Page 23 of Rivals Next Door

Amelia was Thomas’ oldest daughter. She’d been reluctant to take over her father’s business, which was why he was willing to partner with me and take a more passive role. What the hell kind of agreement could she have come to with Alex and what did that have to do with my deal with Thomas? My mind raced. My thoughts then came to a screeching halt. Amelia and Alex had dinner?

I didn’t know why I focused on that part or why the jealous monster in me was lifting her head. I had to keep it together. Taking a deep breath, I found my composure. “I see. I appreciate the heads-up, Roberta.”

Sharp, pale blue eyes practically bore holes into my face. She gave me this motherly, sympathetic look that almost made me rest my head on her shoulder and break down into tears. I was fucking stressed and the new uncertainty that Roberta’s news brought nearly sent me over the edge.

However, Olivia Brentwood didn’t show fear or anxiety… Well, only around a selected few. Swallowing the lump forming in my throat, I straightened my jacket and hiked my shoulders back. “So, it’s Mr. Knight in there with Thomas now.”

The woman nodded in confirmation as she eyed me with more sympathy.

A part of me wanted to barge into the office and demand to know what Alex was up to. Of course, I couldn’t behave like an unhinged person.

“I’ll just have a seat and wait until their meeting is over,” I said coolly.

The entire time I sat waiting in the posh office, I glared at the door. It was a wonder the chunk of wood didn’t burst into flames. When the door finally opened, my eyes collided with striking blue ones.

Alex grinned. “Well, speak of the devil…” He looked over his shoulder. “She’s here, Tom.”

My eyes narrowed to furious slits. He was the only devil here… and Tom? Since when were Alex and Thomas Greggory besties? I stood up and plastered on a smile when Thomas appeared in the doorway.

“Olivia,” he greeted with his typical jovial air. He stepped around Alex and spread his arms wide.

I walked into his embrace because I didn’t consider this a typical business meeting. I had entertained the thought that it would be a reunion with an old friend who would help me.

“It’s good to see you, Thomas,” I said when I stepped back.

The genuine excitement in his eyes dimmed as he studied me. “I didn’t get the time to call you about the changes to our agreement…”

My jaw clenched to the point of pain. “Changes…?”

My gaze shifted to Alex who stood in the doorway wearing a smirk that I wanted to slap away.

“Yes.” Thomas gestured for me to go into his office.

As I passed Alex, he stepped aside. However, he was close enough for me to get a whiff of his delicious scent. It made me want to lean closer to him and inhale deeply, but then I remembered that I was supposed to be pissed at him, so I scowled instead. That made amusement flash in his eyes… The asshole.

“Olivia, I’m sure you know Alexander Knight,” Thomas said once I was in his office.

“In passing,” I said dismissively and heard Alex snort. “I take it your meeting with him is over. Surely, he can leave now…?” I gave Alex a heated look but smiled at Thomas.

Thomas’ eyes darted between us with curiosity. “Uh… well, this meeting now involves Mr. Knight.”

In my head, I stomped my foot and threw the metal paperweight on Thomas’ desk at Alex’s head. However, on the outside, I didn’t bat an eyelash. “Is that so?”

“Have a seat.” Thomas pointed to a chair.

Barely holding my shit together, I sat and crossed my legs. To my chagrin, Alex took the seat beside me. He smiled serenely, and I had to exercise great self-control not to reach for that paperweight…

“Mr. Knight and I have been corresponding for a few days,” Thomas began. “But I wasn’t sure if he was serious until now.”

“What’s going on, Thomas?” I asked.

“If you’re still interested in my investment…”

“I am.” I hated that I had to admit why I was here in front of Alex. He must be enjoying himself immensely.

“You’ll have to go through Mr. Knight, I’m afraid,” Thomas revealed. “He gave me an offer I just couldn’t refuse, and Amelia liked the idea. You know how good she is with all the legal stuff…”

My heartbeat gradually sped up. Don’t say it. Don’t. You. Dare. Say. It.

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