The party
A few weeks later…
“We can't argue with the investors over the phone and we certainly can't send over the lawyer to do that. It's gonna be unprofessional on our part.” Mr. Franklin, one of the major shareholders, aired his opinion on the matter.
I let his words twirl in my head. And guess what? He's right. We're trying to bargain for a contract over ten billion dollars. Doing that over the phone would be sacrilegious.
“So what are you suggesting?” I asked.
“You should be the one to meet up with him, Ma'am. Not us. You should meet with Mr. Roosevelt and discuss this with him. I heard he's pretty cranky but also levelheaded. I'm sure you'd be able to break through to him.”
“Cranky, huh?” I puffed. This wasn't gonna be easy. That's why none of them wanna meet him. I'd avoid meeting him, too, if there was someone else I could push the responsibility to. But there's none.
“Yeah. But I'm sure you'll be fine.” He flashed me an apologetic smile.
I sighed exhaustedly. This meeting already dragged on for two hours.
“It's okay. I'll come up with a plan.”
“Can I suggest something, Ma'am?”
“Sure. Go ahead.”
“There will be an all-billionaires party at the Red Ridge Pack. I'm pretty sure Mr. Roosevelt will be there. You can meet up with him and talk.”
“When is the party?”
“Today. 9 p.m. They already sent us an invitation. So all you gotta do is attend.”
That feels like a better plan. Meeting him in a warm atmosphere could lighten him up and make our talk easy. Of course, I'd choose that over visiting him privately.
“Alright. Thank you so much.”
Mr. Franklin stood. “Have a nice day, Ma'am.” He bowed slightly and left my office.
I let out a sharp breath, rubbing at my aching temples. I'm having a damn migraine from my endless meetings and business planning, barely getting a break.
But fuck it, I have a million things to do. I can't be stopped by a damn migraine.
I pulled out the lower locker and took out my little container of pain relief. The door opened before I could take out a pill. Miguel walked inside. His gaze dropped to the container and disapproval ran across his eyes.
“You've been warned about those pills, Ma'am. Why don't you listen?”
I went ahead to take out a pill. “I'll be fine. I'm not taking them regularly. I'm just trying to ease my migraine.”
“You're having those migraines because you're stressing yourself out. You're working late. You barely sleep. You're growing skinnier and paler. If you'd just take a break…”
“I can't take any breaks. I have a lot to do!”
I had no business sounding so offended and defensive right now. But I couldn't help it.
He didn't budge at my outburst. “You're gonna break down if you keep up with this pace.” He pointed out softly.
“I don't care,” I replied icily. Maybe I wanted to break down. Maybe I wanted to fall unconscious from fatigue. Then maybe Vince would visit me. He'd show himself to me. He'd be triggered to come for me. So yeah, I don't care.
I swallowed the pill. Miguel sighed in defeat and left. I tried focusing on my work but it was impossible. The banging feeling in my head hadn't stopped.
I decided to call it a day. Going home and getting a little rest, ahead of the party today didn’t sound like a terrible idea.
I picked up my bag, grabbed my stuff, and walked out of my office. I met Miguel at the lobby and we both exited the building, leaving in my car. He's driving.
As usual, I went to the hospital to visit Father. Walking down the hallway, my steps slowed at the sight of Father's chauffeur standing right outside his door.
His wandering eyes spotted me and he immediately bowed.
“Ma'am.”
“What are you doing here?”
“I drove your mother. She's inside.” He said.
I clutched my bag in anger, going closer to the door. I peeped inside and she was sitting next to Father, holding his hand. She looked harmless, broken…sad. And it was just her. There wasn't any sign of Tracy.
The thought of going inside and making her leave crept into my mind. But I found myself turning around and leaving instead.
I might hate her for what she did to him. But they're still mates. They deserve some moments alone.
I, for one, know how painful it was to be separated from the man you love. I'd be a monster if I did that to her. When father wakes up and divorces her, then that'd be fair. But until then, I shouldn't break their bond myself. I'm not that mean.
I went to a beauty salon to get ready for the party tonight. The aches in my temples were getting kinda severe. It was like it didn't want me to go to the party, but I couldn't afford to miss it. It's important for business.
At 9:15, our car pulled up into the elegant surroundings of the venue. The chauffeur opened the door and I stepped out.
The cold breeze hit straight at me, but thank goodness, I had a coat on, over my silver, backless dress.
“I'll come with you, Ma'am,” Miguel said, trying to walk ahead.
“No need. I can manage on my own. Thank you.”
“But—”
I didn't stay to listen. I already started walking into the building. It was crowded with hundreds of people. I searched for my reason for attending and eventually found him in a small group, talking.
They looked kinda engrossed in their conversation. Interrupting him might be a bad start but I just needed to get the conversation over with and head back home.
First, I took off my coat, setting the vibe for the party. Then I grabbed a glass of champagne from the passing waiter. I shouldn't drink. It might aggravate the throbbing in my temples. And I wasn't planning on it. I just needed to blend in.
“Mr. Roosevelt?” I called softly, getting his attention.
He turned. The crankiness was there. But then, like a switch, it disappeared and was replaced by a warm smile.
“Elena Peters.” He said graciously.
He knows me. Good.
“How lovely to finally meet you.” He stretched out a hand.
Not sure what's happening but I should be the one delighted to meet him. Not the other way around.
“Likewise.” I smiled, placing my hand into his grip. He kissed the back. With an ease that'd get any girl blushing hard.
He's young. Handsome. Older than me but has enough stamina and an impressive aura. Any girl would be wet between their legs right now. I would be too, if my body hadn't been closed off from reacting to another man.
“Wanna walk?” He offered.
Of course, why else did I come here?
“Sure.” We strolled away from his small group and formed ours at another table. Just me and him.
I was pretty nervous. He wouldn't stop staring. It wasn't lascivious. It was just intense. I don't do well with intensity.
“For someone who's in a miserable marriage, you're glowing way too much.” He said, making my eyes pop.
“What?”
He laughed lightly. “I'm sorry. Was I too forward?”
Fuck, yes!
“How did you know about my marriage?” I asked with rousing curiosity.
“I know a lot about you, Elena. Take it from a man who's been lurking in the shadows, waiting for you to notice him.”
Wait, what? He ignored my shocked expression and just slipped his drink casually.
“I don't understand…”
“Well, let me put it less creepily,” he leaned in, lightly brushing his stubbles on my chin. It sent a wave to my lower back. “I've always admired you, Elena. Even though you had a mate. Even though you never noticed me. I never made a move. Because I always believed you'd come to me someday. On your own.”
He leaned off and grinned. “Here we are.” He raised his glass to me and emptied the last of the drink.
I was stunned. Way too stunned. Just staring and blinking. But then the sharp scent behind me, coupled with Roosevelt's gaze, which was pinned on the shadow behind me, kicked me out of my daze.
I turned around. The first thing I saw was his chest. He'd opened a few buttons, showing off that ripped, inked chest. Then the gold necklace around his neck.
Slowly, my gaze went to his face. Trimmed beard. Taut. Angry eyes.
Vince.
And just like that, I lost my breath. Completely.