Page 13 of Adoration: Isn't What It Seems (Love Isn't What It Seems 2)

“It’s worth a try.” Lena’s voice was low.

“No,” I replied firmly and looked directly into Charles Caldwell’s eyes. “My mother never lied to us. She said Smith is her family last name. You must be mistaken.”

I quickly pulled Brandon along, turning my back to all of them. I knew it was rude, but I’d let Lena be nice to them. His comment brought so much hope in me for my mom’s past, for a part of her I was never going to have, but it was a mistake. And now all I was left with was a bitter taste in my mouth.

Chapter Five

Liberty

It took only a few days to realize that Mr. Alexander Caldwell was a real big shot. He owned massive real estate properties and businesses all around the world, including a few publishing companies. Women around the office swooned all over him, and men either envied and respected him or feared him. It depended on who they were.

It took the same amount of time to realize I couldn’t tolerate being around him. He was bossy and arrogant, and worst of all, my body always reacted to him. It was only Wednesday and I desperately prayed for the weekend. I needed a break from this man.

His blue gaze and his demanding tone made me want to jump out of my skin and strangle him. All his hot looks couldn’t compensate for his lack of manners when it came to me.

“Miss Smith,” he strained through his teeth, towering over my desk, his eyes cold as glaciers. “I asked for the construction status report for Monaco, not Croatia.”

How in the hell was I supposed to know he asked for a construction report in Monaco? He never said which country. He just said the latest construction project. It wasn’t my job to know which ones were the oldest or latest.

I pressed my lips together, trying to ensure something inappropriate wouldn’t leave my mouth. Then, I took a deep breath, controlling my boiling temper ready to erupt like a volcano.

I’ll kill him with sweetness. If I can pull off being sweet to his arrogant ass, I thought to myself.

“You didn’t say Monaco,” I answered sweetly, plastering a fake smile.

“I said the latest project and Monaco is our latest one,” he snapped, eyeing me cold.

Maxim walked in at that moment, smiling relaxed.

“Is there a war going on?” he asked, glancing between his brother and me.

“Maybe,” I answered, my smile changed from fake to truly happy after seeing Maxim. “Mr. Caldwell asked for the latest construction status report.”

“Damn, which one is that?” Maxim replied chuckling.

I looked pointedly at Alexander Cladwell and couldn’t hide victory and satisfaction in my voice. “Exactly my point!”

“I need it now!” he practically bellowed, as he stormed off into his office. I got up furious, ready to give him a piece of my mind, Lena or no Lena. Someone had to teach that jackass his lesson.

I would teach that man a lesson if it was the last thing I did. As I marched right past Maxim, he grabbed my hand, stopping me.

“Don’t, Livy.” His eyes were suddenly serious. “He just had a bad day.”

“I don’t give a shit,” I retorted. “It doesn’t give him the right to talk to me, or anyone else, like that. Someone has to teach that… that...” I tried to think of a word to call him without calling him something completely inappropriate to his brother. Finally unable to think of a better word to call him, I continued, “that guy, it is not okay to talk to people like that.”

“Here, give me the report,” he tried to compromise. “I’ll take it to him and you go home. It is almost the end of the day anyhow.”

I glanced at the clock and it showed quarter past four.

“C’mon,” he encouraged with a smile. “I can handle him.”

“I can handle him, too,” I retorted dryly. “He just won’t like what I do to him.”

Maxim chuckled softly. “I’m not so sure about that, Livy.”

I handed him the report. “Here, good luck, Maxim. And if you get the contract cancelled, I’ll kill that man.”

Leaving the Caldwells behind me, I hurried out of there. Because if I saw Alexander’s face, regardless how handsome, I’d say many things I might regret.

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