Chapter 15
Chapter 1: Deja Vu
“Leave, Gavin’s serious, cold voice echoed across the conference room. Everyone except Juliana stood up and left the room.
I felt the weight of their lingering gazes, heavy with curiosity and judgment. I knew that the moment they left whispers would begin–speculations about what had occurred in this meeting
a secret affair between
After all, a big client showing interest in the CEO’s secretary was enough to fuel the rumor mill. Add to that the whispers of as me and Gavin, and there was no stopping the wildfire.
That is Mia Miller. I thought bitterly,
“You know him, don’t you?” Juliana asked, accusation evident in her tone.
I lifted my head and met her gaze, my expression blank. “I don’t, Juliana.
“Who are you kidding? Is he what? Your ex? How did a woman like you–oh, why am I even surprised? Liam Anderson falls for your target brother. Wealthy, powerful, handsome. You’re an expert at playing–”
like my
Juliana” Gavin’s angry voice cut her off. “Stop insulting Mia! She’s not what you feking think she is! How long are you going to stay insecure about her? Grow the fck up!”
Juliana gasped and stood, slamming her hands on the table with a loud thud. ‘Insecure About her? Why on earth would I be insecure about the likes of her! She’s nothing compared to me! She’s even using her poor children to get close to our family-
“I’m nothing, and yet you’re acting like this? If I’m nothing, why are you always so bothered by me, Miss Juliana?” I said, cutting her off. She could insult me all she wanted, but dragging my innocent children into this? I wouldn’t stay silent like before.
I stood, meeting her eyes. “Is it because of Travis-
Juliana’s face contorted with fury. “How dare you!”
She took a threatening step toward me, but Gavin was faster. He moved between us, placing a firm hand on Juliana’s arm.
“Stop. Juliana!”
“She’s insulting me
“You started it, Juliana. Why did you even drag her children into this? Are you really out of your mind? Those kids, especially Rylie, like you. Our parents treat them like family–how could you say something so cruel?”
Juliana fell silent, the weight of her words probably sinking in
2 2 2
No matter how indifferent or hostile she was toward me, she had never mistreated my children when she saw them. And yes. Rylie liked her–she adored the way Juliana dressed. Once, Rylie even said she wanted to be like Juliana when she saw her on a magazine cover.
“I told you, Juliana, I really don’t know that man. You can believe whatever you want, but what you think of me doesn’t give you the right to insult my children. They are not poor.”
She let out an exasperated sigh. “Fine! I’m sorry about that”
She crossed her arms over her chest and stared at me. “Look,” she began. “I don’t care about whatever affair you might have with Liam Anderson. If you say you don’t know him, fine. I’ll take your word for it. But I care about what you can offer this company that has supported you and helped you survive these past few years”
“Stop it, Juliana–”
But she didn’t listen and continued, “It’s obvious from how he looked at you and the fact that he wants you as his executive assistant he’s clearly interested in you, Mu“Her lips twisted grimly as though the very idea of saying those words was distasteful. “And we could use that to our advantage. This is a multi–ballion–dollar project we’re talking about. We can seal the deal if we can cater to what he wants. just name your price-
Juliana Winslow? Gavin shouted at her.
ing, but I had
I had never seen Gavin this mad. Given how
He was shaking with fury, and I was afraid he might hurt his sister. I was used to them arguing, pule she was now, I was sure Juliana was shocked too I could see the fear in her eyes
1held Gavin’s arm. “Gavin—”
Chapter 15
“Are you hearing yourself, Juliana! We are a goddamn construction company, not a f*cking prostitution club! You’re talking as if you’re willing to sell M to that man just to get this project!”
Juhana stood up. “Oh, come on, Gavin! Stop being so sensitive! I’m offering her compensation. You heard Liam Anderson–this is business to him”
“And you believe that“! You already said it yourself–he’s interested in Mia: This isn’t business to him, it’s personal!”
Juliana refused to back down. She stepped closer, determined to win this argument. “But this is business to us. Gavin! Don’t you see? I’ve done my research on the Andersons. Connecting with them and landing this project would open many doors for us! This is the kind of opportunity we need? This is the kind of success our parents would be proud of!”
Gavin scoffed. “At the expense of selling Mia? No freaking way. Our parents would never be proud of that, Juliana.
“Oh, goddamn it, Gavin! Stop being so self–righteous! This wouldn’t even last long. Liam Anderson’s life is in New York. Let him play around with Mia for a while! Do you honestly think he’s serious about her!”
“Gavin” I shouted, pulling him away when he raised his hand, seemingly about to slap Juliana.
My heart raced with anxiety at what he was about to do.
“Gavin, don’t, please I pleaded,
my
voice trembling
He lowered his hand and sighed heavily
Juliana, teary–eyed, shook her head. “I can’t believe you, Gavin. Im just trying to do what’s best for this company, and you will hurt me for that?”
“You know I won’t hurt you for just that, Juliana. Mia’s not just an employee to me she’s my friend. Our parents treat her like family. She isn’t a pawn in your games, something you can use. She’s a person who deserves respect, Juliana. Even just a little–could you give her that!”
Juliana but her lap, and tears cascaded down her checks.
eks. “Whatever, Gavin. I’m still her boss. If I request her to be Liam Anderson’s executive
assistant-
“She won’t. This project! We won’t take it.”
Her eyes widened in disbelief ‘Gavin!”
“If you’ve already done your research, you should know by now that the Andersons aren’t just about wealth and power. They’re dangerous. And I’ve realized we shouldn’t associate with them”
“What? Those are just baseless rumors! A mata organization? You actually believe that
“Whether it’s true or not, this conversation is over. We won’t take this project.”
Juliana’s jaw clenched as she turned her gaze on me. “Is that what you think too, Mia? You can’t make this little sacrifice? You know we need this project after what happened two years ago.”
She was referring to the incident where one of the hotels our company had been building collapsed before it was finished. The Winslows had suffered massive losses, with lawsuits piling up one after another.
Juliana, stop guilt–tripping Mia!” Gavin snapped,
“I am not, Gavin.” She glared at him before turning back to me. “I just think Mia and I share the same thoughts on this. This company is important
-and to our parents, who treated her like their own,” she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm, before storming out of the room.
“Mia. I’m sorry about Juliana-”
Gavin couldn’t hoish his sentence because I burst into hysterical laughter.
“Mia..” he called, his voice laced with worry as I began to cry. I probably looked like I was losing my mind laughing and crying at the same time.
“This…. this is deja vu, Gay. It was just like this before. That monster doesn’t change, huh? He managed to do all his fcking research in such a short
He cursed under his breath as I laughed hander, tears streaming down my face. My hands trembled as I covered my mouth, trying to stifle the hysteria. Gavin pulled me into a hug, his arms wrapping around me tightly as he tried to calin me down.
“Don’t worry, Mia. I won’t let him come near
car you-
1 shook my
head and pushed him away, looking up at him with a twisted smile. “No, Cavin. I know him too well. He won’t back down from this. He thinks I’m that woman, and while I don’t understand his game, I’ve decided–I’m going to play it.” I clenched my fists, my resolve hardening
11:13 AM
Chapter 15
“Ma think about Ryker and Rylie. Don’t do this,
am thinking about them. That’s exactly why I’m doing this…and I’m thinking about the angel who should’ve been with us, if only… My voice faltered my lips trembling as I trailed off, unable to finish the thought.
Revenge!
That’s never been my thing–I know I can’t win against that monster at his own game. But seeing the way he looked at me. maybe, just maybe, I could hurt him even if it’s only a little.
Ө
