Chapter 12
Chapter Eleven. The Client
Following Juliana Winslow, I waited for my order at the coffee shop. Sure, I could have just ordered since she wouldn’t know, but I also needed some time to recover from the insults I’d received from her, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mixed with the scent of pastries calmed me
down
Gavin once told me I should learn to fight back against Juliana’s attitude toward me, but I just don’t have the energy for that. I’ve found silence is often the most effective way to deal with people like Juliana. It frustrates her more than words ever could.
Sipping my tea. I gazed outside, and my lips curved into a small smile at the familiar faces of passersby I’d seen many times before.
ne help!”
The voice startled me, and I turned to find Travis standing beside me, his ever–present grin lighting up his face. He had a knack for appearing at just the right moments, and this was no exception. I was already wondering how to carry twelve cups of coffee back to the office without spilling a drop.
“Sure. I won’t say no to that”
Shaking his head, he started helping me. “Juliana bullying you again?”
I shrugged. “Your fault I joked, but I regretted it when I saw the guilty
guilty book on his face.
I laughed quietly: “Oh, come on. Travis, 1 was just kidding, Juliana’s always had it out for me, even before you came into the picture.”
He sighed. “But we both know it’s my fault she’s even harsher on you now. She thinks you’re the reason I rejected her family’s marriage proposal. But it’s not really because of you. Mia. Though I won’t deny I like you.”
My cheeks warmed at his words, and I couldn’t utter a single response. I’m not immune to Travis’s charm–he’s handsome, kind, and a true gentleman
If I’d met him earlier, before life had thrown so many complications my way, maybe things could’ve been different. Perhaps I could’ve allowed. myself to like him back, to entertain the possibility of dating him.
But I’ve promised myself that my focus will remain solely on my children, and I intend to keep that promise until I die.
I just don’t like her,” Travis continued, breaking my train of thought. “She’s not my type, and I told myself I wouldn’t marry someone I don’t have feelings for.” He paused, glancing at me as we stepped off the curb and crossed the street. “I wish she’d understand that“.
“She’s beautiful and successful in her career, Travis.”
“But her attitude sucks. The way she treats people around her–especially you? I can’t take that,” he snorted, the annoyance evident in his tone. Listening to Travis, I realized it wasn’t easy to like someone once you’ve seen the worst in them.
If only I had been like that before… maybe-
No don’t go there, Mia
You have Hyker and Rylie. Never forget that
I silently cursed myself as Travis, and I walked into the lobby–Juliana was heading straight toward us.
Trailing behind her were Addie and Taylor–our best architect and the head of the architecture department.
What’s happetungt
Juhana’s sharp gaze locked unto me, her lips pursing into a thin, disapproving line. She didn’t need words to convey her distaste, it was written all over her face Sering me complete her errand in Travis’s company only furled her fire.
But instead of confronting us, she ignored us entirely and stopped at the entrance as if waiting for someone.
My question was answered moments L
later when Liam Anderson strode into the building.
Time seemed to slow as he strode through the double doors, commanding attention without uttering a word. Everything about him screamed
Chapter 12
power and wealth. He’s followed by Hunter and the woman he was with yesterday at the coffee shop
Juliana’s smile stretched from ear to ear as she greeted him. “Mr. Anderson, welcome to The Winslow.”
My heart raced, but I had spent years perfecting the art of concealing my emotions, and today would be no exception. I would make sure no one noticed a thing
Juliana’s smile faltered when Liam didn’t even acknowledge her outstretched hand. Embarrassed, she quickly lowered it. Liam’s expression remained blank, his face unreadable, but that look had an undeniable ability to intimidate–Juliana Winslow was no exception.
“Oh, is that the guy from yesterday
With the lobby’s silence, everyone heard Travis’s question. I smiled awkwardly at him, realizing we had just drawn everyone’s attention.
I forced an awkward smile, willing to act like nothing was amiss. But as I glanced up, I felt the weight of Liam Anderson’s gaze
His eyes–cold, calculating, and entirely too perceptive–were locked on mine.
Gavins
voice echoed in the lobby, and he didn’t even bother greeting Juliana or the company’s visitors.
He went straight to me, passing them.
“I told you I’d pick you up,” he said, kissing my cheek, not minding that everyone was staring at us.
settle on me.
“Gavin…“1 called his name with a warning tone, but he smirked. His expression quickly turned into a frown when he noticed the coffee cups I was holding
“What’s that”
Before I could answer, Juliana called out to him.
1 glanced toward her, then fraze when my eyes met Liam Anderson’s. He was walking toward us, his imposing figure impossible to ignore.
He stopped right in front of me, his gaze locked on mine with an intensity that made my heart pound. It felt like the rest of the people around us faded, and for a moment, it was just the two of us. His scrutiny was unnerving as if he was trying to uncover all my secrets just by looking at ine
Now, I felt like the center of e everyone’s attention. I could feel juliana’s piercing ghare, filled with accusation and disdain, burning into me,
Gavin cleared his throat.
Juliana quickly stepped forward, her smile forced but polished. “Mr. Anderson, this is my brother, Gavin Winslow. He’s the CFO of TWC. Gavin this is Mr. Anderson, the client I mentioned. He requested a meeting with us today!
Gavin extended his hand. “Gavin Winslow. A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Liam Anderson. Gavin even smiled, and I had to applaud him for his perfect act
I expected Liam wouldn’t accept the handshake, just like he didn’t with Juliana, but to my surprise, he did.
“Liam Anderson” he said in a formal, baritone voice.
“Thank you “Gavin began, but before he could finish, Liam released his hand and turned his attention to me
He extended his hand toward me, his piercing gaze never wave.
Accepting his hand, I answered, “Mu
wavering. “And you are?”
“Mia Miller, Sir My voice was steady despite the storm of emotions swirling inside me.
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