Chapter 17 *Dinner reservation*

“Hey, girlie.”

Marley's stomach churned at the voice. No one needed to tell her who was calling.

How did this crook get her number?

“It isn't three weeks yet Don.”

“Yeah, I know girlie. I'm just checking up on you, in case you wanna pull any funny business I just wanted you to know you can't run away from me.”

Marley cursed in her head.

“So how is it going? Have you been able to gather anything?”

“I'll give you your money when the date is due. And after that, I don't ever want to see your face or even hear your disgusting voice again.” She hung up before he could say anything.

Fuck. She had only been able to arrange ten million.

Where was she going to get the rest of it?

Her mind went to the headquarters. They will surely help her, they wouldn't want anything to disrupt the operation.

They had promised to help in every way they could.

She was about to phone them when a call came in.

It was an unknown number.

Was it Don?

She picked up and snapped.

“What do you want?”

Silence.

She stared at her phone, the call was still in progress.

“Who is this? Don't play with me, Don.”

“Who is Don?”

“Huh?” Marley mumbled and stared at the unknown number.

Was she mistaken?

“Anthonio?”

“I'm glad you recognize my voice without even introducing myself.” The voice chuckled.

The fuck.

“Why are you calling and how did you get my number?”

“I have my ways.”

“It doesn't answer the question. Why are you calling me? I don't think we are close enough for phone calls.”

“Are you busy?” He asked ignoring her words.

“Yes.” It was just one word but it showed her irritation.

She wasn't ready to deal with him yet.

“What about dinner tonight?”

She frowned. What was going on here?

“Dinner?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

Silence. Then he spoke.

“I want to discuss something important with you.”

Her interest piqued.

“Something important?”

“Yes Miss Neils, so can we meet up?”

She thought for a bit. “Yes, we can. Just send me the location.”

“Okay then. See you at seven.”

Marley stared at her phone for a long while contemplating why Anthonio would want to have dinner with her.

And what was the important discussion about?

She had a feeling something was going on but she couldn't pinpoint it. She had felt it in his voice.

She will find out what was going on by evening.

She decided to call the headquarters after dinner with Anthonio.

It will be better that way so that she can update them about everything at once.

Killing two birds with one stone.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Anthonio's fingers drummed on his desk, a glint in his eyes.

He had structured a plan out last night and he hopes it goes well.

He fondled with a document.

Peter tapped on the door once before coming in, not waiting for Anthonio's invitation.

Anthonio hid the document under some papers.

“You should wait for my answer before coming in.” He cautioned.

“You don't bother with those things.” Peter took a seat facing him.

“I do now.”

Anthonio placed his hands on the desk covering the exposed part of the document that the papers couldn't cover.

“What do you want?”

“I heard you invited some CNS workers over to Sheinds Palace.” Peter went straight to the point.

“Yeah.”

“Why?”

“Are you questioning me now?”

“It's just that I'm so surprised. You don't allow anyone to come over there including your family.”

“Well, whom I let into my house shouldn't be your priority, Peter.”

“But why would you invite them over? What business do you have with them?” Peter asked.

Anthonio sighed. “It was for a get-together. I wanted to show my appreciation for a job well done. The interview made an impact on the company or didn't it?”

“The interview crew?”

“Yes. Have any problem with that?”

Peter stood up. “Not that it would change anything.”

Anthonio's intercom beeped and his secretary’s voice boomed out.

“I have made a reservation for dinner at seven, Mr. Kalvey.”

Peter stared at the intercom then at Anthonio.

Anthonio swore inwardly. “So punctual of you, Miss Mars.

“Thank you, sir.” The secretary replied cheerily, unaware of the anger lacing Anthonio's voice.

The intercom beeped off.

Peter didn't say anything and went out.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Peter came back to Anthonio's office some minutes after seven and went straight to the secretary's desk.

“Where is Anthonio?”

“He just left a few minutes ago. Do you need anything?”

“Where is he headed?” 

The secretary bit her lips, seeming to decide if she should say anything or not.

Peter placed his hand on hers and she stared up at him. He gave her a charming smile.

“I just want to see him. Something important came up.”

“Ohhh I'm afraid you won't be able to see him.” Miss Mars said and leaned in as if she wanted to share a deep secret.

Peter leaned in too.

“It is a reservation for two.” She whispered into his ear.

“Two?”

She nodded. “I think it is a dinner date.” She giggled.

“Between him and who?”

“That CNS worker.” 

“CNS?” Peter raised a brow. “Who?”

“Marley Neils.” She provided.

“Neils,” Peter repeated.

“Yes, I think they are dating. Mr. Kalvey invited her and some other workers over to his house and now he is having a dinner reservation with her at a very luxurious restaurant.” Miss Mars giggled again.

“Ohhh this is so romantic. It's so surprising Mr. Kalvey can like someone.” Then she suddenly shut her mouth and looked at Peter nervously.

“I'm sorry sir, I didn't mean it that way…”

“It's okay. I know what you meant.” Peter patted her hand and excused himself.

“This your mouth won't put you in trouble, Mars.” The secretary tapped her mouth repeatedly.

~~~~~~~

Peter went to his office and dialed a number.

He reported everything Miss Mars told him to the receiver.

“Who is this ‘Neils’?” Peter asked but the receiver kept quiet.

“Do you know her?” Peter asked after waiting for a reply.

“Leave her to me.” The voice finally said.

“So you know her.” Peter accused.

“As I said leave her to me and keep watching Anthonio. That's your only job, Peter.” The line went dead.

Peter clenched his teeth hard. 

~~~~~~~~~~

Marley went into the restaurant and met Anthonio already seated, waiting for her.

When he saw her, he got up and drew a seat back for her to sit down like a perfect gentleman.

Marley wondered what had gotten into him. She couldn't wait to hear the important thing he said he wanted to tell her.

She watched him keenly as he ordered a set of steak and red wine for them.

“To what do we owe this fabulous dinner, Mr. Kalvey?” Marley asked sarcastically when the meal was served.

“Just eat then we will talk.”

Marley took a steak into her mouth and hummed in delight. It was delicious.

Anthonio watched her eat and glanced at the document seated

on a chair beside him.

After a few scoops of meat, Marley dropped her knife and fork on the plate and stared at him with questioning eyes.

It was time.

Anthonio began.

“I know you are in a huge debt Miss Neils.”

Marley narrowed her eyes.