Page 100 of Matchmaking the Rival

I steeled myself, rolling back my shoulders. "May I ask why?”

“I'm sure Sonya already spoke to you about this."

"I would like to hear it from you." I didn't want to provoke him. I just wanted him to look me in the eye and tell me to my face that he wanted to let me go just because I was in a relationship he didn't like.

"I don't like Cade Whitley. I've dealt with him in the past, and I'm no fan of his. Frankly, the fact that you're in a relationship with him is worrying.”

“I’d never share trade secrets or company information with him."

"I have a very hard time believing that. I wouldn't feel good knowing that someone in my company is so close to the enemy."

"The enemy?" I asked. It was on the tip of my tongue to tell him that was a little dramatic, but I didn't want to lose my job right now, even though I clearly didn't have a future if the acquisition went ahead. I was fighting to keep my composure. "I’m sorry you feel this way.” Close-minded was another word for it. "You know, there's no legal framework for firing someone because they're in a relationship with someone working in the same industry. At most, you can ask someone to disclose that information, though even that isn't legal."

He waved his hand. "I don't care about the legalities. I'm just telling you the way I prefer to do things."

"Right. Well, I see Sonya coming back with her drink. Let's not ruin her evening," I said. "She has enough at stake right now and doesn't need to know that you've practically dismissed me."

He narrowed his eyes and nodded. "I respect you for that. I was sure you were going to throw a fit the second she returned."

"Not my style. Not at all."

Sonya took one look at me, and her expression turned stony. I was sure she could tell exactly what had happened.

“Everything all right?” she asked.

I nodded. “Yes. I’m going to get some air.”

What I needed was to step away from Alfred Danvers. But I was here tonight to keep my fingers crossed for Cade. I wanted him to win—I couldn’t wait to see Jeannie and Abe’s joy when he succeeded.

***

Cade

Tonight was my night. I felt it in my bones. I knew we were going to win. Not just because we'd put a lot of hard work behind this—everyone else had too—but I trusted our products. I knew our quality, and I knew the committee would see it. Tonight, I was finally going to clean up the company's name.

As soon as I entered the ballroom, I looked around, wanting to catch Meredith’s eyes. I was all on board with her plan. We didn't have to parade our relationship, but I wanted to see her. Ideally, I wanted her up there onstage with me when I received my award.

I tried to find her, but the room was full to the brim. It was impossible to distinguish one guest from the other. There was a table chart next to the entrance, but that was it. I found my table easily enough. Sonya's Blends was right across the room. I instinctively looked over there, but Meredith wasn't at the table. Maybe she hadn't arrived yet. Sonya was chatting with Alfred. He was definitely one of my least favorite people. I didn't like his business practices. I was surprised Sonya wanted to sell to him at all. Then again, it was none of my business.

I went to our table, even though the rest of the team hadn't arrived yet. There were three other seats. I took out my phone, intending to text Meredith, when someone walked up to me. I glanced up from my phone, pocketing it.

"Sonya," I said.

“Cade.”

"To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"Look, I've handled all of this badly. I'm sorry about that."

"No need to apologize. Business is business. You didn't like my approach, and it's your prerogative to look for another buyer. One you're comfortable with."

She flashed me a smile that seemed forced. "Yes. Well, I'll be honest. I would rather you buy me out, but if the price isn’t up your alley, what can I do? Alfred is a bit..."

A waiter came to us with a tray of champagne glasses. I grabbed one and took a sip. She played with the pendant at her neck, which was a huge gold thing. Something I'd only ever seen my grandmother wear.

She continued, "I don't like him very much, but I do like the money he's offering."

I respected that. "Is Meredith here already?"

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