Chapter 190
Alex's POV
I woke to find Grace's side of the bed empty and cold. Panic shot through me—irrational but immediate.
"Grace?" I called out, sitting up too quickly. The movement sent a sharp pain through my ribs, but I ignored it.
"I'm here." Her voice came from the bathroom, but something was wrong. She sounded... off.
I found her leaning against the marble counter, her phone in her hand and her face pale in the harsh lighting.
"What's wrong?" I moved toward her.
She looked up at me, and I could see the lie forming before she spoke. "It was nothing. Just—"
"Don't." The word came out sharper than I intended. "Don't lie to me, Grace. Not about this."
Her shoulders sagged slightly. "It was Julie. There's been some trouble with Wilson Holdings. A new partnership that I wasn't informed about."
I studied her face, noting the careful way she was choosing her words. "What kind of partnership?"
"NaturaLuxe. Laura represents this company."
Of course. Elizabeth's handiwork, no doubt. The woman had a talent for finding the exact pressure point that would cause the most damage.
I reached for her automatically, my hands finding her waist. When I looked closely, I could see the tension lines around her eyes.
"You're stressed," I said. It wasn't a question.
"Alex, I need to handle this myself. Elizabeth is trying to use Laura and Richard to get to me, and if I don't respond correctly—"
"Then we'll respond together." I pulled her closer, ignoring the protest in my healing ribs. "You don't have to face this alone."
"I don't want you to have to deal with my family's drama. You're still recovering, and—"
"Grace." I cupped her face in my hands, forcing her to meet my eyes. "You're my wife. Your problems are my problems."
"I won't use your resources to fight NaturaLuxe. And I won't ask Wilson Holdings to abandon the partnership," her tone began to shift to confidence.
"Then what exactly are you planning?"
A smile tugged at the corner of Grace's mouth. "I'm going to use Laura as a pawn to strike back at Elizabeth."
"What do you mean?"
"In the files Julie sent me, I saw something interesting—it's the sharpest sword to strike back at her," she smiled.
Seeing that she already had a counterattack prepared, I felt relieved and proud of my woman.
---
Laura's POV
As I stepped out of the car, Richard adjusted his tie. I wore a navy blue suit, every detail meticulously arranged—from the silk blouse to the Italian leather shoes. Today has to be perfect, I told myself.
"You look perfect," Richard said, his voice carrying a warmth I hadn't heard in a long time.
I gave him a smile. "NaturaLuxe deserves our best performance."
I watched him find a seat in the marble lobby, waiting for my triumph.
The elevator doors closed, separating us. I stood alone before the mirrored walls, checking my reflection. You can do this. This was the best chance to prove myself.
My assistant's call to Andrew went straight to voicemail. Tried several more times.
When he finally called back, his voice was rough with exhaustion. "I'll be there soon."
I spread the presentation materials across the polished table, each page was flawless, every detail calculated.
But even as I arranged the documents, a nagging voice whispered that something felt off.
Stop it. I smoothed my skirt and checked my reflection in the window. You're being paranoid. This is your research data.
The sound of heels on marble made me turn. But it wasn't Andrew walking through the door.
---
Julie's POV
Wilson Holdings - Executive Conference Room
I stepped into the conference room with my head high.
"Ms. Parker," I said smoothly, extending my hand. "I'm Andrew Wilson's assistant. I'll be handling the preliminary discussions today."
Laura's handshake was firm, professional, but I caught the tension in her body.
She has no idea what's coming, I thought, maintaining my pleasant smile. The files taken from Andrew’s phone were a goldmine of information. Laura had stolen Grace's research data, and now she was using it as leverage. Soon they would be wounded by their own weapon.
"I hope you don't mind," I continued, placing the prepared coffee and pastries on the table, "but I thought we might start with refreshments while we wait for Mr. Wilson."
Laura's eyes sharpened. "That's not necessary. I'd prefer to begin with business."
I lifted the mug. "Are you sure? It's unlike any coffee you've ever tasted."
"Quite sure." Laura's voice had an edge now, her professional mask slipping slightly.
I moved closer, the coffee still in my hand. "I insist. After all, we want this to be a... memorable meeting."
The struggle was brief. Laura tried to step back, but the conference table blocked her path. As we jostled, my hand "slipped," and the coffee arced through the air in a perfect line.
Laura's gasp echoed through the room as the coffee splashed across her suit, staining the silk blouse and jacket sleeves a deep, damning brown.
"Oh my God!" I exclaimed, my voice pitched perfectly between horror and concern. "I'm so sorry! How clumsy of me!"
I watched with satisfaction as Laura stood there, dripping and furious.
"You did that on purpose," she said, her voice barely controlled.
I widened my eyes, putting on a perfect expression of innocence. "It was an accident! Please, let me help you clean up. There are spare clothes in the lounge."
Of course I have spare clothes. I had prepared everything in advance, including her current disheveled state.
"Come," I said, gently placing my hand on her elbow like a concerned colleague. "Let me get you sorted out."
I could feel her impulse to refuse, her instinct to keep her distance. But reality was cruel—she couldn't appear at an important meeting like this, couldn't be so disheveled.
When she finally nodded in agreement, I knew the first step had succeeded.
The private changing room was perfect for my purposes—soundproof, isolated, far from the main areas. I had specifically chosen it because it was located in the depths of the employee section, where no one would think to look before closing time.
"There are several options," I said, gesturing to the clothes I'd prepared. "I think the gray suit will complement your coloring."
Laura nodded curtly, still dripping. "Thank you. I'll be quick."
"Of course. Take your time."
I stepped outside, my heart hammering with nervous energy. Grace, I hope you arrive soon.
The lock clicked softly as I turned the key. Laura was trapped, at least temporarily.
Behind me, I could hear Laura calling out, her voice muffled by the soundproof walls.