A Ruthless Bargain

Chapter Seven.

Lucien.

The board meeting seemed more boring than usual. One thing occupied my mind, my conversation with Dominic.

I checked my wristwatch for the umpteenth time, rows of people still waiting to present their own ideas on how to enlarge Cross Estates. A bald man in his late fifties, glasses sagging from his eyes kept stuttering during his presentation while my eyes were still fixated on him.

''Cancel.''

Just one word and the whole room fell silent. Everyone kept on shifting uncomfortably in their seats, eyes scanning their folders like they didn't have it memorised and ready to present.

''Cancelled. This meeting is cancelled.'' I swirled the glass of red wine slowly, reading everyone's expression.

''Go and find better researches or I find new people for the job.'' My tone was dead serious.

I could fire them all and get new people in twenty four hours. People were always at the beeline, packed for interviews and job opportunities.

I didn't wait for their usual apologies and promising to do better. I exited the meeting in three long strides and took the elevator back up to my office.

It was evening and about to get dark soon.

I strolled to the tall glass window, hands in pocket and watched the world below me. Everyone moved like they had no care in the world, vehicles busy.

''Lucien.''

Only one person addressed me with my fist name and that was Dominic. Only he had the right to, he had been there for me through everything.

''Any positive feedbacks.'' I asked without turning back.

I felt him stroll to where I was and stood beside me. ''No.'''

Every damn time. There was never a positive result.

''But...'' he cut my thoughts off.

''But what?''

''Your sister is still alive and she might be in Velmoor too.'' Dominic stated.

His words cut through me like a blade. The sister I had been searching for was here in Velmoor.

Twenty years. Twenty years. And we had been in the same place, same city.

''Where in Velmoor?'' my voice was colder now.

But Dominic didn't flinch, ''That's what we need to find out.''

I let out a loud exhale, looking straight ahead into the city and pushing back the sting of tears. The memories came back flooding in.

The way her eyes held fear and disappointment when I didn't save her.

''Lucien.'' Dominic called again.

This time, I turned to face him. ''What time does Amelia get off work.''

Amelia. Oh, I was married.

I tried to rack my head for a possible answer but couldn't get any. ''Message her to find out and pick her up.''

Dominic looked at me like I had grown two heads and maybe I had.

''I do not have her mobile contact.'' Dominic sighed.

And then realization dawned on me, that I too, could not reach her.

I was supposed to have her contact but then I didn't and neither did she.

Mateo.

I called him instantly and he picked.

''Mr Cross,'' his voice was hesitant, scared even. ''Hope she has agreed and not causing any harm?''

What a fool he was.

I went straight to the point, ''Send me her contact. Now!''

''Did she try to run away...that b***h of...''

I cut him off. ''Don't you dare. And I need it now.''

I hung up without waiting for a response from him and gave Dominic a slight nod.

My phone chimed instantly and her contact sat on the message board, staring at me with her name attached to it.

Amelia Nightshade.

I passed it to Dominic without saving but he stopped midway. ''About the event, you need a partner to attend.''

I hissed a short irritated one, thinking of spending another night with Stephanie.

''Why do you need a partner to attend a gala?'' I asked.

Dominic shrugged, ''And Stephanie isn't in town. You have to secure the contract, find a way.''

He made it halfway to the door before a thought crossed his mind and he turned back to me with a smug grin I had once seen and never again since his expression was always as hard as a stone.

''What?'' I raised a brow.

But his grin was still in place as he replied. ''You could go with your wife instead.''

Did I just hear him clearly or was he speaking French? Amelia would never accept.

''Here,'' he threw me the car keys and I caught it just right in time.

''And don't be late.'' He bowed before my words would leave my mouth.

''Domi...'' but he was already gone.

I stared at her contact on my phone and dialled since I had no choice and little time left.

I called once, twice. She picked none of it.

My patience was thinning and then my phone lit up. she was calling.

''Hii.'' Her voice came out softer, calmer. One I had never heard.

I cleared my throat softly. ''Send me your address and stay there while I come get you.'' My voice sounding colder than I intended.

''But...''

I ended the call and sat, facing my emails until she sent a text.

I picked up my jacket and exited the office immediately and down to the garage floors.

.

.

I arrived at the address she sent in less than fifteen minutes but it didn't look anything like a bookstore. It was a long, empty street with lights that flickered off and on every minute.

I was about to call her when I saw her shadows come out of a building. Even in the dark her hazel blue eyes stood out. Short, hair in a bun, a book in hand and that same plain jean and white shirt.

She approached the car slowly, looking around nervously. I rolled down the windows, pulled down my glasses and my eyes met hers.

''Get in.''

She didn't say a word, just slid in.

It was not until she got tired. ''This isn't your job. Why are you picking me up and where is Dominic?''

I exhaled a breath, not responding to any of her questions.

''We are attending an event, as a couple.'' I glanced her way now before focusing back on the road.

''What?'' she raised her brow.

''I will not.'' She responded sharply. ''That wasn't part of the rules.''

The car came to a halt when I spotted a red light.

I turned to look at her now. ''Rules are not implied here honey, you are my wife.''