Chapter 42 Forty-Two

Chapter 42 Forty-Two
Bryce
“I want everything you can find on Mc Broten. I want to know who he’s talking to, where his money’s going, and all his movements.”
Darien smiled. “Legal or illegal methods?”
I shot him a look. “Do I look like I care? Just tell me where he and that idiot Stanley go and who they’re talking to.” I glanced at the rendering on my table. “I’m just wondering what his plan is. If he’s with Marcus? They’re up to no good.”
He nodded. “And Mrs Stanley?”
I ground my jaw. “I would still like updates but focus on these two for now.”
Those two were more important problems plus Sydney was smarter than Eric gave her credit for. She definitely knew something was up with that adoption and she already said Eric was a fraud. She just didn’t know how big a fraud he was.
Not like I could tell her. That would mean admitting that part of the reason I agreed to this facade was more than business and whatever attraction I felt for her.
It was because I’d been hunting Eric Stanley for years and since he had moved to Prestige Global, it only made sense to move there too.
That night in Hampton flashed in my mind and I quickly brushed it off. I’d avoided reaching out because there was no point stoking that fire.
“Understood.” Darien stood up, picking up the folder. “For what it’s worth? I’m hoping you can get back at Eric and McBroten for whatever they did to you and your family.”
My head snapped up. “What the fuck are you talking about?”
He snorted. “Bryce? You do know what you pay me for right? I’m sure you know I could easily draw the lines and figure shit out. Of course, I know you guys were duped by Marcus as well.”
I ground my jaw, staring at him. It had been such a huge shame for the family back then. I thought we would lose the company.
“Darien I…” I trailed off as the door flung open without a knock.
My eyes snapped towards it and I felt my entire brain short circuit.
Sydney
Why the fuck did she look that hot?
She was wearing a black coat over what looked like a matching black dress. Her dark hair was slightly windblown, her eyes met mine and I felt my mouth go dry.
“Sorry, I didn’t knock.” She shrugged, shutting the door and stepping fully into the office. “Your assistant was out and I didn’t think I needed an appointment to see my business partner.”
There was a weird sarcasm in her voice and I felt heat crawl up the back of my neck, the night at the Hamptons flashing through my mind once more. I turned to Darien.
“Thank you, Darien.” I nodded. “You can go.”
He paused, looking between us and then he nodded, muttered goodnight, and walked out, shutting the door behind him. I let out a breath. She looked…angry.
“What…” I paused. My voice sounded rough. Clearing my throat, I tried again “What are you doing here? It’s almost nine.”
“I don’t know. I could ask you the same thing.” She crossed her arms over her chest, eyeing the rendering on the table. “But you would say you were working. Wouldn’t you?”
“Is there something you need?” I brushed her off impatiently before things spiralled out of control. “Because I’m in the middle of…”
“Is there a reason why you haven’t responded to all my requests for meetings?” She asked walking towards my desk. “Even business meetings for the partnership?”
“I…” My throat felt dry.
“Or is it because you left?” She hissed. “With a note.” She leaned forward, touching my desk slightly.
I looked at her eyes once more and it hit me. She wasn’t angry. She was hurt. Something about that stung.
“A fucking note, Bryce Westin. Like I was some one night stand and you…”
“That’s not what that was.” I cut in.
“Then what was it?” She snapped. “Because from my end, I know there’s no way in hell that’s ever happening again!”
I stared at her and even though I knew that decision was for the best, something ached in my chest.
Damn it.
This woman had somehow gotten under my skin and all I could think about was how fucking hot she looked right now. I wanted to walk around the table and kiss her but damn it. I knew better.
“Fine then,” I sighed, grateful for how casual the lie escaped my throat. “Because there’s something more we need to talk about.”
Grabbing the papers, I handed them to her. She narrowed her eyes at me, taking it. “What is this?”
I watched as she opened the folder, her eyes scanning the pages. Her face remained calm as she glanced through.
“I’m staring at minutes of a board meeting I was present for.” She flipped through the pages. “The West Coast expansion plan, electing a leadership for the division.” She looked up, pursing her lips. “I already knew about this Bryce, it’s not exactly news.”
I stared at her, watching her voice rise.
“And I don’t get your point because it is good for business. Prestige needs a stronger presence on the West Coast.”
My lips curled into a small smile. “Did you read the emails?”
She frowned. “What emails?”
I nodded at the papers in her hand and she huffed, flipping through the pages. I could tell the exact moment it clicked. She went rigid, colour draining from her face.
“No.” She shook her head, looking up. “No, he wouldn’t..”
I nodded, smiling. “Yes, he would. You know he would.”