BENEATH THE SURFACE
502 Words
Donovan Grey had always played the long game. Every contract, every deal—calculated. And this visit was no different. Dressed in an immaculate dark suit and carrying a modest but thoughtful gift box of aged wine and exotic teas, he stood outside the elegant countryside home of Mr. and Mrs. Monroe—Vici’s foster parents.
He wasn’t here as a CEO.
He was here as a curious man with questions no file could answer.
*Donovan (smiling as Mr. Monroe opened the door):*
“Good evening, Mr. Monroe. Thank you for accepting my visit. I hope I’m not intruding.”
*Mr. Monroe (graciously):*
“You’re welcome, Mr. Grey. Come in. My wife is just setting the table. Tea or wine?”
*Donovan:*
“Tea would be perfect, thank you.”
The home was warm, filled with photographs and quiet pride. Donovan noted the lack of any childhood photos of Vici. Strange… but expected.
They settled in the drawing room. Mrs. Monroe poured the tea. Small talk danced around business, Valemont’s economy, and recent philanthropic ventures. Donovan waited for the right moment.
Then he leaned forward, his voice casual—almost too casual.
*Donovan:*
“Vici’s built quite the empire. She’s… fascinating. Must have been a determined child.”
*Mr. Monroe (smiling lightly):*
“She was. Still is.”
*Donovan (chuckling):*
“You must be proud. I imagine you had to guide her through a lot.”
*Mrs. Monroe (gently):*
“As any parent would. She’s who she is because she chose to be.”
*Donovan (testing waters):*
“It’s rare to find someone with such fire. Honestly, I’ve been wondering lately if… she’s ever let anyone in enough to consider marriage.”
There it was.
The line.
*Mr. Monroe (smirking knowingly):*
“You think marriage unlocks her story?”
Donovan froze momentarily. He hadn’t expected the reply to be that direct.
*Mr. Monroe:*
“Let me give you a word of caution, Mr. Grey. Vici is like a vault. What you get on the surface is earned—not given. And trust isn’t bought with charm or wine.”
*Donovan (leaning back, regrouping):*
“I meant no offense. I simply admire her.”
*Mrs. Monroe (measured tone):*
“As you should. But admiration doesn’t grant access. It demands respect. History is personal, Mr. Grey.”
Their words were polite, but beneath it all, Donovan understood—he had pushed too far.
Later that evening, after Donovan left, the Monroes placed a call.
*Mrs. Monroe (over the phone):*
“Vici, dear. Donovan Grey came by today.”
*Vici (on high alert):*
“For what?”
*Mr. Monroe:*
“Claimed it was casual. But he was clearly digging.”
There was silence on Vici’s end. Her hands tightened around the phone.
*Vici (quietly):*
“He went that far?”
Her heart skipped. Not from fear—but from the reminder that Donovan Grey wasn’t just intrigued by her.
He was hunting her truth.
And if he kept going, he might actually find it.
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- Writer
