Falling for the Enemy

Ch.20

Althea's Pov

What the hell?

As I gripped the marble, I inhaled deeply. Damn it, why would our largest project suddenly want to fall through? It makes no sense. My mind quickly drifts to Adam. Even though I haven't seen him in a month—a time frame that should make someone forgettable—he somehow pops into my head whenever I face the chance of failing. What would he think?

Before my thoughts could spiral out of control, a voice breaks through from the other end of the line, my phone pressed against my ear. "Hello, Mr. Luxe. This is Althea from Mr. Valenti's corporation. How are you today?"

"Listen, as I mentioned to my assistant, I asked them to notify your boss. I really don't have the time to chat. I'm just about to head to the club," Mr. Luxe said in a thin voice.

"I appreciate your time, but I received some shocking news this morning that you're no longer part of the team. I thought it was just a mix-up, so I wanted to reach out and clarify things."

"No, it wasn't a mix-up. I informed your boss about our policies. That's all there is to it."

"I only need five minutes of your time, Mr. Luxe. I can persuade you to think again."

"I'm sorry, but I really don't have time. I need to leave."

No, no, no!

My heart raced, and I tightened my grip on the phone. "Wait! Let me meet you at the club. Which club are you at? Just give me five minutes to explain why you're missing out on profits without us. I promise you won't regret it."

"Five minutes. That's all I can spare. The Hideout is the place."

"Perfect! I'll see you shortly," I responded before slamming the phone down on my desk. I grabbed my purse and dashed out of the office, determined to save this business.

It required significant effort, yet I couldn't persuade Mr. Luxe to transfer the project to us. I ended up talking with him for more than thirty minutes over a beer at the club before he departed. Although this aspect of the job is exhausting—the forced smile, the schmoozing, the ego massaging—it's essential.

I'm just about to call a server for the bill when a tall, familiar figure with broad shoulders makes me turn suddenly. My smile fades instantly, and a headache hits me out of nowhere.

Adam Sinclair.

I would recognize that silhouette anywhere. He strides in as if he owns the establishment, laughing at something someone in his group said. My jaw tightens involuntarily as my eyes scan over him. It's as if he's inviting Valenti marketing to take notice, wearing a snug navy blue polo shirt that clings to his body.

The last time I encountered Adam Sinclair was a month ago when we were still a couple. Shocked to my core, I stood at the entrance of our hotel room, seemingly frozen in place. The world, time, and everything else lost all significance. A nauseating feeling settled in my stomach, causing the bouquet of perfect red roses to slip from my fingers and scatter across the carpet.

I watched, unable to look away. On our king-sized bed, two sweat-soaked naked bodies writhed in ecstasy—intertwined, touching, and heaving with effort. I stood transfixed as a female face came into focus.

"I love you so much," a familiar voice declared.

"I love you too, but you have a girlfriend," the woman replied.

"Who are you referring to? Althea? She means nothing to me."

He was with another woman. Her blonde hair was in wild disarray, her face flushed with passion, and her head rested on the shoulder of her bedmate. Ivy? My friend Ivy?

"I want you, Ivy." I couldn't believe it. In a fit of rage, I stormed into the bedroom. "So this is what you do when I'm not around!" I yelled in fury.

"Althea?" Ivy's eyes flew open, and upon seeing me, she gasped in shock. She quickly pushed the man away.

"Why are you back so soon?" Adam asked as he buttoned his shirt. I glared at him, taking deep breaths. Oh God. Please don’t let me hurt anyone today. I marched up to him and slapped him hard across the face. "How dare you?"

"I... I'm sorry, but I don't love you anymore, Althea," he said, his gaze fixed on the floor. "And what’s your excuse? Huh? You know he’s my boyfriend, yet you still slept with him? For heaven's sake, Ivy, you’re my friend!"

"Look, it’s already happened, okay? It’s not like it’s the first time. I love Adam, and if you were a good friend, you’d let me have him."

I approached Ivy and struck her across the face with such force that I split her lip. I threw her to the ground, pinned her down, sat on her, and unleashed a flurry of slaps across her face, pulling her hair so hard that a handful came out in my grip.