But, I’m not upset about it. If anything, I should thank him because he confirmed her presence to me-I didn’t even know she was going but he looked it up, and found out she’s friends with the bride so she even RSVP-ed her invite. Don’t ask how he knows that, just know he’s a capable assistant, that costs a hell lot but he’s worth the pay.
Rather, the thought of her had a smile making its way on my face. “Good.” I nodded, though I knew he couldn’t see me. “I’ve done my part. Now, all that’s left is for her to come running to me. Any time now…I give her five days at most.” Then, she’ll be mine.
I heard him hum on the other end, not believing me. “You sound too egoistic saying that.” He didn’t bother to sugarcoat his words, knowing he’s not in my sight and a glare wouldn’t be directed directly at him. “I heard you got rejected earlier.”
“How did you…” Nathan. Of course, I should’ve known he and Carter are out to get me. They seemed to have this unvoiced agreement of making my life hell. “…you know what.” My fingers wrapped around the steering wheel as I suspired. “…just do what I asked you to do.” I ended the call then, then revved the car to life to drive away. Now, all I have to do, is wait for Isabella’s move. I’ve put the ball in her court after all.
***
Isabella Montague.
“So, how did it go, huh? Did you manage to get them on your side?” Amy asked, the minute I stepped out of the building of the company belonging to one of the major shareholders in Montague Group after my meeting with him had just ended.
Amy who was waiting for me outside the man’s office did well to hide and keep her questions to herself up to the moment we stepped foot out of the company, so as to keep the others from getting a whiff of the reason we’re there-there’s already been a few eyes that followed us as we went in and got out, the last thing I need is for them to know why and see myself on the face of tabloids with their click bait headlines.
As the car keys were handed to her by the valet, she rounded the car to step into the driver’s seat, while the valet made a move to open the back door for me. Offering him a curt nod, without a smile for I couldn’t even bring myself to muster one, I stepped in, allowing him to close the door behind me.
I waited until Amy revved the car to life and had started to drive away before I suspired, parting my lips to finally give her an answer. “No.” I rested my arm on the armrest beside me, throwing my bag to the side in frustration. Drawing my lower lip between my teeth, I added. “He didn’t agree as well.” My shoulders slumped as I breathed the words out that feel heavy on my tongue and made anger, as well as frustration to course through my veins.
I could feel Amy throw me a look through the rearview mirror above, her eyes lined with worry before her response came. “Again?” She inquired, her voice low and sounding down as I am as well. “That’s the same with every other shareholder you’ve met in the past three days. The meeting is in two days’ time; can you make it? I hate to say this, but can you make it? There’s not much time left.”
“I know that.” Perhaps, my tone was a bit harsh, but she didn’t say it. I didn’t mean it too honestly, it just flew out because there’s too much going on and I have too much pent up frustration in me. Nibbling on my thumbnail, I gazed out as the wheels in my head turn around. “First, it was Mr. Pierce and every other shareholder I’ve met. It’s like they all already on Alex’s side, but how did he manage to get them in such a short time? He’s not even here.”
He’s still in England, managing the subsidiary of Montague Group-Montague Buildings, which he’s in charge of. And yet, despite him not being here, he had managed to get all the shareholders to turn their backs on me. It’s annoying because they all give me the same response, the very same words thrown at my face, as if it was orchestrated by someone-Alexander Montague no doubt.
I bet he even gave them the same lines intentionally, just so I can tell he was behind it and that he’s gotten them all on his side while I make myself look like an idiot by visiting each and every one of them, just to get turned down. From those with little shares, to those with big shares-heck, I even flew all the way to Korea to meet one of them, I took an overnight flight back and came to this shareholder straight from the airport, only to get turned down in the same manner.
I am famished, exhausted, and annoyed to say the least. I’m working off very little food and sleep, only to get the same outcome. Of course, I’m on the edge, and the fact that time isn’t on my side isn’t making this any better.
“Should I set up an appointment with another shareholder?” Amy inquired, her voice low. “The next two on the list are both in Qatar at the moment, and though they don’t have major shares, they might be of help. Should I get the jet ready for your departure?”
I nibbled at my thumbnail more, my gaze set outside as I shook my head, the wheels turning repeatedly, trying to put the pieces together. I have a nagging feeling deep down that I might just be going about this the wrong way. I just can’t point a finger at where I’ve went wrong exactly.
“No.” I breathed out eventually, in response to her questions. “There’s no need to waste time and go there, I’ll be getting the same response anyway.” If there’s one thing I’ve realized after seeing seven shareholders, and these are the same people I thought would least be influenced by Alexander, it only shows he’s gotten ahead of me. I’d be wasting my time by spending it on seeing more of them.
I know he wouldn’t be quiet anyway, especially not with the video he sent me. There wasn’t any written threat, or at least, nothing too direct aside from the single line text message he added to accompany the video.
‘I wonder how the press would react to this’. That was all he wrote after sending the video, and that right there even I know is a threat waiting for me. I’ve been on the edge, preparing my PR team and making sure if any malicious post about me regarding so was made, they’d be able to tackle it but he hasn’t said or done a thing again. I was finding it suspicious that he hasn’t said a word more on that, or made any move to share it with the press else my face would’ve been all over the news-and not for a good reason.
So, this is what he’s been doing in the time of his silence. Touché, Alexander. Touché.
“What are you going to do then?” Though normally composed, even more than I tend to be, Amy couldn’t hide the air of worry surrounding her tone. “Or are you going to seek the Chairman’s help? He might be on your side for all we know. It’s obvious to everyone you’re his favorite child-he doesn’t hide it.”
I could only hum, not knowing what or how to say it to her. How am I to explain that his silence as well isn’t sitting right with me either. Yes, he’s always taken my side but when it comes to works like this, he tends to be unbiased. I couldn’t depend on him alone-not when in this type of his situation, the love he showers me with usually tends to become my poison.I know he’ll be harder on me because of his love-he wouldn’t let me get it easily as well. Besides, he’s supported me so much, I don’t want his help on this. I want to get there myself without his help.
“Let’s just head home.” I resorted to saying instead of giving her an answer to her earlier questions. Flicking my eyes close, I sank back in my seat and crossed my arms, putting an end to the conversation there.
Thankfully, she’s known me long enough to understand that simple statement meant I’m putting an end to the talk, and that even I haven’t figured out what to do yet. I’ll think it over and find a solution-I always do, or so I hope.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.