Page 40 of The Deception: Hercules Valentine and I
“Did you call to beat up on me?”
“No. I called to warn you.”
She doesn’t know the whole story, and I’m sworn to secrecy, so I can’t tell her what the Valentines have done. But I’m sure she wouldn’t be so forgiving if she knew that they broke into Grandfather’s library and stole code only weeks before he died. However, I’m surprised by Treasure’s severe reaction—or maybe not.
“He’s quite stunning,” I say.
“Who’s stunning?”
“Orion.”
I jump when there’s knocking on my window. I quickly turn. Mason is standing there, mouthing, “Morning meeting.”
I nod, frantic on the inside but holding it together on the outside. I fake a smile. “You said Orion knows?”
“I think he does.”
“Does he, or doesn’t he?”
“He pretended to be convinced by my explanation. But I know him, Pais.”
My gaze darts around the room as I think about what to do next. I could make my escape. But I have a meeting with Hercules this afternoon, and I’m sure as hell am not going to miss it.
“We’ll talk later,” I say, extending my bogus smile to Mason.
“End this,” she warns.
“Goodbye.” I finish our call and view my team beyond the window, scrambling, preparing for our meeting.
Suddenly, a mood overtakes me. I feel as though the life I’ve been missing out on is occurring all around me. Since forever, I’ve only done what Max and Leo wanted me to do. I should have yelled back at Treasure that if my brother is the devil, then so is her father. Max can’t make a major decision without Leo’s approval. To them, there's nothing more important than business. I am a mere object to Max and Leo. I'm not a human being who can learn and feel and want.Who am I, anyway?
I shake my head. I'm not ending this. Orion Valentine will have to drag me out of here, kicking and screaming and begging him to let me stay.
* * *
I keepmy eyes on the door all during our morning meeting. Fortunately, Orion doesn’t show up to validate his theory about my identity. I wonder why. I can’t believe he asked Treasure if I was Paisley Grove.
Regardless, I keep the meeting short, giving my team time and space to complete their assignments. We have to getShop-a-Lotto market at a record speed. If I’m able to bring VTI out of the abyss, then perhaps I won’t fall so far and hard if the truth about me is discovered. My friends and colleagues will say, “Sure, she lied to us, but she pulled us out of the red and into the black, so we forgive her.” But deep down, I know the truth.
After our meeting, I return to my private office and try to prepare for my meeting with Hercules. I've never been so distracted in my life. I can’t concentrate. I can’t come up with a list of new products. I’m an utter failure. But I keep trying while time zooms by.
I check my watch again and groan. I accidentally worked through lunch. It’s 1:48 p.m. I will meet with Hercules in twelve minutes. But even though my stomach growls, I can’t eat a thing. I’m too nervous.
Maybe I should leave—like, actually do what Treasure said andend this. Or maybe my nerves are getting the best of me.
I sigh as I pick up my notebook and pen and then rise to my feet.Famous personal instructor, I write in the notepad.
It’s the main idea I want to pitch—the marriage between VTI’s TRANSPORT and GIT’s compression technology. We’ll have to foster a relationship with GIT. I’m not even sure it can be done, but at the moment, it’s all I have.
I drop back down into my chair. I should collect my things and abandon this crazy mission. I tap my fingers on top of my desk.
“Shit.” I spring to my feet. I couldn't leave VTI even if I wanted to. And I don't want to. So since I'm rarely late for anything, I pick up my notebook and my pen and set out to meet with Hercules.
* * *
I can barely remember gettingto the floor with the executive suites. As soon as I exit the elevator, though, I become present again. I’m under a frosted-glass domed ceiling. In the center of the circular space stands a large bouquet of pink flowers sitting on gold pedestal. A gentle fire brews in an electric fireplace. The atmosphere is inviting and feels perfectly warm, yet it isn’t calming enough to ease my nerves.
As I walk down the hallway, I take note of the light scent of geraniums in the air. The choice of air freshener complements the off-white walls, which contrast the dark wood floors and all the diamond-encrusted chandeliers that light my path. I can only imagine how opulent the offices are behind the walls. It all looks so rich. I wonder if GIT’s executive headquarters have the same ambience.
