Page 52 of Fake Fiancée for Dad's Best Friend
“What do you want from me?” I ask her.
She smirks and sips some more wine. “I would like to become a board member.”
My jaw drops at the absurd demand. Trisha is a shareholder and I allow her to attend board meetings from time to time, but she isn’t qualified for being a company director.
However, knowing her personality, I’m not surprised by the request at all. She always wants a part in decision-making. It’s why she attends board meetings.
I speak courteously despite my annoyance. “You don’t have any management or leadership experience; neither do you have any knowledge in finance. All of these are qualifications for a board member.”
“I can learn,” she says with a shrug. “I’ve been with Trend long enough and I know the company’s operations well.”
Trisha doesn’t give up easily and I know that. “I can nominate you, but the board makes the final decision.”
She smirks again. “I know. But you can influence them, right?”
“I’ll try but I can’t guarantee it.” Damn.Why am I still talking to her?“Is that it? I need to go,” I ask.
“Just a second,” she says. “There’s one more thing.”
“What is it?”
“I would also like to be on the upcoming fashion show.”
“What do you mean? You already are,” I remind her.
“My brand is, but I am not.”
I blink to comprehend her request. “You mean you would like to model your own clothes instead of having someone else do it?”
“I would like us both to be modeling.”
It dawns on me she’s asking for extra show time. “But Trend only gets ten minutes in total on the runway.”
“That’s more than enough.”
“Be reasonable, Trisha. Not every designer gets to be on the show. Consider yourself lucky.”
She gazes into my eyes and smirks. “Lucky? Are you saying I’m not good enough? Because John highly regards my products and thinks they deserve more recognition. And he wonders why Trend isn’t investing more in my clothing line. Maybe I should tell him the reason is the CEO of the company has shifted his attention from mature to younger women.”
Unfucking believable. My jaw falls as I listen to her ranting. This woman isn’t just good at ladder climbing but at blackmailing as well. In fact, she is a pro. I decide not to waste my breath arguing with her. I need time to think about what to do.
When Trisha’s food arrives, I say to her, “I’ll need a few days to think about your proposal. Would you need anything else? If not, I’m going to pay for the meal now.”
“No, I’m fine. That’ll be it,” she says with a triumphant smile. “Thanks.”
I clench my fist.Bitch.
When I return to my condo, it’s past ten. Damn. I don’t expect Vivian to wait for me, but my heart sinks when I don’t see her in the living room. I go into my bedroom. She’s in my bed, sleeping. It’s all I can do not to kiss her and wake her.
I’ve made a big mess. I need to put a stop to my lust for this beautiful, good girl.
My meeting with Trisha dampens my spirit and disgusts me. I regret again getting Vivian involved in my silly act to fool my parents.
Placing a light kiss on her cheek, I go into the guestroom next door.
Chapter 22
Vivian
