Page 24 of The Billionaire's Betrayal
"Talk to him," she insisted.
I took a deep breath, drawing on the strength my friend offered.
"You're right," I whispered, my throat tight."I'll talk to him."
But even as I spoke these words, I felt fear knotting my stomach.Fear of what this conversation might reveal, fear of the answers I might get.
The journey to Tristan's office seemed endless.I felt feverish, and my heart was beating erratically in my chest.I needed to talk to Tristan, but I dreaded the confrontation.There was no way this conversation would go well.He had made his decision without talking to me, and I would have to make him understand how much that hurt me.I didn't know how he would react, I didn't know if he would truly be able to listen or if once again, he would dismiss my arguments with a wave of his hand.
"Come in," he replied when I knocked on his door.
The smile that stretched across his lips faded at the sight of me.Was he expecting someone else?Had our relationship deteriorated so much that the mere sight of me made him lose his smile?This thought pierced me painfully.
"Eva, what can I do for you?"he asked, surprised.
"Is it true that you're working on the Australian branch project with Audrey?"I asked directly.
Tristan seemed taken aback by my direct question.
"Yes, she's handling part of the project.We're both swamped with work, and I think she can manage this part," he replied after a moment.
I felt frustration rising.
"And you didn't think to ask my opinion?"I said in a calmer voice than I felt.
"I was going to discuss it with you tonight, you beat me to it," he replied, visibly annoyed by the turn the conversation was taking.
"No, you hadn't planned to discuss it; you were simply going to announce your decision to me, and that's very different."
I took a deep breath, searching for words to express what was weighing on my heart.
"You know how much I love working with you on establishing new branches.I was so happy at the idea that we would lead this project together...and discover Australia with you."
My voice betrayed a deep regret.Tristan observed me, visibly disconcerted.His expression softened slightly.
"I hadn't seen things from that angle," he finally admitted, in a softer voice."I'm sorry, Eva."
I nodded, overwhelmed by a wave of emotions.
"That's not all," I continued."You've canceled several of our joint sessions to spend more time with Audrey.You know how much I appreciate working with you.It allows us to collaborate closely, to stay connected.But lately, I feel like I'm being sidelined."
He frowned, weighing my words.
"That wasn't my intention.You're overwhelmed by your responsibilities as CEO and the Hope Foundation.And I need to focus on the fundraising.Audrey is just helping me keep my head above water."
I gently raised a hand to interrupt him, fixing my gaze on his.
"I understand that the fundraising is important, but don't forget what makes us strong.We are partners both personally and professionally.Don't exclude me simply because Audrey is there.And before making decisions that affect me, talk to me."
He didn't respond, so I continued, refusing to leave this conversation hanging.
"Beyond my feelings, Tristan, I think entrusting a project of this magnitude to Audrey is a big risk.Establishing a branch requires a deep understanding of our economic model and our corporate culture, especially in the high-tech sector.She has no experience."
His expression instantly hardened.
"You had no experience when you started, and look where you are today."
His words hit me full force.Not only was the comparison unfair, but it completely denied my commitment.How dare he put my journey in parallel with Audrey's?When I joined Community Pilot, it was just a fragile idea.We built this company together.I dedicated my intelligence, energy, and vision to it.I sacrificed evenings, weekends, vacations alongside Leila, Steve, Satoshi, and him to transform our startup into a prosperous multinational.And today, he dared to compare me to an opportunist who had been present for barely four months?Is that the value he placed on all those years of fierce collaboration?
