Chasing my Runaway Ex-Wife

4: Contract Deal With My Ex-Husband

Lavender's POV

The morning sun gleamed off the glass exterior of Greene Creations' towering skyscraper as I stepped out of the car. Tilting my head upward, I took in the building's grandeur, this was my father's legacy.

For years, I had only known this place through news articles and news reports. But today, I wasn't just an observer.

Today, I was here to lead. My life in Europe over the past few years had been private. But not anymore.

Nathan closed the car door behind me as Dee approached, tablet in hand, already detailing my schedule.

"Good morning, Miss Lavender. You have a meeting with the production team and designers in thirty minutes," she informed me as we walked toward the entrance. "It's about the upcoming collection set to launch next week."

I nodded, my heels clicking against the polished marble floor as we entered the grand lobby. Employees passed by, offering polite nods and murmurs of "Good morning, Miss Greene."

It felt surreal, but there was no time to dwell on it.

I pushed open the conference room doors, and all eyes turned to me.

Joseph, my lead designer, lounged in his chair, twirling a pen between his fingers. Upon seeing me, he straightened, flashing his signature smirk. "Well, well, if it isn't the boss herself."

I set my folder down at the head of the table, meeting his amused gaze. "Joseph."

He leaned forward. "Ready to shake things up?"

I smirked. "Always."

The discussion flowed smoothly, sketches, fabrics, final fittings. The production team confirmed that everything was on track, and Christopher presented the latest designs for our Spring Collection.

"Everything looks solid," I said, flipping through the finalized concepts. "But I want this collection to make a statement. We're not just showcasing clothes; we're setting the tone for the future of Greene Creations."

Joseph grinned. "You sound like your father."

I paused for a moment, feeling the weight of those words, my father.

Clearing my throat, I pressed on. "Then I hope I'm doing him justice."

After finalizing the last details, I dismissed the team, leaving only Dee and me in the room.

Entering my office, the reality of everything hit me.

This wasn't just any CEO's office, it was my father's. The dark mahogany desk, the city skyline view, the faint scent of his cologne still lingering, it was a silent reminder of the man who built this empire.

But I couldn't afford to drown in nostalgia. I turned to Dee. "What's next?"

She glanced at her tablet. "You have two potential investors to meet today."

I raised an eyebrow. "Two?"

Dee nodded. "The first is at lunch, Gregory Mallor, a former investment tycoon turned private investor. He has a reputation for being selective with his partnerships, but securing him could mean significant growth for Greene Creations."

I absorbed the information. "And the location?"

Dee slid a card onto my desk. "A private restaurant downtown. Here's the address."

I picked it up, staring at the printed name.

"Let's go get that contract," I murmured, a smile forming on my face.

The next few minutes of the ride were a blur as I rehearsed my negotiation points until Jason, my driver, pulled the car over in front of an upscale café.

"We're here, Miss," he said.

I took a deep breath before stepping out. The ambiance inside was refined, though I preferred the charm of a little slice of London over this polished aesthetic.

"Miss?"

I paused and looked at Dee. "What is it? Are they here already?"

"They just canceled the meeting, Miss Lavender."

"What?" I pursed my lips in frustration. "Why?"

Dee shrugged. "His secretary informed me that his schedule is already full."

I sighed deeply, stepping back. "They just wasted our time. Who was the investor again?"

"Gregory Mallor, a private investor," she replied.

Before I could respond, Dee's phone vibrated. She read something on her screen, then looked at me with a smile.

"This isn't a waste of time, Miss Lavender. A company just contacted me and wants to... collaborate with Lancaster Panache."

"That's great." My eyes flickered. "What company is it?"

"Standord Corporation."

The atmosphere shifted subtly at the mention of the company's name.

"Send him the address," I told Dee without looking up.

Sitting in the quiet corner of La Costa Cafe, I tapped my manicured nails against the porcelain cup, watching as steam curled from my untouched coffee.

Dee hesitated for a moment. "Are you sure, Miss Lavender? You don't have to meet him if—"

"I want to hear what he has to say." My tone was cool, controlled. "Send it now."

With a small nod, Dee pulled out her phone and sent the message. Now, I just had to wait.

A few minutes later, the soft chime of the cafe's entrance rang, and I didn't need to turn around to know who it was.

August Stanford had a presence that was impossible to ignore. The air around me shifted as he approached, his familiar cologne lingering in the air.

"Miss Lavender Greene," August greeted smoothly as he slid into the chair across from me.

I met his gaze with an unreadable expression. "August Stanford."

He smirked, placing his hands on the table. "I appreciate you agreeing to meet."

"I'm curious," I said, tilting my head. "Why the sudden interest in a partnership with Greene Creations? Last I checked, I was loathed by everyone, especially you."

August chuckled, shaking his head. "That's the past, Miss Greene. This is about now."

I arched a brow. "How convenient."

He ignored my sarcasm and leaned forward. "Stanford Corporation is looking to expand its reach in the luxury fashion industry. Partnering with Greene Creations gives us an edge, and in return, you gain our resources, network, and influence."

I crossed my arms. "Why me, Mr. Stanford? There are countless other fashion brands you could invest in."

His gaze darkened slightly. "Because Greene Creations is powerful. Your father built a fashion empire, and now, under your leadership, it has the potential to become something even greater. I see that potential, and I want in."

I studied him for a moment, my expression unreadable.

He wanted in. Good.

If August thought he could use me for business, he had no idea I planned to use him first.

Stanford Corporation had power, influence, and connections, all things I could use to bring down those who wronged me, including August himself.

I let the silence stretch before finally speaking. "Fine. My legal team will review the contract and get back to you."

August smirked, clearly satisfied. "You won't regret this."

"We'll see about that, Mr. Stanford," I murmured before standing up and grabbing my purse. "If that's all, I have other matters to attend to."

I turned to leave, but before I could step outside, August was suddenly beside me, his presence warm, too close.

He leaned in, his breath brushing against my ear as he whispered, "By the way... I was the one who canceled your appointment with Gregory Mallor earlier."

I froze, my grip tightening on my purse. So he was behind it. Slowly, I exhaled, composing myself before turning my head slightly to meet his eyes.

I didn't react the way he wanted me to. I didn't gasp. I didn't get angry.

I just gave him a slow, knowing smile.

Then I walked away. If August wants to play games... then let the games begin.