Page 232 of Invisible Bars
“Hmph.” I crossed my arms, trying to project indifference. “That’s cute.”
Just then, my son entered the room, and I felt a wave of relief wash over me.
Thank goodness, because that girl was chewing my ass quietly, politely and with receipts.
“What’s going on? And what you doing here?” he asked.
“Hello, son! I was just getting acquainted with your new publicist. And we were just having a woman-to-woman conversation," I replied, forcing a lightness to my voice.
"Actually, it was more of a surprise interview. I didn’t apply for your approval, but thank you for the feedback,” Saroya said, flashing a coy smile at me, looking almost triumphant.
Imanio sighed heavily—a sound filled with frustration.
“Look, I don’t even want to know what you said to her, but let’s make one thing clear…Ihired her. She’s sharp, she’s efficient, and she’s not going anywhere."
“She’s got an answer for everything!” I snapped.
“Good,” he shot right back, louder. “That’s her job, and clearly, she’s better at maintaining her composure than most people in this room. Saroya, you good?”
“Peachy,” she replied, a grin spreading across her face. Saroya looked at me as if she’d just dethroned me and was daring me to respond.
I turned to him with my jaw clenched. “Well, I need to talk to my son... alone.”
“Let’s go outside,” he said, already striding out of the room.
Imanio didn’t wait for me to catch up. The irritation was thick in the air. It was clear he was barely tolerating my presence.
We walked into the backyard. I took a breath, softened my voice, and fixed my tone.
“I came to apologize,” I told him. “For the dinner. For how I treated Naji. It wasn’t my finest hour.”
Imanio didn’t respond; he just stood there with his arms crossed, staring off into the distance as if he’d rather been anywhere else.
“I want to make it up,” I added. “Do another dinner. This time, I promise to be on my best behavior.”
Imanio emitted a sharp, dry laugh that felt like an icy wind.
“Hell no. Just for you to try to belittle her again? I’m not doing that,” he retorted, shaking his head in disagreement.
“I’m serious, Imanio,” I insisted, my tone firm and unwavering. “I even want to apologize to Naji… face-to-face. She deserves that much.”
“She’s asleep,” he replied, his eyes shifting slightly but not meeting mine.
I raised a brow. “She’s… asleep? This early?”
He remained silent, which told me all I needed to know.
My eyes narrowed, curiosity etching my features. “Is she pregnant?”
“She might be.” He shrugged nonchalantly.
Of course she is. Trapping him with a baby—classic move.
My heart sank at the thought, a mix of anger and frustration boiling within me.
I locked eyes with him, searching for clarity. “Are you absolutely sure she’s the right one? Imanio, think about this. Clients might pull out. Investors will start asking questions. Hell, even my board members might demand a mental health evaluation. And it wouldn’t stop there. People would dig—into your past, hers… hell, maybe into mine. Are you really ready to risk everything for her?”
Imanio's gaze stayed resolute, unwavering.
