Page 70 of The Next Door Billionaire's Deception

I grit my teeth. She couldn’t be more right.

“Mr. Burnes made an offer to Emerald for an alliance of some sort. The two companies merge without one buying out or taking over the other. Emerald’s board agreed. It might have you wondering why he would want to merge with a company he considers corrupt. I can’t provide the answer to that, though.”

“You don’t have to.” After all, I’m the one that gave him the takeover strategy he’s currently employing.

Anna’s phone rings. She glances at the screen, before picking.

“Uh-uh…. Okay …. Alright …. No, I’m not far from the office… Yes … I’ll be right there, Mr. Burnes.”

The mention of the name has my brows furrowing.

Ending the call, she turns to me. “Sorry, Melissa. I’m afraid I have to leave now. Duty calls. Thanks for the burgers. I’m sorry I couldn’t be of much help. I’m also sorry my boss lied to you.”

I smile at her. “On the contrary. You were of so much help. Thank you, Anna.”

We shake hands, and Anna leaves the eatery. I stay behind, mulling over our meeting.

Richard’s been lying to me all this time. Even when he had the chance to come clean, he didn’t.

All this had to happen just as I developed a soft spot for him.

Chapter 21

Richard

“Runitbymeonce more.”

“Alright, Mr. Burnes. Tomorrow, you have a meeting with Emerald executives about making the merger processing official. On Thursday, it’s lunch with representatives from the Stock Exchange about issuing new shares. Friday’s less busy, but you’re the guest of honor at a dinner party organized by John Lamar. That’s about it for the week, except for stuff popping up here and there.”

As I pull up in the garage of my apartment, I round up my call with Anna.

“Stuff always pops up. You’re indispensable, and I need some help before I pass out from too much work.”

Anna releases an exaggerated sigh. “Ah, the burden of being CEO. Fortunately, there are perks. If you want, I’m available for the job. That’s if you’re not interested anymore.”

“See you tomorrow, Anna. Don’t forget – we have some work to do this weekend in my apartment.”

“As your Lordship pleases.”

I’m just getting down from my car when the twin headlights of Melissa’s Chrysler flash on my face. Just the person I want to see. I wait for her car to park before going over to her.

“Melissa. I’m glad to – ” I stop, noticing the frown on her face, “ – wha… what’s wrong?”

“How could you lie to me? I trusted you!”

“Melissa, wait. Can we talk about this inside? Let’s not do this here, please.”

“No. Fuck that. Tell me here and now. Why?”

“Please, Melissa. Inside.”

She gives me a long, angry look before she enters my apartment.

“Do you want anything?” I ask, as I follow her in.

“Yes, as a matter of fact. An explanation. And you better give me a good one.”

I sigh. This isn’t going to be easy.

---