The Assasination Project

Part Eleven

Eva's POV

It was a few minutes before the meeting started and my stomach clenched uneasily as I stared at the two documents in front of me. My two options that could change my life forever. The adoption papers and the marriage documents

On one hand, I could adopt Azzy and we'd both be happy, but I would be sharing the parenthood with the two timing bastard Quince Mavoric. And on the other hand, I could save my father's company that was his life's work, but I'd have to marry an arrogant douche such as Mr. Reed Chevor.

I was beginning to get a head ache and my lunch was begging to come back up. I was so confused I got up, marched towards the floor to ceiling glass window and let my tears of hopelessness fall.

What could I do? I couldn't let Reed take over the company. He would run it into the ground. But I couldn't sign those adoption papers either, especially after knowing that Quince was using me for the Red Shrike snail. He could use that to harm his cousin, for who knows what reason.

I was hopeless! I didn't know what to do. All I could do was continue to cry and hope an answer would just appear to me. But I couldn't sit still either. The pain of loosing either my dad's company or my sister would kill me later on.

It was in that moment that I truly started missing dad and Nancy. They would have helped me make this decision in a split second. I wouldn't even be in this situation if they were still around! I wouldn't have to contemplate between my little sister's happiness and my company.

I turned my attention to a family picture we had all taken last year on Azzy's fifth birthday. She was in her puffy pink birthday dress and had icing all over her curled hair while dad held her up and placed a gentle kiss on her cheek. Nancy and I were at dad's sides and smiling at the two.

"I miss you guys so much", I felt more hot tears trickle down my already pale cheeks as my vision of the picture became blurry due to my tear filled eyes.

"Ms. McLane", Sharlotte's voice had me jumping in surprise. I quickly cleared my tear stained face as I gathered myself.

"Yes, Sharlotte", I responded as normal as I could.

"It's time for the meeting", she told me and I took one last look at the portrait before I joined her outside.

"You ready?" she enquired and I nodded hesitantly. I had to stand still and try my best to remain strong. If I even showed so much as and ounce of weakness, our allies would use that against me. I couldn't let that happen.

So I put on a confident look before marching into the meeting room with Sharlotte in tow.

******************

"So, we all know that this company mainly works with infrastructure", it was halfway into the meeting after hearing the minutes being read. Dad surely discussed a lot with them in our previous meeting if the minutes took that long.

I saw a few nods of approval and some others were either grunting or casting me dark looks in response. The only one of the allies who watched me with at least some interest was Reed. I chose to believe that it was just because he thought I was actually going to marry him.

I honestly didn't know my answer to that, not yet. But I knew I had to get one soon. Reed Chevor wasn't the patient types. I think I should make a pros and cons list to my two options. It would help making my decision easier. Which ever option has the most pros, is the winner.

What was I even thinking, this was childish!

"Where are you getting at Ms. McLane?" Mr. Alas enquired. He was well into his late forties, but looked young. There was not one speck of hair on his dark head that was grey. The only thing that gave away his age were the few wrinkles beneath his chocolate brown eyes. He was a professional business man at all times, but kind as well.

"Well, I was thinking, the company is about public services. So, why only focus our attention on infrastructure when there are other branches to public service", I responded with a light smile. Truth be told, that smile was only meant to mask how I was really feeling.

I was so nervous, what if I failed to give them a good impression? Then I didn't have to worry about Reed and his threat, because the allies would demolish my reputation in the snap of a finger if I so much as breathed wrong.

"But", Mr. Mortan spoke up, "Are you suggesting that we go in a different direction, Ms. McLane?" These allies were really not giving me time to breathe, it was difficult to keep up with their constant questions. Mr. Mortan, like Mr. Alas, meant well and was highly professional.

"Yes Mr. Mortan. That is exactly what I'm suggesting, but it won't actually be going out of line since it will be within the public services sector", before I could continue I was cut of by someone else.

"And what is it that you want to do?" Ms. Aura asked with a raised eyebrow. Although an ally, she was much like Reed, and wanted the company to herself. She was one person I feared the most. Reed was young and naïve, but her... she was experienced at manipulation.

She tried multiple times to get the company, and almost succeeded. From trying to hack into company data to plagiarism, she was the one. But she never succeeded because dad always stopped her. I don't know why he never broke the alliance with her. But he didn't, so neither was I about to.

"That is where I am getting at", I told her making sure to convey my annoyance in my voice, "There are many public services that we can partner with and gain profits, like hospitals and private schools. If we give to them, we gain in return. And we do it because we care for the people", I told them and murmurs began sounding in the entire room.

"We are sorry Ms. McLane", Reed stated, but there was a hint of a smirk on his face, "We don't do this to receive 'thank you' in return".

"He's right", Mr. Mortan agreed, "We do what we can to help the company itself grow and it gives us insurance that all of us are on the same financial level. Not dropping to become a city idol".

I frowned at their hostility. It was the idea I was always working on. How could they not agree. It was helping the public. Weren't we in charge of public services? Where had I gone wrong?

"It seems the meeting is over Ms. McLane. If you have nothing better to say, then we'll take our leave. I expect to see your office wrapped up by tomorrow", Reed stated as he got up to leave.

"Mr. Chevor", I called after him and he turned around to look at me. I breathed out a breathe. I can't believe I was about to do this. But I needed to save the company, one way or another. I was going to agree to marry Reed.

"I agree to your proposal", I said and it took him no time in understanding what I was saying. A smirk broke out on his face as he pulled at his tie.

But his smirk soon faltered as someone barged into the meeting room. I looked at the person in shock as his blue eyes raged as he stared between Reed and I.

"I don't think so", Quince growled out...