Chapter 23

Chapter 23

ALEXANDER STONE

I hatched the perfect plan knowing that it required playing the part and, I didn't have any problem doing that. But the moment I grabbed Diana's waist close and aimed to kiss her, the shocking look when her eyes bulged out made some sort of feeling in my body awaken- her eyes, pure innocence. At least that was what I thought during that vulnerable moment.

While we kissed, I felt a funny sense of Dejavu from the night of the ball. The feel of her lips and the cold feeling of her naked back when I touched it, made me itch to do the exact same thing to her, right now.

I discarded the feeling just as quickly as it came. I'm supposed to hate her and the only tie that connects us is the baby- I remind myself- which I plan to take full custody of once born and after that, I divorce Diana- we go our separate ways.

"Good! I love that. Now place her chin on your palm" Vannessa said.

"Have you eaten?" My voice is firm, devoid of any kindness despite my best attempts to insert some which of course is only because of my child.

Don't misconstrue my actions or words, I would never care about a liar like Diana, but being kind to her guarantees the well-being and safety of my child, so, so be it.

"Yes," I could tell she managed to say the words because her eyes were everywhere but my face.

"I want to go back to the office" She finally looked at my face, only briefly though.

"And ignite more rumors?" I scoff "No"

"But, I can't just stay in the four walls of this house." she protests

"Need I remind you for the last time, that you will do as I say, Ms. Thorton"

She opens her mouth to say something and then shuts it. I am glad that she took a hint.

The photo shoot went on for another hour and by the time we were done, I could tell Diana was exhausted.

Megan walked in just in time to give her a tray of croissants and fresh juice.

"What if I don't want to keep it?" Her face pales

When I finally looked up from my phone, I realized we were the only ones in the living room. I must have been too engrossed to have not noticed when they left.

"Don't want to keep what Ms Thorton?" My voice is overflowing with contempt

"The...the urrrm...baby" She stammers and something akin to pity washes over me. Thankfully it's fleeting.

I curve a smirk, is she kidding me right now?

"Isn't that too late now? I mean, you wouldn't have leaked the news in the first place if you didn't want to keep it." I stand and start walking to where she's standing.

"I see through your facade, Ms. Thorton. All this naivety, you don't need it because I've seen it all. Your innocent schemes no longer surprise me"

"I didn't leak anything." Her voice was weak as if she wanted to cry.

And the award for the grand schemer goes to Diana Thorton!

I wonder what more she has up her sleeves.

"Can you hear yourself? Do you even believe yourself?" I take a moment to calm down "Megan will be going with you to all antenatal appointments. If you need anything, she's at your beck and call. That's why you did this right? To have a piece of the pie, a seat at the table. I will have your things packed in the office and delivered here. I have been far too kind, don't you think so?"

"Why are you doing this to me? I'm not entirely to blame for all this"

God, I wish I could jerk her and say all that is on my mind so she can quit this bullshit and lie of an armor across her face.

"I will not speak of this again, Ms. Thorton. You will hardly see me around anyway, so enjoy the luxury of being a Stone, while it lasts"

I head out to the office.

For the rest of the day, I was in between paperwork, calls, and reading updated texts from Megan.

I had instructed her to keep me updated regarding Diana. She's to have her on sight at all times.

Call me insensitive, evil, and whatnot, but it is what it is. She should have thought about all the cons before tricking me.

I have also charged my head of security, Paul, with the responsibility of guarding her at arm's length because if there's one thing I know about conniving women, it's the fact that they can be very sneaky.

Plus, who knows what other intentions she has?

"We have the samples ready" Curtis, head of product development walks in with a medium-sized box in his hands.

The samples...a result of Diana's idea. She's smart, I give that to her but what do I do with all of what is happening?

Weirdly, I'm second-guessing becoming a mother fucker and actually executing her idea without her permission- after all, I'm known to be a cutthroat bastard who's known for solving his problems with money.

"All four?" my voice is tinged with a bitterness so strong that I can taste it on my tongue. It's her. The thought of her seeps irritatingly deep that my own mood plummets.

"Yes sir,"

Curtis places the box in front of me before leaving.

After the sample beauty products have been approved by the regulatory authority, the next step is to move forward with production and start marketing them to our target audience. I still need to register the patent.

I open the box and bring out the moisturizer first. I pumped a few dots over my hand and rubbed it evenly while thinking about the time Diana was present at the meetings for the new products.

She didn't even say anything about her idea being used. In the industry I'm in, creators don't overlook that. All these thoughts lead me to question her again.

I start to feel a tingling burning sensation on my palm. It's from the moisturizer. I rush to my restroom to rinse it off. It's left a red burn scar on my skin.

I'm immediately angered by the incompetence and call Curtis in.

"Did you check this before bringing it to me?" What the fuck would have happened if we had already sent these out for approval?"

"I don't understand sir"

"They burn! The idea is to moisturize, soothe, not fucking sting!"

"We did test it. I personally did a patch test and it didn't sting nor burn"

"So I'm lying?"

I take the product and pump a few dots on my other hand and do the same on his. After a few seconds, mine starts to burn and itch again. I rush off to rinse it.

Something's wrong with the product or maybe me since I'm the only one being affected.

I thought I would never have the need to face Diana for anything beyond our baby and fake marriage but, it seems I'll throw one more into the basket.

First, I will need to seek permission from her and obtain a license or agreement to use her idea in return for proper credit and compensation. I don't intend to face a lawsuit in the future. I'm ruthless, not stupid.

Second, once she agrees with the first, I'm sure she'll be able to say why it stings on specific skin types.

I know there's something wrong and honestly, I don't have the time for more research. The sooner this gets out there, the better.

The press conference I had did a lot of bad press drowning and now, I need good press emergence and I need it before the engagement party later this week.

Thankfully Vanessa is aware of everything, so that gives me one less headache. That's the thing with money- it gets the job done.

I spend the rest of the day in between calls- Hollywood Business Magazine wants to feature Diana and me on the cover of next month's issue- paperwork, and more calls.