Andrea’s POV
All eyes were on me, and I had no option but to step into the room. My glance immediately flew towards the far end where he stood, brooding like a dark angel! He still looked the same. Furious, rebellious, and arrogant. How had I expected him to change? My heart sank, and I felt like the rug had been pulled from underneath my feet.
His blue eyes locked with mine, making my heartbeats run amok. My posture stiffened as his eyes seared into mine. My breath settled near my collarbone. All the memories flooded my brain at that moment. Those memories left me dizzy, hurt, and numb with longing. So many years have passed between us, yet I struggled to hide the emotions choking my throat. The reason was obvious! I loved him with everything I possessed. Despite his rejection, I hadn't been able to move on from him.
Was he really here? The short black hair, the thick dark brows, the long curled eyelashes, the chiseled face, and the full lips were still the same! He was still the most gorgeous man in the entire world! Only he wasn’t mine!
“Andrea! You kept me waiting!” Reality crashed in at his double-edged admission and I tried hard to look unaffected. He hadn’t changed a bit! Playing with words and emotions had always been his forte. I knew what he meant! I had disappeared on him that fateful night, five years ago, when he insulted me after I announced my pregnancy.
It hurt more when he married after a month of my departure only to get divorced after a year! At that point, I had stopped keeping tabs on him, picking myself up from the crossroads and living my life without looking in the rear mirror.
For five years, I blocked him out of my life. His hurtful rejection still echoed in my mind every night. They pierced my heart more than a bullet would.
I blinked and broke the eye contact. I wasn’t the inexperienced, gullible woman I was before to fall for his bait.
“I’m sorry, Mr. Concorde! There was an emergency I couldn’t overlook.” He almost winced at my haughty tone while the others watched us warily. No one dared to speak out of turn before the new CEO.
“Explain yourself!” Distrust flickered on his face, but soon dissipated. He was never an easy man to read.
“It’s personal!” Did he really think I would explain myself in front of all? A nerve clenched near his temple.
“Shall we resume?” His eyebrows arched a fraction as he held my gaze in a challenge. Little did he know I wasn’t accepting the bait. He could resume the meeting, but not his flirty game from where he left off years ago.
Not acknowledging his implications, I greeted the others and marched forward to gear up for my presentation.
‘Don’t let him intimidate you. You’ve worked hard for this contract!’ prodded my inner mind. I glanced around to see the smug look on my rival competitor, Mr. Jenkins’ face. As the Chief Architect of Greensboro Architectural Solutions, his designs were equally good, yet Sebastián Conrad always preferred mine. Maybe with the change in administration, he felt hopeful about the deal.
It was the same with Mr. Arlington, co-founder of Arlington and Perkins! The victorious smile he flashed in my direction made my blood boil.
“We will start with Mr. Jenkins since he arrived on time!” I looked up to see the determined look in Zion’s eyes. I knew what he was aiming at! He wanted to give me a hard time. I was fine with it.
Mr. Jenkins sprang from his seat to start his presentation while I occupied the seat at the far end, as far away from Zion as possible. It made him give me an annoyed look, but I ignored him and the empty seats on either side of him.
Mr. Jenkins’ presentation was good, but Zion criticized him so much that his confidence took a backseat. He sat down in a daze, allowing Mr. Arlington to take over. He too met with the same fate! I didn't let it hamper my confidence level. I was ready to fight tooth and nail for this deal!
“You must understand the client is a celebrity hotelier! I want foolproof designs that wouldn’t jeopardize our reputation!” I sat, listening to him discuss the key structures the client wanted incorporated into the design.
After two more presentations, it was finally my turn. Zion watched me like a hawk, ready to rip me apart. It made me lick my lips nervously. I sucked in a deep breath and started my presentation, maintaining eye contact with all, especially with Zion.
“I’ve incorporated sustainability in all my five designs. Green building practices, energy-efficient HVAC systems, LED lighting, water conservation through low-flow fixtures, and water recycling systems are the key components I plan to implement. Keeping in mind the latest trend of wellness travel, all my designs have provisions for wellness amenities like spas, yoga studios, and meditation spaces. I have incorporated a modern boutique look, keeping in mind the location and the client’s criteria involved, but I’m open to change. This is only a draft. My ultimate design would materialize only after meeting the client and visiting the location.”
“What makes you think a modern look is what the client needs? Rome, where the first hotel will come up, has a rich cultural heritage. Don’t you think we should tap into that factor to lure guests?” I knew him too well to know he would raise this issue.
“Yes, but when all the hotels nearby are milking the same theme, don’t you think a different approach would give this project its uniqueness?” Zion nodded, totally dumbfounded by the extent of my research. I searched the client’s website, hunted for information on the location, and even called their General Manager to get my facts straight before starting the designs.
“As I have said earlier, these aren’t the final designs. I want each hotel to tell a story that will force people to gravitate towards the place. They should provide a brand experience to the visitors. That’s how he would blindly choose the same brand name repeatedly when visiting other destinations!” I noticed the appreciation in his eyes for a moment before it was masked by his signature cold, arrogant look.
My confidence grew as I proceeded with the presentation. I knew I had nailed it and the project would definitely be mine. There was a time when I worked for Zion at his architectural venture ZC Architects, headquartered in Athens, Greece. He was well-versed with the way I functioned. I sat down after my presentation, waiting for his verdict, but he simply got up to leave.
“Thank you for your hard work. I will get back to you with my decision. That will be all for now.” It was the standard procedure to discuss the designs with the client before finalization. I collected my stuff to leave when Zion stopped at the door.
“Andrea, see me in my office right now!” He walked out without waiting for my reply. His tone didn’t sit well with me, since I wasn’t his employee anymore. If he wanted to discuss personal issues here at the office, I wasn’t interested at all. However, on the professional front, I would have been pleased if he didn’t give me preferential treatment.
I could see the judgemental look in the eyes of all my competitors. Mr. Jenkins scowled at me as if I had committed a grave crime! “Perks of being a female architect!” he muttered, giving me a scornful look while the others smirked, agreeing with him.
I lost my composure. My body seethed with fury and I strode purposefully towards him. Did he think I would let this go? What he said was derogatory. It was verbal abuse!
His eyes widened as I stood in front of him, blocking his way. “I would be careful with my words if I were you, Mr. Jenkins. I am proud of myself as an architect! If you are so good, prove your mettle through your work, not through petty politics. If I hear one more derogatory remark about me, I’ll drag you and your company to court for gender bias and verbal abuse! It will take me minutes to gather proof against you.”
“You’re misunderstanding me, Ms. Cromwell!” he started, but I held my hand up to stop him.
“I don’t think so. Mark my words. I don’t give out useless threats!” I looked around to see the guilty look on all their faces. It made me feel better. Yet, I was furious with Zion. How could he be so unprofessional? The need to give him a taste of his own medicine coursed through me. I didn’t have time for a personal meet up. For a professional discussion, he would have to fix a convenient time when I could come down. That was how Sebastián functioned.
I walked out of the conference room to collect my stuff. My work at Conrad was done and I could go back to my office! It was a small space, located a stone’s throw away from my apartment. The proximity helped since I admitted the twins at the play school opposite.
Thankfully, no one noticed me slipping out of the office. Yes, I was escaping him.
Just as I unlocked my office, my phone buzzed with an incoming call. It was from Conrad’s. I accepted the call, but to my surprise, it wasn’t Laura on the other end.
“Andrea? Where are you? I thought I asked you to see me in my office.” Zion’s angry voice at the other end surprised me.
“I’m at my office, Mr. Concorde. What did you want to see me for? Can you email it to me, please?”
He scoffed at my request. “It’s not work-related, Andrea. It’s personal.”
It was my turn to scoff at him. “My personal schedule is tight, Mr. Concorde. If you have anything to tell me about the contract, I can come down to your office tomorrow.”
Andrea’s POV “Andrea, is everything alright?” Granny Catherine’s voice brought me out of my daze. Ever since that phone call, I hadn’t been able to stop worrying about the next day’s meeting. I knew Zion was upset at seeing my lack of interest. Did he seriously think I would do his bidding? After my rebuff, he had just agreed to meet me tomorrow and disconnected the call. Ever since I had no idea what was going on in his mind. It was strange he didn’t specify a time for the meeting. “Yes, granny!” I blushed under her scrutiny. How did she figure out I was going through mental turmoil? After all, I hadn’t interacted with her for quite some time. Grandpa Vincent married Catherine Shelby six years ago. I left for Athens immediately thereafter. We could hardly bond with one another. Yet she was now an indispensable part of our family, taking care of my boys and Knox’s children, too. With Knox and his fiancée, Danielle Hartford, away on a vacation, I could hide from his relentless inter
Andrea’s POVZion’s eyes glittered as they focused on me, holding my gaze, challenging me to look away. I couldn’t because the memories of the little time I shared with him came rushing into my mind. My emotions were all over the place! I tried hard to keep them at bay, to maintain a cold, professional front, but my heart gave me away. He was the father of my children, after all! ‘You shouldn’t forgive him for what he’s done to you. He doesn’t even accept them as his own!’ reminded my inner mind. I blinked the emotions away. I had to be stronger if I wanted my revenge. “You know me so well, Andrea! Yes, there’s a catch, but don’t worry. It’s not a daunting task to do.” He leaned towards me, but I didn’t back off, facing him bravely. “I will help your business in every way as long as you stay with me in my house here. I want you to move in with me! The moment you leave, I’ll stop providing you with work.” My jaws dropped with shock. “What the f*ck! Why would I do that?” I felt like
Zion’s POV “Damn! Why hasn’t Mr. Robinson arrived here yet? The restaurant project should be ours at all costs.” Charlie Martin, the marketing manager of Conrad Architects, stammered, having to deal with me for the first time. He had no idea how difficult I would make his life if I didn’t get what I wanted. Yes, I wanted to see Andrea accept defeat and bow down to my terms and conditions. She might consider me evil, but I didn’t care. I was helpless five years ago, but not anymore. I wanted her back in my life! “He called to inform us he would be the twenty minutes late, sir.” I punched the desk in frustration. “I hate tardiness. Didn’t you tell him that? What about the other projects? Did you follow up on those?” I had appointed my trusted PA, Steve McGuire, to track down all the projects Ratio Architects took up. I knew I could blindly trust him and he lived up to my expectations, giving me a detailed report on the subject.“All have agreed to work with us except Edward Sterling
Andrea’s POV “Andrea, Michael has emailed you his resignation before leaving! Have you checked?” asked Roberta as I went through the terms and conditions of the Wells Group project. After all the deals went out of our hands, this was my only hope. It was obvious Zion was deliberately trying to force me to surrender to his wishes, but he had no idea about my patience. After raising the twins single-handedly since they were born, I had loads of it. I wasn’t the immature, reckless Andrea I used to be. However much he tried, I wouldn’t rise to the bait. Now, this fresh piece of news shattered my inner resolve. How could Michael backstab me? How could he leave Ratio now, when I needed him the most? “Are you sure? I have received no email from him yet.” Roberta looked uncomfortable while I gave her a suspicious look. No, there were no emails from Michael. “How do you know about this? Did he tell you he will leave Ratio?” I was now sure this was a joke. I trusted Michael even with my eyes
Andrea’s POVA sense of dread spread over my mind as I watched Mrs. Hamilton approach the door. No, I couldn’t face him. “Please deal with him, Kathy. Tell him I’m busy!” I dashed off towards Adrian’s room to avoid Zion at all costs. The therapist had completed his work and got up to leave. I could hear the main door close. So Zion had left! Granny Catherine was arranging Adrian’s duvet and cushions, so I followed the therapist out. “Call me if he faces any discomfort. Otherwise, I’ll come over after two days to check up on him.” “Thank you so much for coming over at such short notice.” He smiled and nodded at me.“It’s my job.” As we walked out of the room towards the main door, I froze at the sight of Zion, sitting in the living room, maybe waiting for me. What was he doing here? Didn’t he know I was busy? The therapist took his leave while I walked over to Zion, glaring at him all the while. “What brings you here, Zion? There is nothing to discuss. I’m busy!” I continued to glar
Andrea’s POV I felt relaxed, rested, and much better! The soft bed I was lying on didn’t seem mine! Where was I? I remembered falling unconscious in the office! After that, everything was hazy. I had no memory of anything whatsoever. Immediately I opened my eyes with a start as a feeling of dread clutched at my heart. I looked around the tastefully done-up room. Where was I? This wasn’t my room or Cromwell Mansion! With its neutral shades of beige, it looked more like a man’s bedroom. My heart constricted with fright. I dreaded accepting the obvious. Did Zion bring me over to his house? After all, he was the only one present near me when I lost consciousness. No, I had to escape. I didn’t want to stay here a second longer to confront him. My head swooned as I tried to get up. It was a futile effort, and I fell back on the bed. I knew I was burning with a fever, but I had to leave. If I stayed here, I would go crazy. I made repeated attempts at getting up on my feet. At last, I sto
Zion’s POV Mad fury coursed through my body as I realized what she had done. How dare she hit me? I would punish her right away! No one could get away after messing with Zion Concorde! Maybe she hadn’t gone far without a car or her bag!I was about to open the door and run after her when a phone buzzed somewhere on the floor. I felt my phone in my pocket. It wasn’t mine. I looked around to find Andrea’s phone lying outside the main door. She might have dropped it in her haste. Then how would she summon help in her condition? I walked out of the penthouse, picked up the phone and glared at the screen. The name Adrian flashed across the screen, immediately making me see red. At that moment, I could have killed the guy with my bare hands. I was about to accept the call immediately, intending to blast him for calling at odd hours, when my gaze fell near the elevator. A gasp of horror escaped my lips at the sight of Andrea lying near my private elevator. I knew she was burning with feve
Andrea’s POV I waited outside Zion’s condominium for Grandpa Vincent’s car. I was glad I could get away from Zion. It was true he had helped me recover, but I couldn’t breathe in his presence. I didn’t want to go down memory lane and relive the moments I spent with him. What was the use? He didn’t love me the way I did. It was best to stay away from one another. His gesture couldn’t undo the hurt he had inflicted on me. He had broken me five years ago. Even now, his harsh, judgemental words shattered me, more than a fatal wound could. How could he have such a low opinion of me without proof? No, he was too toxic for me. It was better I avoided him at all costs. Thankfully, I had found my mobile phone lying on the bed beside me. I had dropped it somewhere when I fell unconscious. Seeing it suddenly near me gave me the idea of escaping. Maybe Zion had left it accidentally on my bed. I sneaked out with it while he was busy in the kitchen. After everything he did to me, did he really e