Third Party?
886 Words
Emma’s POV
The air was colder than usual.
Maybe it was the morning fog. Or maybe it was just the feeling of stepping into Steele's territory.
I stood in front of the address Dominic Steele had texted me an hour after our call. There was no greeting or comment, just a line of numbers and a pin drop on the map.
It was not difficult finding my way to the mansion still. Turns out this part of the city was more known to public riders despite being a residential site for highly esteemed billionaires. But the taxi rate was too high, and Mr Steele had better add it to my pay.
The mansion stood out among the other houses surrounding it. The color, the marble stones, the dreadful silence like it belonged to no one but the devil himself.
I’d worn a tailored blazer and pencil skirt, flattering, formal, and safe. He had clearly instructed me to dress corporate. Was he thinking I'd use that advantage to wear something that'll seduce him? Hell No!
I'd not even advise my enemy to fall in love with such an evil person.
I rang the doorbell.
A doorman opened on the second ring.
“Mr. Steele is expecting you.” He said ushering me inside.
Of course he is.
The elevator ride was silent. Private with no buttons, it moved like it read minds.
When the doors opened, I stepped into what could only be described as a fortress.
It was clean and organized, sharp edges and the colour mix of Gray and Dark emerald... Oh no!
This isn’t a home.
It was damn authority disguised as luxury.
The living room was silent except for the quiet hiss of a coffee machine.
Mr Steele stood there, mug in hand, shirt sleeves rolled to the elbow, no tie. Barefoot.
My breath hitched.
I didn’t expect him to look... normal... human... comfortable?
That made it worse.
“You’re early,” he said without turning.
“You’re barefoot,” I replied subconsciously before I could stop myself.
"Yikes, Emma... language!" I quickly cautioned myself.
His head tilted slightly, amused. “You must be full of surprises, Miss Grey. I knew you were an interesting one or ain't you?”
My heart stopped for a second.
He finally turned, mug in one hand, a thick folder in the other.
“Come,” he said, walking toward the glass table in another corner of the living room.
And there goes the commanding tone again...
He dropped the folder between us and sat. I followed suit.
The meeting started immediately.
“These are internal reports from our software division. Something’s off with the numbers.” His gaze lifted.
“I want a fresh perspective.”
“From me?” I asked again, probably I misheard him.
“You’re observant,” he said flatly.
“And always quiet or too quiet I'll rather say. Which means you make your observations and think before speaking. I value that.”
Great. I didn’t know Mr Steele could read personalities also. Now being mysterious was getting me more involved than I wanted.
I opened the folder and looked through it.
Series of charts with numbers and reports from three years ago. Something was truly odd just like Mr Steele suspected, but I couldn’t place it immediately.
I knew the Steele family was one of many associate enemies but who would have thought they had enemies inside too. Whoever was pulling the strings must be very smart. No loopholes holes, no traces and this.
This wasn't a clue at all because it only led to a dead end.
I tried to scan the document again... Nothing.
Still, I wasn’t here to be his analyst.
“Mr. Steele... ”
“Do you trust people easily, he cut in, voice low and sharp
That's awkward and so sudden.
“I… not really.”
“Smart.”
He sipped his coffee, watching me over the rim. “Trust is like currency. You borrow, spend and break.”
My chest tightened.
Was this about the reports? Or was he testing me?
“I assume people have to earn your trust?” I asked carefully.
“No,” he said. “I assume they’re all lying until they prove otherwise.”
Well damn.
He stood up adjusting his sleeves."You may leave now, I'll see you at the office." He said.
As if I were a common slave. You just summon me here and dismiss me like I don't have a personal life to tend to also?
He should have at least asked one of his drivers to drop me off because I'm sure he's well aware that his mansion is farther from the office than my apartment. Buses hardly take this route, and the next one will probably be leaving later in the afternoon, but I had to report to work this morning. Doing otherwise could cost me my job.
As if he read my mind he cut my thoughts, "Yes, transportation will be added to your first pay"
"Thank you, sir." I heaved a sigh of relief.
I stood up, closing the folder. I tried to hide the disgust on my face.
“I’ll review the numbers and send a report tonight,” I said.
"Do that," He replied, disappearing into another room.
Really?
- Writer
