Chapter 128

We did as Alex asked, and we found him at his desk in his home office, looking every inch the CEO.

It was the first time I had seen him in one of his expensive suits since he had been admitted to the hospital. He was cleanly shaven, and not a hair on his head was out of place.

His computer was running in front of him.

“I have one of my lawyers going to the meeting,” Alex said. “He’s going to make sure they put me on screen.”

We sat down where we couldn’t be seen by the computer’s web camera and waited. I couldn’t help bouncing my leg with anticipation.

Finally, the computer came to life, and I could hear John Cameron’s voice. “Alex, you shouldn’t have gotten out of bed for this meeting.“ he said.

“I’m fine,” Alex said. “But thank you for your concern, John.” Alex’s voice was strong and confident. “What is the purpose of this sudden meeting on a Sunday night?”

“Evidently, you’ve heard what it’s about, or you wouldn’t be sitting in on the meeting,” John Cameron snapped.

“Yes, I heard,” Alex said and paused for effect. “And may I remind you, John, that I have controlling interest in this company. No secret vote will be able to steal my company from my daughter and me.”

“She’s just a young female, and the shareholders have concerns about her abilities,” John Cameron said. “I heard that she ran off on a vacation without telling anyone. That’s irresponsible.”

“She went away for a weekend like we all have done,” Alex said. “She’s sitting here right now. Would you like to speak to her?”

“That won’t be necessary,” John replied. “But some of the board members here tonight have questions for you.”

“Please, ask your questions,” Alex said.

“Can your daughter run this company?” a voice asked. “Is she competent?”

“Absolutely,” Alex replied. “She has the best business minds in the area mentoring her, including myself. I assure you, I’m watching every move my daughter makes within the company, and she is doing well.”

“She still has to pass our competency test in less than a month,” John said.

“Excellent. I’m sure you’ll find her more than capable,” Alex said. “If not, you may hold your vote then to replace her.”

“You can count on it,” John Cameron said.

“You want to be very careful, John,” Alex warned. “My lawyers will take you apart in court. My company is not vulnerable to a takeover, and you know it.”

Alex pushed a button on the computer, and the screen went dark. “That was fun.” He smiled at me. “Don’t look so sad, darling. Just keep learning, and everything will be fine.”

“I should be going home,” William said. He looked tired. Our relaxing weekend had been riddled with excitement.

I walked into the front door while Victor stayed with Alex to talk.

“I’ll see you at school tomorrow, Daisy,” William said.

I gave him a little hug, “Thank you for a wonderful weekend.”

“You’re welcome.” William smiled as he went out the door.

On my way back to Alex’s office, I ran into Victor.

“Will you be picking me up at school tomorrow?” I asked.

“William can help you tomorrow. I’m sure you would rather have him,” he said without meeting my gaze.

“Victor, what’s wrong?” I asked. “You’ve been acting strangely since before we left the cabin.”

“Nothing’s wrong,” he said. “Our engagement will soon be over, and you will have William for your mate as we planned. You should be spending your time with him, not with me.”

“Wait…. Talk to me. Why are you angry with me?”

But instead of answering me, he hurried out the front door and was gone.

Filled with anger and confusion, I ran upstairs to my room. Victor could be the most irritating man. He could make me angrier than anyone I had ever met.

Why was he acting like this? It was almost as if he was jealous, but I knew that wasn’t possible. Victor didn’t feel emotions like love and jealousy.

I went onto my balcony, took out my cell phone, and called Amy. I needed to talk, and Amy was the only other person who knew all the details of my life.

But her phone rang until it went to voicemail. I left a message that I needed to talk to her and hung up.

Instead of calling me back, she sent me a text message. She was with Justin and couldn’t talk until tomorrow at school.

Because of what I knew about Justin, how she put heart emojis around his name made me angry with him and myself. He was lying to her, and I had done nothing about it.

I was considering going for a solo run to calm down when my phone rang.

Without looking at the caller ID, I hit the answer button on the screen. “Amy, we need to talk. If you’re done with Justin, can you come over?”

“Hello, I’m not Amy,” Victor said.

“Oh, hi,” I sighed. “I thought you were Amy.”

“Yeah, I got that,” Victor said. “Sorry to disappoint you. I’m calling to apologize for being short with you.”

“What was the matter?” I asked. “Did I do something wrong?” I didn’t want him to be mad at me. Even after our deal ended, I would still want to be friends. As angry as Victor could make me, I couldn’t imagine not having him in my life.”

He blew out a long breath. “I guess I’ve been playing your fiancé too well,” Victor said with a hollow-sounding chuckle. “All the men that have been paying attention to you are beginning to annoy me.”

It struck me that he began acting jealous after I was on the dock, holding hands with William. Maybe he was concerned about reporters seeing us.

“Anyhow, I apologize for my behavior, and I will pick you up after school tomorrow to go to the office. What’s going on with Amy? You sounded eager to talk to her.”

I told him about the heart emojis around Justin’s name in her text.

“She’s falling for him more and more every day,” I said. “Have you found out anything about him yet?”

“I’m sorry, Daisy. With everything that’s been happening, I forgot. But I will make some calls after we hang up and let you know.”

We hung up, and I paced the balcony, waiting to hear if Victor found out any information about Justin.

I wanted to go for a run, but I didn’t want to miss Victor's call. If he couldn’t find where Justin was staying near the city college, maybe we should go to his parent’s home.

“Come on, Victor,” I said, squeezing my phone in my hand a moment before it rang.

I checked the caller ID this time before I answered. It was Victor.

“What did you find out?” I asked.

“I know where Justin’s apartment is near campus and his class schedule,” Victor replied. “He doesn’t have any classes tomorrow afternoon. I’ll take you to speak to him before we go to your office.”

“Thank you, Victor. We need to get him to let Amy down gently. When she finds out he’s been lying to her, she will be so hurt.”

“Let’s hear him out before we make any judgments,” Victor suggested. “He may have his reasons for doing what he’s doing.”

“There’s never a good reason for lying to somebody you are supposed to love,” I insisted. “But I guess we should hear his excuse.”

Victor and I hung up, and I woke Diana to go for a run. I needed to sleep tonight. I wouldn’t be taken in by Justin’s lies tomorrow like Amy had been.