narrow my eyes at him. “Did I agree to go on that date with you?”

“Yes.” He sucks in his lips between his teeth, the look in his eyes turning me on. Oh, not here, not now, not ever.

“Well, I’m allowed to change my mind, and that’s exactly what I’m doing. I’m not going on a date with you.”

A hard frown crosses Luca’s face, and I smirk. “Are you really that disappointed you can’t take me on a date?”

“That’s not it.” He suddenly looks tense, and I feel a surge of worry.

“What’s wrong?” I ask immediately.

Just then, Baron's call comes through, and I pick up.

“There’s a situation. Don’t look at me,” he says urgently. “I need you and Luca to stand up and leave the café as quickly as possible. We’ll be right behind you.”

The call ends, and I relay the message to Luca. “Baron says we should leave the café immediately.”

A wave of fear washes over me as I wonder what they all notice that I don’t. But I know this is not the right time to ask questions.

“On the count of three, you’ll stand up and follow me. Do not leave my side and you have to quick. One, two, three—go!” Luca commands, and I bolt up. He grabs my hand, and pulls me to the exit, my heart pounding dangerously fast against my ribcage.