Chapter 14
Chapter Thirteen. The Meeting Part Two
When Anna calls, I always answer no matter what I’m doing, for I know they concern my children.
But I was stunned to hear Rylie’s voice in the small space where I was with the monster.”
“Mia‘ It’s Anna.” Gavin said beside me, drawing my attention to him and the roomful of eyes now fixed on me.
“Sorry,” I murmured, fumbling to
for my phone in my bag just as the elevator doors slid open.
“Hello, Anna!” I answered, stepping out
Juliana scoffed behind me. She clearly had a problem with me answering my phone during work hours–or worse. not silencing it altogether.
tia I’m sorry, I can’t pick up the twins today. Anna said, and her voice made it obvious she was crying.
“Mia”
“Is there a problem. Anna?”
“My b–brother,” she stammered. “He was rushed to the hospital. He was involved in a car crash”
I gasped. “Oh my. It’s okay, Anna. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to call me. Don’t worry about the twins. I can handle them.”
“What’s
swrong?” Gavin asked by my side, following me instead of heading to the conference room where the meeting would be held.
Sighing, I answered him and started walking to the conference room. “It’s Anna’s brother. Car crash. She’s going to the hospital”
“Oh damn, that’s rough. I hope her brother’s okay,” Gavin said, his voice carrying the weight of genuine concern.
I nodded. “Yeah, me too.
“So, you’ll need to pick up
the twins later?”
“Yes,” I simply replied, my mind spinning with logistics.
“I’ll come with you. It’s lunchtime, after all. You can take some time off
“No, not gonna happen.” I interrupted. 1 already took a leave yesterday. Besides, I have way too much work to catch up on. Maybe I could ask Gemma to look after them until I get home,” I added, referring to my ever–reliable neighbor,
“She’s in Ireland. Have you forgotten?” he said.
“Oh, shocks, Right”
“You should bring them here, he suggested.
- ed. “We’ve got daycare for situations like this. Or better yet, they could stay in our office for the afternoon.”
“And have Rylie messed up your office?” I shot back, raising a skeptical eyebrow. “You know her, and I know you. You’d never get any work done. You’d be too busy babysitting her
He laughed, a deep, rich sound that momentarily lightened the mood. Fair enough. You’ve
got me there”
“It’s okay. I just drop them off at daycare.”
He stopped me when I was about to open t
the conference room door. “Are you sure you’re okay being in the same place with that man, Mia!”
“Why wouldn’t I be?” I replied with a smile. I hoped it would come off as confident, even though my stomach churned at the thought.
“You dont have to pretend when you’re with me. How many times do I have to tell you that? His voice was low, steady, and filled with a quiet understanding that tugged at my defenses.
“I have to be okay, Gavin,” I said firmly. “I’m Mia Miller, remember?”
He stared at me for a while before smiling. “That’s my girl,” he said, and that was the moment I opened the door for him.
When I stepped inside, Liam Anderson’s piercing green eyes were the first thing I saw, but I ignored him and went straight to Adie, helping her distribute the materials for the meeting
I could feel his eyes following me, he didn’t even bother to glance at Juliana, who was busy introducing everyone in the room.
11:12 AM –
Chapter 14
The meeting started, and I clenched my fists rightly under the table, trying to act indifferent despite the weight pressing down on my heart as Liam. Anderson’s relentless and suffocating gaze bore into me.
I hate it. I hate him. The way he looks at me is unbearable as if he sees someone else when he looks at me. Someone he lost. Someone he wronged. He stares at me with a longing that feels misplaced, as though he’s mourning something he destroyed with his own hands. How dare he? How dire he act as though he’s the victim as if he isn’t the reason that woman ‘died?
“Do you have any questions, Mr. Anderson? the head engineer, Michael, asked him
What questions could he possibly ask when it’s obvious he’s not even listening to your presentation?
I bet I wasn’t the only one thinking it. However, it still caught me off guard when Liam started asking detailed questions about the multi–billion- dollar hotel and resort project every firm here in California was vying for.
But Winslow employees never disappoint. Even Gavin and Juliana stepped up, proving to him why we’re one of the top construction firms in California
We have the best architects and engineers in the industry, and we’re not afraid to show it
Mr. Winslow, what are you willing to do for the Andersons to give this project to your company?” Liam Anderson asked, silencing the room as everyone waited for Gavin’s response
“Anything. Mr. Anderson. Whatever you want came the answer.
But it wasn’t Gavin who spoke. It was Juliana Winslow.
“Really?” Liam’s lips curved into a slight, almost predatory smile, but lus eyes remained cold, calculating
“What do you want. Mr. Anderson?” Gavin asked, his face serious, jaw clenched like he already knew what Liam Anderson wanted.
“An office here,” he said, glancing at me.
I froze
Damn you!
He’s unbelievable. He wanted an office here? As if he couldn’t afford an entire skyscraper here in California!
Why would he stay here? He will just put these people in danger because of the organization he’s involved with!
“And an executive assistant..” he continued, not taking his eyes off me.
“Oh, is that all. Mr. Anderson?” Juliana interjected. “We could arrange an office for you here at Winslow, and we’ll find a suitable executive assistant to meet your needs.”
Why did I already know where this was going!
“111 choose her myself, Juliana. Can I do that?”
Juliana blinked, caught off guard by the informality of her name rolling off his tongue. A faint blush rose to her cheeks. “Of course, Liam.” “Her? Who are
are you referming to, Mr. Anderson!” Gavin’s tense voice broke the moment.
Liam rose from his chair, adjusting his suit as he stood. “Mia Miller,” he said, making Juliana gasp, “I want her”
All eyes turned toward me, the weight of their stares like an unbearable spotlight.
I looked up at him. Though I wanted to glare, I held back, not letting him see the anger building up inside me. Instead, I looked at him like a puzzle I couldn’t solve–a look from a stranger who didn’t know him.
“Why me, sur
“You’re the CFO’s secretary. You’re qualified. I assure you wouldn’t be in your position if you’re not efficient with your work”
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Cavin tense. This jaw clenched, his fists tightening at his sides. “Mr. Anderson,” Gavin interjected, his voice sharp with restraint. “Mia is one of our most valuable employees. If this is personal-
‘s not,” Liam interrupted smoothly, cutting him off without a glance in his direction. “It’s business. I choose the best. And her position as your Areetary speaks for itself. It makes her the best, ducan’t I?
11.12 AM d
Chapter 14
Hunter stood up and whispered something to Liam, who nodded.
He didn’t say a word and left the room, leaving everyone stunned with his demands that I don’t think have anything to do with the project.
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