Page 95 of Petals and Fangs

“Perry, Rothschild Pharmaceuticals is unique, and there is no one to compare with our products and services. We have been doing the best for the community.”

“Well, you are right, Mr. Rothschild. But, have a look at this file right here,” he says as he pushes a manila folder towards me.

“If we proceed with this strategy, we'll secure the patent without any complications.”

I narrow my eyes, studying the documents Perry handed me. I have been sure since this morning that something is off, and I am slowly making sure of it now. My senses, heightened by my vampiric nature, notice subtle anomalies in the paperwork.

“You've been doing an excellent job, Perry. But tell me, how do you manage to stay so composed? Most attorneys I know are a bundle of nerves,” I lean back and try to distract Perry from my sudden change of aura.

Perry chuckles, a sound that feels rehearsed. I can’t help but notice a slight inconsistency in the paperwork, a watermark that seems out of place.

“Experience, Mr. Rothschild. I've been doing this for a long time,” Perry says as he proudly grins.

My gaze sharpens as I flip through the pages. I can't help but spot another anomaly–a small symbol in the corner of one of the documents, a symbol I instantly recognize from my past dealings with vampire clans. It is the same tattooed symbol on Demetrius' forearm.

“A long time, indeed, Perry.”

“We have been working together for a long time. It is only normal that we know each other quite well, wouldn't you agree, Mr. Rothschild?” Perry asks, but his question seems like a challenge.

“Oh, I don't doubt that. After all, I wouldn't have gotten to Demetrius without your assistance, Perry.”

“And you are grateful for that, I assume, Mr. Rothschild,” he smiles as he taps his fingertips on the table.

“Of course, I am Perry. I just have one question.”

“Which is?”

“You don't think that Demetrius is the mastermind of the rebels, right?” I ask Perry, but his facial expression tells me no good.

Suddenly, his lips curve into a thin smile, his eyes narrowing. What does he have in mind? I try to read his mind, but it is blank, as blank as Demetrius’ mind has been the night before.

“It is a good thing that you reserved the entire restaurant for us, Mr. Rothschild. You are now asking the right questions.”

“What do you mean?”

Perry's smile widens, and before I can say anything or even react back, I feel a sharp pain in my knee. The lights flicker and the room plunges into total darkness.

Chapter 21

Lily

Ethan left me a voice message earlier this morning. I have just woken up. It has been twelve hours of continuous sleeping and slight nightmares.

Ethan warned me not to leave his house, but I can't help and miss him. However, I should not let him totally control my life. I just have a lot of work to do in the building, and I don’t want to delay things.

I try to call him, but my call goes directly to voicemail. He must be so busy with work. He did mention a lot of things about the FDA and his need to take matters into his own hands.

“Hey, Ethan. Good morning. I miss you. Just woke up, and it is half past one, so I don't think a good morning will do. Whatever, I will see you in the office,” I scoff at myself and place my phone in my purse.

I have to get to my place and get some clothes to wear. The current outfit is not suitable for a Rothschild building. It will make me look different from the crowd who have their eyes on me now.

“You’ve got to be kidding me. You look like a zombie,” I mutter to myself as I look at my reflection in the mirror the second, I get home. I change into work clothes and immediately drive to the building.

“Pick up,” I mutter into the phone as I try to call Ethan again. It still takes me straight to voicemail.

“Hi, it is me again, Ethan. I am on my way to work. Can’t really stop thinking about you. Hope I can find you inside the building,” I say, my mind getting lusty thoughts about him.

But I can't find him anywhere in the building. I was really hoping he would come and meet me here or something like that. He knows I'm weak when it comes to him, and he has always been good about hiding things from me.

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