Page 78 of The Protégé

Jonah entered wearing his custom Italian suit, his dark hair slicked back, looking tired. I could only imagine the stress he was dealing with. Losing both parents and now having a pivotal role in the Reimann Sienna Bank.

Smiling, he walked up to me, offering a brotherly embrace. “Orion. I didn’t know you’d be here at the banquet.”

“It was a last-minute decision. How are you?”

“Same old. Working hard and trying to not let Jasper ruin things. I know he’s been asking you about your island. Ignore him.”

“You should give him a job to keep him busy,” I said.

“Don’t have time.” Jonah turned to my father. “Uncle Rex, we need your input on a potential acquisition.”

Nodding, Dad turned to me. “We’ll catch up later.”

Something shifted between my father and me today. It actually seemed like he cared and was proud of me.

After the banquet, I needed air and distance from all the business executives and conversations about investments. What was Elena doing? She hadn’t texted me in a few days. I’d been busy and hadn’t texted her either. I wandered to the courtyard, sat down on a bench, and studied the trees and flowers. Did my mom choose the shrubbery? A monarch butterfly flew by and landed on a red rose.

“Fancy meeting you here.” Chantel sashayed over with her black dress. I’d seen her earlier with the media crowd, interviewing my father and other members of his board.

I didn’t know why Providence Channel 7 News would cover a bank acquisition in Europe. Maybe she knew some executives who had invited her.

“Good evening, Chantel.” I offered a casual nod.

She sat down on the bench beside me, and I rose to my feet, creating distance. I wasn’t in the mood for company. The only person I wanted to see right now was back in Providence.

She got up, stepped closer to me, and placed a gentle hand on my arm. “It seems like the Reimann Corporation is expanding to Asia and Africa as well. What does it feel like to be part of such a successful conglomerate?”

“I don’t do interviews without it being scheduled ahead of time.” I smiled. “You can call my office to arrange a meeting.”

“You look tense. Do you need help to unwind?” She flicked me a seductive look. “I haven’t stopped thinking about you.”

“Not interested, Chantel.” I gestured to the banquet hall. “But there are plenty of men in there who would take that offer.”

She grinned and leaned in my ear. “This could be our secret. What happens in Stockholm stays in Stockholm. I want to taste your cock.”

“Like I said, I’m not interested.” I made my way out of the courtyard.

“It’s her, isn’t it?” Chantel’s tone changed as she caught up with me. “What do you see in her? Do you know that she recently got fired?”

I paused. “What happened?”

A sly smile stretched. “She didn’t tell you? If I were her, I’d share everything with you, babe.”

She gripped my arm, and I extracted it. “Please keep your hands to yourself. Why was Elena fired?”

Looking annoyed, Chantel kept her hands at her sides. “She’s dealing drugs. They found them in her desk and in her gym locker at work. Stupid. I always knew something was off with her. Always creating more work for herself. Anyway, Channel Seven has canceled her show. They’re starting my show in a couple of weeks.” Her eyes beamed. “I’d like for you to be my first guest.”

How was Elena taking the news? Why hadn’t she said anything to me?

Why should she, you moron? You’re not her boyfriend.

“No thanks.”

“My interview could boost your family’s business.”

“My family’s business doesn’t need a boost.” I walked out to the courtyard, wanting to get back to my hotel so I could text Elena.

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

---