Chapter 66
I narrowed my eyes at her, already regretting letting her through the door. “Vanessa, don’t even start,”
“Oh, come on,” she said, ignoring me completely. She sat back, twirling a strand of hair like she had the perfect plan. “All you have to do is find me a job at Graham Corporation. I’ll handle the rest from there. You get Raina hack, and I’ll secure my spot in the family.”
“No,” I said flatly.
Her self–satisfied smile disappeared in an instant. “Why not?”
I stared her down, my patience already hanging by a thread. “Because you’d ruin everything.” I snapped. “Do you think Raina would ever trust me again If1 let you anywhere near her? She’s already barely tolerating me,”
Vanessa’s eyes widened, and for a moment, she looked genuinely offended. “I’m trying to help you!” she snapped, her voice rising in pitch.
I leaned forward, letting my frustration seep into every word “No, Vanessa. You’re trying to help yourself, like you always do. And I’m not about to let you use me or Raina for one of your little power plays.”
Her face flushed with anger as she stood abruptly, the logs of her chair scraping against the floor. “Fine!” she spar, throwing up her hands like a spoiled kid denied dessert. “Figure it our on your own!”
“I didn’t even flinch as she stomped out of my office, slamming the door behind her.
A heavy sigh escaped my mother as she smoothed out her sidet, her calm composure never faltering “You could be a little nicer to her, Alex,” she said, her voice soft but pointed.
I rolled my eyes, pinching the bridge of my nose. “Vanessa needs to learn to stay out of things that don’t concern her. She doesn’t care about me or Raina she just wants to climb her way into power.
My mother gave me a long, assessing look, the kind that made me feel like a child who’d just disappointed her. “She’s still your sister,” she said simply. “Try to remember that.”
She gave me one last glance, her expression softening ever so slightly. “Have you heard anything about Ava?”
The mention of my daughter hit me like a punch to the gut. My chest rightened, and I shook my head, my voice barely audible. “No.”
“She’ll come around,” my mother sald gently, her tone uncharacteristically kind. “If Raina loved you even a little, she’ll understand. But you’ll have to earn her trust back first. Don’t waste this opportunity.”
And with that, she left, closing the door behind her and leaving me alone with my thoughts.
I sat there for a long moment, staring at nothing in particular as her words reployed in my mind. My gaze eventually drifted to my phone, and my chest ached when I saw the picture of Raina on my lock screen.
Her smile was vibrant, her eyes full of life and warmth–so different from the guarded, wary look she gave me now. I wanted to see that smile again. Not in a photograph, but in real life.
The knock on my door pulled me from my thoughts, and my assistant walked in, holding a stack of documents. “These need Ms. Graham’s signature,” she said, placing them on my desk
“I’ll take them,” I said quickly, grabbing the papers before she could protest. I was already hallway out the door before she could finish saying. “But-”
I didn’t care.
This was my chance to see her again, to remind her that I wasn’t giving up. But as I stepped into her office, whatever anticipation I’d felt vanished instantly.
Nathan was there,
Standing close to her, too close. And she, she was looking at him like he hung the moon.
I felt my blood boil.
Before I even realized what I was doing, I marched over to them, holding up the documents like a shield. “I have business to discuss with Ms. Graham,” I said sharply, my tone harsher than intended.
Nathan raised an eyebrow, but he stepped back without a word. Raina, however, looked furious
She didn’t bother to hide it, either.
Without waiting for permission, I grabbed her arm–not rough, but firm enough to make my point–and pulled her aside.
“What the hell, Alex?” she snapped, yanking her arm free the moment we were out of earshot.
“Who is be?” I demanded, my voice low but seething with frustration.
“That’s none of your business,” she shot back, her eyes blazing with anger.
“It is when he’s hovering around you like that,” I retorted.
She crossed her arms, her glare sharp enough to cut. “Last I checked, I’m your boss. Maybe you should learn some respect
Even angry, she was breathtaking
The gentleness I used to know was gone, replaced by a fierceness that both frustrated and captivated me.
Clearing my throat, I held out the documents. “These need your signature,” I said, my voice softer this time.
She snatched the papers from my hand without a word and walked away, leaving me standing there, watching her go
One thought consumed me: Soon. Soon, she’d be mine again.
