Page 22 of Rivals Next Door

“Yeah, yeah. You’re a piece of work, Knight. You’re a good guy, but sometimes you’re not so good. I bet it works out great for you with the ladies, huh? Chicks dig morally gray men.”

“Goodbye, Andy,” I growled.

He chuckled. “I’ll email that report soon.”

“Thanks.” When I hung up, I scowled at my device.

“I’m not morally gray…” Or perhaps I was… whatever.

I’d do what I had to do to beat my rival. Olivia wasn’t backing down, and I bet she’d pull every string possible to keep her company. That could include her running to her daddy’s old friends. I needed to stay two steps ahead.

9

OLIVIA

“Eat your heart out, Alex,” I whispered as I stepped off the elevator. There was a pep in my step as I strolled down the carpeted corridor to Thomas Greggory’s office. He was a long-time friend of my father's who was willing to invest in BioTech. The man was loaded, so I knew I could count on him to be a major help.

He expressed his desire to take on a less active role in the business world. He’d surpassed retirement age after all. Partnering with me would be perfect for him. He’d do nothing really, and he’d still be collecting big bucks. The most important outcome… BioTech would continue to thrive under my leadership.

I was smiling when I reached the double glass doors of Thomas’ office. His secretary, who had been working there for so long I swore she was built into the place, greeted me warmly. “Olivia, it’s so nice to see you again.”

I grinned at the older woman who was acquainted with my family. “Roberta, hi. It’s been so long. How are you?”

“Great. How’s your mother doing? I heard she had a health scare.”

“She’s doing much better now, thanks. I have an appointment with Thomas…”

Roberta’s smile dimmed. “Of course. I’m afraid you’ll have to wait a few minutes. He’s still in a meeting.”

“No problem,” I said brightly.

My schedule was clear for the rest of the afternoon. I thought I’d invite Thomas to lunch to celebrate our new partnership after our meeting. It was pretty much a done deal after all. However, as I studied Roberta, suspicion kicked in. She looked rather shifty…

My eyes narrowed on her face. “Is something wrong, Roberta?”

Her cheeks, which were already rosy from a heavy application of blush, brightened some more. “No, not at all, dear.”

Yet, her eyes skated away from me. I didn’t know the woman all that well since we’d only had brief run-ins over the years, but she’d never behaved this cagey.

“Is Thomas alright?” I asked, glancing at the closed door.

“His arthritis has been acting up, but he’s fine.”

“Mhmm.”

As I stared at her, she glanced at her boss’s door. She then waved me closer with urgency.

Tentatively, I leaned closer.

“I can’t let you walk in there without a heads-up,” she whispered. “Mr. Greggory is going to back out of your deal.”

“What? Why?” Alarmed, I gaped at the secretary as if she could save me with information.

“Someone named Alexander Knight called a few days ago. They had a lengthy chat and then Mr. Knight showed up today.”

My heart plummeted into my ass.

“I overheard something about Mr. Knight having dinner with Amelia and coming to some kind of agreement.”

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