Page 32 of Deal with Mr. Cruel

“Should I call someone, Mr. Matthews?” asked Wendy, her voice shaking.

“No, Wendy. It’s quite all right. You can go,” said Jonas calmly, waving his hand toward the door.

She gave a little nod and hesitantly backed out of the office, closing the door behind her. Jonas took a seat at his desk and folded his hands, looking at Nico, who was now pacing back and forth.

“If you pull anything like that again, I’ll have you off the team,” said Jonas. It wasn’t entirely true. Even though he was the owner, there was a signed contract. But Nico didn’t know that, and a quick flash of fear showed in his eyes.

“What are you doing with my sister? Breaking her heart before wasn’t enough?” asked Nico, crossing his arms.

This caught Jonas off guard for a moment before he composed himself. “We eloped.”

“Youwhat?”Nico’s voice rose.

“Yes. Your sister is now my wife.” A casual smile crossed his lips as he shrugged.

Nico stood in shocked silence. Jonas could see the blood drain from his face. To Nico, this was a huge betrayal from the person he trusted the most. Jonas felt guilt creep in. Nico was Mae’s brother, and she loved him very much. This was crushing him, which would only hurt Mae in the end.

“Look, I’m righting a wrong,” said Jonas quietly.

“Ha. Somehow, I don’t believe that.”

“I care about her.”

“You only care about yourself.” Nico remained quiet before speaking again. “She deserves better. She’ll realize that eventually.”

Jonas knew this, but the words still cut through him. Nico was right.He straightened in his chair. “Don’t you have conditioning?” he asked coolly.

Nico glared at him, but didn’t budge.

“What are you still doing here? What am I paying you for?” Jonas crossed his arms.

Nico huffed before turning and leaving, slamming the door behind him.

Jonas let out a sigh and ran his fingers through his hair before holding his head in his hands. This was a mess. A mess he expected, but he didn’t think it would affect him this much. He thought he would feel satisfaction in delivering the news to Nico, but he felt the opposite. This was going to hurt Mae, and that was the last thing he wanted.

How did Nico find out, anyway? Had Mae told him? Had Braydon? All these questions ran through his head. His phone rang, breaking him from his thoughts. He quickly picked it up, expecting it to be Mae with some explanation.

“Hello? Mae?” he asked, exasperated. He needed answers.

“Um, no. But maybe she would explain why I’m downstairs waiting for a meeting that should have started ten minutes ago,” Nate said on the other line.

“Mr. Brockton.” Jonas glanced at his watch and quickly stood from his desk. “I’ll be right down.”

He stormed out of his office and shot Wendy a look. She still looked shaken from the altercation she just witnessed.

“Why didn’t you tell me Nate Brockton is downstairs?” he barked at Wendy.

“I’m so sorry, Mr. Matthews. I got so distracted by—”

He held up his hand, cutting her off, and walked swiftly past her as she called out more apologies.

In the elevator, he took a few deep breaths and smoothed his suit. Whatever had just happened with Nico would have to be shelved for another time. All his focus had to be on this meeting. He scolded himself for letting personal relations get in the way of work. His father was probably laughing in his grave.

Chapter 14

Mae

Mae sat by the window, holding a hot cup of coffee between her hands. She looked out at the busy city street that was slicked with morning rain. Breathing in the steam coming up from her cup, she took a sip. The sounds of the coffee shop were nosy but comforting. This was her favorite spot to come before work.

---