Marrying her Ex-husband's Uncle

Chapter 15

"What's your plan?" Nate asked, his eyes glimmering with interest.

"I want you to form a partnership with Oceana," she replied.

Nate nodded thoughtfully. It seemed their minds were perfectly in sync. "I can easily make that happen if I want to," he answered casually.

Earlier, Luke and Sofia had already hinted that they wanted Stavros Logistics Corporation as Oceana's business partner.

"But my question is..." Nate continued. "How can you be so sure you'll get Oceana back through that partnership?"

Barbara met his gaze without hesitation. The way he spoke—and the way he looked at her—felt like he was testing her intelligence. Fortunately, she wasn't the type to be offended by such things.

"Offer Luke a contract that's simply too good to refuse."

The corner of Nate's lips slowly curved upward. "Do you already have the clauses in mind?"

She nodded immediately. Even while resting earlier, she hadn't stopped thinking about her next move. She was already on the battlefield.

Resting her mind was the last thing she could afford to do.

"Tell me what clauses you have."

This time, she smiled. "I believe I'll tell you once you've already given me what I want. What do you think?"

A soft chuckle escaped Nate's lips, though he didn't seem offended in the slightest. "You really enjoy being mysterious, Mrs. Stavros."

Her breath caught the moment she heard that surname again. Everything had happened so quickly that she had almost forgotten...

She was still Mrs. Stavros.

"As I've told you before, I don't think it's fair to lay all my cards on the table."

Nate took a deep breath before nodding. "All right. You'll have the partnership you want before long," he said seriously.

A wave of relief washed over her.

Why did she feel that whenever Nate spoke, his words always sounded like a promise that would come true?

Wasn't it too soon to be thinking that way when they had only just met?

"Since you insist on carrying out your revenge your own way," Nate continued, "I'd like to ask you something else."

She nodded. "Sure. What is it?"

"Once I secure the partnership, what's your next move? I'd like to prepare everything in advance."

She leaned back in her chair, letting her eyes wander around the elegant dining room before speaking again. "I want to work at Stavros Logistics Corporation."

She watched genuine surprise flash across Nate's face. "You want to... what?" he asked, as though he wasn't sure he'd heard correctly.

"I said I want to work at your company—as an employee, not as your wife."

Nate remained silent for several seconds before finally nodding. "This is ridiculous... but all right."

She frowned. "What's ridiculous about it? Were you expecting me to sit back and do nothing while waiting for my revenge to unfold?"

"You surprised me with that one, Barbara."

She didn't know why, but his words made her smile.

Why did she suddenly feel proud that she had managed to surprise him—in a good way?

"As I said, I'll do things my own way."

Nate drew a slow breath before speaking again. "If that's what you want, then I'll let you do it. The position of Lead Strategic Consultant at Stavros Logistics is currently vacant. I'll give you that role so you'll have the authority to deal directly with Oceana once the partnership is in place. Are you okay with that?"

She nodded repeatedly. "Of course. I'll take the position."

"When do you want to start?"

"Maybe next week. Would that be okay?"

"Of course. Anytime is fine."

She let out another deep breath. "Now that I've told you the first part of my plan... May I go home?"

Nate glanced at the clock before standing up. "All right. I'll drive you home."

Barbara stared at him in surprise. "You're going to drive me home?" she asked, genuinely shocked.

Nate nodded as though it were the most natural thing in the world. "I already sent Debbie home, so I'll take you myself."

Her eyes widened, and she immediately shook her head. "No. I'll just commute."

Nate looked at her for a moment before sighing. "I'll take you home, and I won't take no for an answer, Barbara," he said in an authoritative tone.

She still wasn't convinced. "Why do you have to drive me? Commuting is perfectly fine—and convenient, Nate. There are plenty of taxis outside. Or you can call Ryan or Debbie to pick me up."

Nate frowned and slowly stepped toward her.

Instinctively, she stepped back until her back hit the cool wall of the dining room. He stopped just a breath away.

"Why do I get the feeling you don't want to be around me?" he asked quietly, his eyes locked on hers.

"Are you avoiding me, Barbara?”