Chapter 73
Grace's POV
"Send her in," I told my assistant, adjusting my suit jacket and mentally preparing myself for whatever game Violet was about to play.
Julie had briefed me about Cooper Technologies during my coffee break. They were one of Morgan Group's partners—excellent performance record, solid financials. We needed major projects to boost our performance metrics, so this meeting made business sense. But knowing Violet's history with Alex made every instinct I had scream warnings.
The woman who walked into my office was completely different from when I'd encountered her at previous events. Gone were the flowing evening gowns and carefully styled hair. Instead, she wore a sharp deep blue pinstripe suit that radiated corporate power, her blonde hair severely pulled back into a chignon. She looked every inch the executive—professional, efficient, and dangerous.
"Miss Wilson." Her smile was perfectly calibrated. "Thank you for agreeing to see me."
"Miss Cooper." I gestured to the chair across from my desk. "I have no reason to refuse a collaboration."
She sat with practiced elegance, placing a leather portfolio on the desk between us.
I opened the folder she pushed across the desk. The numbers were impressive—projected revenues, market analysis, distribution strategies. This was exactly the kind of high-value partnership Wilson Holdings wanted.
"The investment requirements are substantial," I noted, scanning the financial projections.
"Five hundred million initial investment, with potential for expansion funding based on performance milestones," Violet confirmed. "But here's what makes this special—we want you personally overseeing the project coordination."
I looked up sharply. "Me specifically?"
Her smile widened, and I caught something predatory in her eyes. "You have the most impressive investment track record in the industry, Miss Wilson. Your execution capabilities are legendary. This project needs someone with your... particular talents."
Particular talents. The way she said it made my skin crawl.
"I appreciate the confidence," I said carefully. "But Wilson Holdings has several qualified project managers who could—"
"No." Violet's interruption was swift and firm. "It has to be you. You see, Miss Wilson, I believe in working with the best. And you..." She paused, letting her gaze sweep over me assessingly. "You're exactly what this project needs."
I set down the proposal, professional instincts warring with personal unease. "I'll need to review this with my team before making any commitments."
"Of course." Violet leaned back in her chair, suddenly relaxed. "You know, I should mention—Alex and I have known each other since childhood. The Cooper and Morgan families have deep ties."
I kept my expression neutral, though there was something provocative in her tone.
"I think we've covered the key points of your proposal. I'll have my team review the details and get back to you within a week. I have other matters to attend to now." I stood up.
Violet rose as well, deliberately slow in gathering her portfolio. "Of course. I look forward to working with you."
---
The elevator ride down felt endless. Violet stood beside me, humming softly while I focused on the jumping floor numbers. Just as we reached the lobby level, she spoke again.
"You know what's fascinating, Miss Wilson?" Her voice was casual, almost friendly. "Your mannerisms, some of your features—you really are quite similar to me."
My gaze remained fixed on the elevator doors. "Is that so?"
"Oh yes. The way you carry yourself, your... aesthetic choices." Her gaze swept over my outfit assessingly. "It's quite striking. Almost like looking in a mirror."
The elevator doors opened and I stepped out quickly, but Violet's hand caught my arm.
"Miss Wilson." Her grip was firm. "May I share something with you? Woman to woman?"
Every fiber of my being wanted to pull away, but professional courtesy kept me still. "What is it, Miss Cooper?"
"Three years ago, Alex and I came very close to announcing our engagement in Aetheria. The invitations were printed, the venue booked, families gathered..." Her eyes searched my face. "He never truly forgot that time in his life. I think that's why he's drawn to you—you remind him of what we once had."
My blood turned to ice. "I'm not sure I understand what you're implying."
"I'm not implying anything." Her smile was sharp as a blade. "I'm stating facts. You're a substitute, Miss Wilson. A very elegant, very accomplished substitute, but a substitute nonetheless." She released my arm and stepped back. "The question is—can you accept a relationship without a foundation of true love?"
For a moment, I couldn't breathe.But my training brought me back to normal.
"That's not who Alex is. It's precisely because you don't understand him well enough that you unknowingly destroyed everything between you."
"Don't you want to know what happened between us in the past? Do you trust him that much?"
I've heard enough.
"This was supposed to be a business arrangement," I said, my voice steadier than I felt. "I wasn't supposed to care about his past."
But I wasn't finished. "But that was before I realized what kind of man he is. He's excellent and gentle, someone worth entrusting my life to. Someone who makes me grateful every day that I get to be by his side. Being with him is my honor."
As I finished saying all this, warm arms enveloped me from behind.
Alex had appeared from somewhere, I don't know when.
"I heard that," he said softly. "I'm honored that you think so highly of me."
Violet's composure finally cracked completely. "Fine!" she snapped. "I give up! Alex, let's make up. Our relationship shouldn't be what it is now."
"You should have heard my wife's words," Alex's response was calm and final. "We'll be spending our lives together. She won't leave, and neither will I."
"You're only engaged," Violet said desperately. "You haven't actually married yet. There's still time—"
"We'll be legally married very soon," Alex cut her off, his voice carrying absolute certainty.
Alex pulled me away, leaving an angry Violet behind.