Chapter 011

11.

Samantha just stared at him, wondering why he was so riled up about her hand. “What is it? I'm totally fine. Why are you looking so angry when it's just a scratch?” she asked, her expression stern.

Aiden blinked. “If this was just a cut, it wouldn't have been bandaged this way. Tell me what happened. Did your ex-husband do this? Tell me, and I will make sure he is dealt with mercilessly.”

Samantha scoffed. “I do appreciate your care, but it would be good if you would mind your business and leave the issue about my hand alone, Mr. Callymore. I came here for something important, so can we sit and talk instead of all this drama?” she asked, and Aiden sighed.

He had always known Samantha to be hard-headed. She liked keeping to herself and hated being vulnerable. She didn't like asking for help either and preferred to go through difficult situations on her own. He only wanted to help her, but she had turned formal towards him again. He wished she would be more free to share her problems with him.

With a defeated sigh, he walked back to his chair and gestured for her to sit down. Samantha sat down, her head held up high with confidence oozing out of her.

“What do you want us to talk about?” Aiden asked, and his eyes darted to her hand once again.

Samantha noticed this and retreated her hand from the desk, placing it on her lap instead. “We are business associates, right? I wanted to discuss the upcoming car show in Detroit,” Samantha continued, her eyes locked on Aiden's. She had stayed up all night gathering information about it and making sure it was suitable enough for them to delve into, and so far, she got what she wanted. “I think our companies could benefit from a partnership. We could showcase our new models together and share the costs of the exhibition.”

Aiden's expression turned from concern to interest. “That's a great idea, Samantha. I've been thinking the same thing. Our companies complement each other well, and a partnership would be beneficial for both of us.”

Samantha nodded, her confidence growing. “Exactly. I was thinking we could also discuss a potential merger or acquisition. Our companies have similar values and goals, and I think we could, you know, put hands into together? That is, if you're willing to give it a try.”

Aiden leaned forward, his eyes sparkling with excitement. “I like the way you think, Samantha. Let's discuss the details and see what we can make happen.”

As they delved into the conversation, Aiden couldn't help but steal glances at Samantha's bandaged hand. He knew she was hiding something, but he respected her boundaries. For now, he would focus on the business at hand and hope that one day she would trust him enough to open up about her personal struggles.

When they were done, Samantha stood to her feet. “I'll keep in touch with you, Mr. Callymore. Good day.” she turned to leave.

“Samantha,” Aiden called, and she stopped and turned to look at him with a questioning gaze. Aiden sighed and stood to his feet as he walked to where she stood. “Can we talk about us?” he asked, and her expression changed immediately.

That was the last thing she wanted to discuss with him right now. “I don't think there is anything left for us to discuss. I already told dad to wait until I take over the company first. I'd appreciate it if you don't bring us getting married up.” she turned to leave again, but he held her hand and pulled her to himself, causing a gasp to escape her lips.

“Aiden, what are you doing?” she asked, and he smirked.

“Finally, you called me by my name. I thought you were going to address me formally forever.” he drawled, mischief etched into his features.

“If addressing you formally is the problem, fine, I will call you by your name. Now let go of me,” she warned him, but he wrapped his hand around her waist and pulled her closer, causing a strange sensation to course through her body. “Aiden!” she snapped.

“What is it, Samantha? Is what I'm doing having an effect on you?” he asked, his voice husky.

“If you don't let go, I'll beat you up!” she snapped, and Aiden burst into a fit of laughter.

“Oh, Samantha, you're so adorable when you're angry,” he said, his eyes sparkling with amusement. “I would love to get beaten up by you. You're so feisty and strong-willed. I find it incredibly attractive.”

Samantha couldn't believe this dude. Was he really playing with her right now? She was damn serious about this and all he could do is laugh and tell her she's adorable? She sighed and tried to push him away, but he held her firm. “Aiden, let go of me. This isn't funny.”

“Oh, come on, Samantha. Don't be so uptight. We're going to be married soon, and we'll be holding each other a lot more than this. You might as well get used to it,” he said, his face inches from hers.

Samantha scoffed. “I'm not interested in marrying you, Aiden. And even if I was, I wouldn't be caught dead in a relationship like this.”

Aiden leaned in closer, his voice low and husky. “Repeat that, Samantha. Tell me you're not interested in me.”

Samantha's heart fluttered as she tried to push him away again. “I'm not interested in you, Aiden. Now let me go!”

Aiden chuckled and finally let go. She sucked in a breath and glared at him. “Pervert! Flirt!” she snapped and turned, walking out of the office.

Aiden just smiled and tucked his hands in his pocket as he went back to his seat. Seth rushed back in and looked at Aiden. “What happened here? Ms. Samantha's face is red, and it's no doubt she is blushing hard.” he taunted and Aiden glared at him.

“Shut it,” he ordered and Seth pressed his lips into a thin line. A smile formed on Aiden's lips; a smile Seth didn't fail to notice. He wondered what had just transpired between the two of them. Aiden's eyes went to the files on the table, and he picked them up.

“Let's get back to work. Tell me all you found out about Samantha's ex-husband.”

Seth nodded as he went into details. “His name is Nathan Miller, he is currently 35 years old and owns the M. Enterprises, they deal with technology and innovation. His father is late, and it is said that his father has been trying to land a deal with the Salvadors before he died. Nathan didn't succeed as well.”

Aiden messaged his temple. “So, Nathan had no idea Samantha, his wife at that time, was the daughter of the Salvadors, right?”

“Yes. After his company went bankrupt, he tried all he could to revive it and when it didn't work, he transferred his aggression and frustration on Samantha, and publicly blamed her for his company's loss,” he relayed and Aiden's brows knotted. “Not just that, Samantha worked different jobs to provide for the family, but it seems her efforts were in vain as she kept getting insulted by them. They felt like she wasn't doing enough, and she had to increase the number of jobs she did. I was able to follow up with her and saw that she actually visited the hospital under this company frequently and was told she would break down if she didn't rest. If you check the files I gave you, a copy of her medical test report is there.”

Aiden quickly glanced through it and brought the test results out. His eyes widened at what he saw. “Samantha has been diagnosed with chronic stress syndrome,” Aiden said, his voice laced with concern. “This is serious, Seth. She's been pushing herself too hard, and it's affecting her health.”

Seth nodded in agreement. “Yes, sir. And it's not just physical exhaustion. The doctor's report also mentions anxiety and depression. She's been carrying this burden for too long, and it's taking a toll on her mental health.”

Aiden's expression turned determined. “We need to make sure she gets the help she needs. I'll make some calls and get her set up with a therapist and a doctor. And we need to keep an eye on her, make sure she's not overworking herself.”

Seth nodded, a smile forming on his face. “I think that's a great idea, sir. And maybe, just maybe, she'll finally let someone in and accept some help.”

Aiden's eyes sparkled with a hint of hope. “Maybe, just maybe, she'll let me in.” he sucked in a breath. “And as for that scumbag of hers, I will make sure he is dealt with seriously.”

****

Samantha stood in front of Thompson Enterprises. She released a long breath, her hand clutching to her handbag as she tried to calm herself down before going on. Her father had asked her to win Mr. Johnson and Mrs. Thompson over for the sake of the company.

She had visited Mr. Johnson, and though it was hard for others, it was a little easy for her to win him over and get his support. He even promised to speak with his shareholders on her behalf, but now she was here in Mrs. Thompson's company. Most people call her a lioness. She had taken over her husband's company after his death, and she had to be the strictest businesswoman they had ever seen.

Samantha knew she had to be confident before meeting this woman, and she was going to let the woman trample over her either. She took three deep breaths.

“I'm ready,” she muttered and walked into the company.

As she entered the building, Samantha was greeted by a receptionist who led her to Mrs. Thompson's office. She could feel her heart pounding in her chest, but she refused to let her nerves get the best of her. She had prepared for this meeting, and she was determined to make a good impression.

When she entered the office, Mrs. Thompson looked up from her desk, her piercing gaze scrutinizing Samantha from head to toe. Samantha stood tall, her shoulders back and her head held high, and greeted Mrs. Thompson with a firm handshake.

“Good morning, Mrs. Thompson. It's a pleasure to meet you,” she said, her voice confident and clear.

Mrs. Thompson nodded, her expression unreadable. “Good morning, Samantha. Please, have a seat.”

Samantha sat down, her eyes locked on Mrs. Thompson's face. She could see the calculating glint in her eye, the assessment of whether Samantha was worthy of her time.

“So, Samantha, I understand you're here to discuss a potential partnership between our companies,” Mrs. Thompson said, her voice firm but not unkind.

Samantha nodded, her mind racing with the presentation she had prepared. “Yes, Mrs. Thompson. I believe our companies can work well together. I deal with automobiles and you specialize in sustainable energy solutions. A partnership is a good idea for us, don't you think?”

Mrs. Thompson raised an eyebrow. “Go on.”

Samantha launched into her presentation, her words flowing smoothly as she highlighted the advantages of a partnership. Mrs. Thompson listened intently, her expression unreadable, but Samantha could see the gears turning in her mind.

When she finished, Mrs. Thompson nodded thoughtfully. “I see your point, Samantha. But I have to say, I'm impressed. You're not like most people who come in here, trying to sweet-talk me into a deal. You're confident, and you know your stuff.”

Samantha smiled, her heart racing with excitement. “Thank you, Mrs. Thompson. I believe in being straightforward and honest in business.”

Mrs. Thompson nodded. “I like that. I think we could work well together, Samantha. Let me discuss this with my team, and we'll get back to you soon.”

Samantha stood up, her hand extended for a handshake. “Thank you, Mrs. Thompson. I'd be thrilled to hear from you soon.”

Mrs. Thompson took her hand and Samantha gave her a slight bow before walking out of the office. Her face lit up with smiles. No doubt Mrs. Thompson was going to give her a chance.

She got to the elevator and was about to touch the open button when it opened, and she came face to face with Bianca.

Bianca frowned on seeing her. “What are you doing here?”