A company that can’t risk any more negative publicity -- not with our share price still unstable, and hostile takeover bids ready to pounce.
“No, I mean, you could have been killed.” Cam frowns. “We don’t know who tried to hurt you -- or why. And that means we can’t stop them trying again.”
I give Cam a careful look. Even he’s not above my suspicion now. He was my father’s closest advisor, and my life support since I inherited the company, but until I have proof who’s out to harm me, I can’t be too careful.
“I’ve got extra security here at the office and twenty-four-seven surveillance at my apartment,” I try to reassure him. “Trust me, Sandra would tackle anyone to the ground before they got through that door.”
Cam manages a chuckle. “I can see there’s no convincing you to stay home any longer. Are you ready for lunch?”
“Just a minute.” I check my schedule, trying to remember if there’s anything I’m missing. My life as CEO of Ashcroft Industries is so hectic these days, it sometimes makes me miss the time when all I had to worry about was transcribing notes for my asshole of a boss, Carter, or studying for the LSAT -- for the fifteenth time.
My phone goes just as I’m heading out the door. I glance at the screen and freeze.
Vaughn.
He’s been calling non-stop, showing up at the office, demanding to see me. I can’t bear the thought of being in the same room as him. When I think about how I trusted him, how I opened myself up and let myself be vulnerable for the first time.
The wicked things he did with my body. The pleasure I enjoyed at his masterful command.
But it’s over. Those days are behind me now.
I hit the button to ignore his call, and make a mental note to change my number. Then I tuck my phone away and turn to Cam with a bright, fake smile. “Let’s go!”
* * *
Lunch is downtown, at whatever the latest hot new restaurant is today. We don’t have reservations, but just one mention of the name ‘Ashcroft’ and we’re ushered past the line and shown to the best table in the house.
“Not too shabby.” Cam grins, holding out my chair for me. I sit, looking around. It’s full of white linen tablecloths and New York’s business elite, and just a few weeks ago I would have been nervous to be the center of attention, feeling all eyes on me.
Now, I see familiar faces. I smile and wave at some, acknowledge others with nods. It’s all part of the plan, the PR offensive Cam and I designed to reassure everyone that the new head of Ashcroft Industries is in control and safe behind the wheel. Lunches, dinner parties, galas and mixers: an exhausting schedule that has me shaking hands and making small-talk with all the big investors and financiers we need to keep on board if I have any hope of holding off those takeover bids.
A few people come over to the table, paying their regards and enquiring after my health. “I heard you were in a coma,” one society wife gasps, her forehead not moving from all the Botox.
“Lord, no,” I laugh. “Just a sprained ankle. That’ll teach me not to break in new shoes before a big event!”
“Nicely played,” Cam murmurs as the couple move off.
“I’m learning.” I take a breath, hoping that the show is over, and I can have just a few minutes to relax. But just as I’m sipping my water, a hush falls over the restaurant. People start to whisper, looking over at me with gossip in their eyes.
“What’s happening?” I ask Cam in a low voice. “Do I have something stuck in my teeth?”
Before he can reply, a shadow looms over me from behind.
“Keely! What a coincidence,” the voice booms out. I look up, and my heart drops.
It’s Brent.
He’s dressed in a flashy designer suit, smiling down at me with a smarmy grin. Behind him, his adopted sister, Isabelle, and my ass of an ex-boss Carter wait like trained puppies on their master’s command.
“How are you doing, sis?” Brent asks, loud enough for the whole room to hear. “You shouldn’t be out and about so soon, after a major head injury like that. Is your memory coming back yet?” he adds, frowning with fake concern.
“Brent, always joking around,” I laugh, getting up. I have force myself to hug and kiss him on the cheek, painfully aware that we’re the center of attention here. “It’s great you’re back in the country. Wasn’t there that nasty business with customs out of South America?”
Brent echoes my fake laugh. “I guess this family likes living life on the edge.”
I try not to shudder. I never knew Ashcroft was my father while he was alive, and Brent Isabelle and I are related by law, not blood, but still it freaks me out to hear him talk about us all as family.
Still, I know what he’s doing: trying to show we’re all just one happy group, while secretly plotting to kick me out of the company. He already tried to blackmail me by recording a secret sex tape of me and Vaughn. Who knows what else he’s capable of?
Attempted murder?
Brent leans in close, and murmurs so that nobody else can hear. “Time’s up, princess. At the next shareholder meeting, I’m going to call a vote for Excaliber Finance to buy out the company.”
I gasp. “You can’t. That will destroy Ashcroft Industries.”
Brent sneers. “No, my father already did that, the day he named you as his heir instead of me. Enjoy your lunch,” he adds loudly. “That dizziness will go soon, I’m sure.”
He turns on his heel and heads for a table at the other side of the room.
My mind races. “When’s the shareholder meeting?” I ask Cam.
“Two week time.” He looks stressed. “Maybe he’s bluffing?”
I look over at Brent, toasting his friends with what I’m sure is the most expensive bottle of wine on the menu.
“What if he isn’t?” I can’t stand the thought. All my work, all my father’s work, suddenly destroyed. “You know what a takeover would mean. They’d strip the company for parts, lay off hundreds of people, move production to sweatshops overseas...”
“Easy there.” Cam covers my hand with his. He gives it a squeeze. “We’ve got two weeks to figure out who the votes are and win them back. This isn’t over yet.”
I try to take a deep breath, but every time I look at Brent, it turns my stomach. “I’ve lost my appetite,” I say, pushing back my chair. “I think I’m just going to head back to my apartment for a couple of hours. I need to figure this out.”
“Taking a rest is probably a good idea.” Cam nods, looking worried. “I’ll call you a cab.”
Visit: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/452585 to purchase this book to continue reading. Show the author you appreciate their work!