Chapter 45

When news broke out about Rudolf Lawerence coming to Crescent Moon for a meeting with James, the office practically erupted in silent chaos. The place was filled with hush whispers and manic-looking expressions.

It wasn’t as though it was uncommon for representatives from other companies to come out and speak with James on business matters. However, it was an entirely different situation when the so-called representative that was due to arrive just so happened to be the boss’s ex-brother-in-law.

I, myself, would be lying if I said that I wasn’t a bit intimidated by the whole ordeal. But it needed to happen. Had I not made the impulsive decision to suggest setting up a meeting to actually talk things out, there was no telling what Rudolf would do.

‘I’m not going to forgive myself if I let James lose one of Crescent Moon’s most important partners because Monica and I couldn’t get along,’ I thought to myself.

James still seemed a bit put off by everything. The look of disinterest never left his face since he ended the call with Rudolf yesterday.

With a fresh cup of made coffee, I slowly entered James’ office and placed the mug down on the desk. “Will you at least look like you’re interested in seeing him?” I asked.

James’ grimace remained fixed on his face when lifted his eyes from the laptop to glance at me.

“You’re asking a lot from me,” he grumbled.

My mouth twisted into a humorous smile. I folded my arms over my chest and gently shook my head. “Just think, once this is over, we’ll be able to put this whole issue behind us.”

According to what he told me earlier, he was never a particular fan of Rudolf even when he was still with Evelyn. “We only set up the goddamn partnership because it was used as an incentive during Evelyn and I’s marriage arrangement,” he explained.

Regardless, I was determined to clear the air and try to set things right. He rolled his eyes just as Daniel came into the office. The hesitant look on his face was proof that Mr. Lawrence had arrived.

I gently nodded my head. “I’ll have him placed in one of the meeting rooms,” I told them.

When I stepped out of James’ office, I instantly noticed a small crowd of my coworkers gathered around the main reception area.

‘Oh, for the love of God,’ I huffed to myself.

I calmly made my way over and stopped short when I got my first real glance at Rudolf Lawrence. The family resemblance he shared with Monica was uncanny. He possessed the same dark features and sharp blue eyes that would make any woman swoon.

The second his eyes fell toward me, my heart skipped a beat and my nerves tightened.

‘James is right,’ I thought. ‘Let’s just get this over with.’

“Mr. Lawrence,” I spoke out. “Would you kindly follow me?”

I felt his eyes rake over me with interest, yet he followed behind me to the meeting room. I directed him to take one of the empty seats.

“Can I get you anything while you’re waiting?” I asked. “Tea? Perhaps, coffee?”

Rudolf continued to examine me, causing goosebumps to ripple down my spine.

“Coffee. Black,” he stated.

With a curt nod, I turned to slip out. However, his booming voice sliced through the air and made me stop. “Let someone else take care of it,” he insisted. “Stay.”

I bit the inside of my cheek before calling out to one of the other assistants. I swiftly instructed them to make a fresh cup of coffee for Lawrence before heading back over to him.

Something tauntingly dark flickered across his eyes as he spoke. “You’re Mia, aren’t you?” I nodded my head. “Sit down.”

Reluctantly, I took the seat across from him. His eyes softened and whatever sense of anger and haughtiness the man came in with seemed to have vanished.

“I must say, I’ve heard quite a few things about you,” he noted.

My cheeks flushed with uncertainty. “I have no doubt,” I breathed. “Your sister and I have a bit of a colorful past.”

Rudolf chuckled. “I’ve gathered as much. But, what she failed to mention to me was just how beautiful you are.”

My brows lifted in shock. “Oh, um, well—”

The door swung open. The assistant came in with Lawerence’s coffee and right behind them was James.

“Alright, let’s get this over with—”

“Truthfully, I’d much rather carry on this conversation with you,” he stated while looking at me. “You mentioned before that you were the one who dealt with Monica that day.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Then, you’re the one I’m meant to be speaking to. Derek, you’re not needed here.”

James’ eyes filled with a twitching alarm. Clearly, he did not like the idea of leaving me alone with Rudolf. Personally, I couldn’t blame him. Not even I was fully comfortable with the idea. Nonetheless, I gave him a slight nod.

“Fine,” James hissed. “Mia, I'll be right outside.”

“Now, tell me about my sister’s behavior that day,” he prompted.

Even though I cared very little for Monica, I still felt a bit sheepish about outing the woman to her brother. “Well, I will admit that Monica’s conduct was rather difficult at times to handle.”

“Such as?” he hummed.

“Her demands. Every task I managed to complete for her, she came moments later with one increasingly more difficult than before. While, yes, part of my job is to ensure each guest is welcomed and made as comfortable as possible, Monica was deliberately making my job harder than necessary,” I explained calmly.

“I see.”

“Mr. Lawrence, I would hate to see Crescent Moon and Arc Moon cut ties. Can’t we just discredit this whole thing as a misunderstanding?” I asked.

“I’m willing to reconsider my earlier plans of termination...On one condition.” My heart sank in my chest as I tried to remain calm. “Come and work for me at Arc Moon. I could really use a secretary like you.”

‘Was this man being serious?’ I wondered.

“Mr. Lawrence, as flattering as that is, I’m in no position to make that decision. And, I can’t imagine James allowing it to happen.”

“Why? Because you’re his wife? Because he essentially loves you?” he asked inquisitively. He glanced down at her neck. “I see he hasn’t actually claimed you yet as his mate.”

I practically sputtered. “None of that is your concern, Mr. Lawrence.”

Instead of appearing offended, as I half expected, Rudolf looked almost impressed by my demeanor. He remained just a few moments longer before getting up to leave.

He turned to glance at James with a look of indifference.

“Consider yourself lucky, Derek. For now... You failed my sister, let’s see that you don’t fail this one too.”