Chapter 009

VALERIE 🎀

The guy 's face turned as white as a sheet. His laughter died in his throat, replaced with an awkward chuckle as he raised his hands. “Relax, man. Just a joke.”

Zachary stepped forward and stopped in front of him.“Do I look like I’m laughing?”

" Your father spoke highly of you." He murmured , adjusting the guy's collar. " Might I say, I'm disappointed."

Everyone went quiet. Even the air seemed to still. All eyes were on him.

The men behind the executive suddenly remembered they had somewhere else to be and scurried off like cockroaches. The offender stood rooted in place, red creeping up his neck. His smugness gone and replaced with fear.

Zachary didn’t touch him. He didn’t have to. The threat in his voice was enough.

He looked like he would pee on his pants and I would have laughed if I wasn't already mad at Zachary.

Zachary turned to me then, eyes sweeping over me, pausing at the papers in my hands. “You alright?”

I stared at him blankly. “I was handling it”

“Didn’t say you weren't,” he replied, but he bent to help me anyway, gathering up the stray sheets I’d missed.

I eyed him suspiciously. Was he bipolar? How can he be cold one minute and hot the next minute.

" Did you bang your head against the wall?

He merely shrugged and winked, "we need to give them a show, don't you think?

"What? I asked before following his gaze.

All eyes were on us. His father seated at head of the table was watching us with interest. His eyes were slightly narrowed as he glanced at us.

My nostrils flared as the realization dawned on me. He wasn't helping because he really wanted to,he was putting on a show for his father. To prove something.

I stood up quickly and snatched the files from him, annoyance twisting in my gut.

"You can go now." I said in clipped tone. "The show's over."

" That's the thank you I get." He clicked his tongue. " Not cool."

" Why? I asked, my gaze matching his. " Want another strip show?

" That's..." His lips twitched slightly. " ... not tempting."

" Are you bipolar? I had to ask. Why was he flirting with me?

" Zachary!

His father's voice rang across the room and Zachary stiffened, the playful glint in his eyes gone.

" Can I talk to you for a minute?

Zachary gave a small nod and walked over to him.

" Hi, Valerie." His father said politely, giving me a tight-lipped smile.

Masking my unease, I offered him a smile that didn't quite reach my eyes.

" Hello, Mr Wellington." I greeted him.

I watched the both of them exit the conference room. The older wellington patting Zachary's rigid shoulders.

Zachary's back looked tense and his hands balled by his sides.

I didn't realize I was watching them until the door shut behind them.

What was that about?

Shaking my head, it's none of my business.

Whatever it was, was between the father and son.

I turned to leave but was stopped by my father's voice.

" Valerie!

I turned to him, my face twisted in annoyance.

" Do you want something?

"You shouldn't have spoken up like that." He started. " We need the Wellingtons as our allies."

I scoffed. " Are you really serious right now? The last time I checked, I wasn't born mute."

I said bluntly and he narrowed his eyes at my tone.

"Watch your tone." He warned and I rolled my eyes.

" The stunt you pulled with the Michael guy made me lose lots of money and your marriage to Zachary has helped the company."

He continued, unbothered. "Don't ruin this for me."

" The stunt I pulled? I asked in disbelief.

"Let me jog your memory". I snapped, stepping closer. "I was the one who was humiliated when Cara eloped with my fiancé."

" I was the one who had to marry Zachary to save your pride and the company and this is what I get?

I pulled up my sleeve to reveal the bruise on my wrist. " I have a bruise on my wrist." I pointed a finger at the purple mark .

" Aren't you going to ask how I got it ?

His eyes only flickered to the bruise for a split second.

" All I am saying is..." He continued coolly, ignoring what I said.

"be good to him and he will be good to you."

" Don't act out of turn like you did earlier."

My mouth fell open at how effortlessly he dismissed everything like they didn't matter.

Something in me snapped and I let out a dry, bitter laugh.

"You know, I used to think there was still some part of you that cared." I shook my head slowly. "But now I realize you’re just like everyone else. You only care when I behave like the perfect little princess."

His eyes darkened with warning but I was far too gone.

"Well, guess what? I’m done playing that role."

Then I walked out , leaving him behind gaping at me.

On my way out, the receptionist stopped me.

"Miss Hampton!"

I turned around, my gaze falling on a petite woman.

" Yes?

I'm a Wellington now but I have no intention of letting go of my last name . So, I didn't bother correcting her.

" Mr. Wellington asked to meet you at the tenth floor."

"Mr. Wellington?

She nodded.

The warning signals in my head went off. Zachary? Was he done with his father, already? Why would he want to see me?

" But I just..." I shook my head and gave her a soft smile. "Nevermind."

" Do you need help ? She offered.

"No, thanks, I can manage."

I walked towards the elevator, unable to shake off the dread that clung to me.

I pushed the button and watched the numbers go up as I await my destination.

The elevator dinged and I got off, my heels clicking against the marbled floor.

The hairs on the back of neck stood erect and my steps faltered. The floor was eerily quiet.

It was empty.

No one was there.

Taking a deep breath, I pushed the door on my right open and I stepped inside.

The curtains was drawn and the room was dark except for a dim light seeping through the window. I could make out a faint silhouette brooding at the end.

I squinted my eyes and walked closer to the form.

His back was turned to me as he leaned against the desk.

" What do you want this time , Dracula?

" Dracula? Got a nickname for him already? how sweet."

The warning bells chimed again and a cold chill ran down my spine.

That voice doesn't sound like Zachary's.

" Who are you? I asked, bracing myself.

He turned and I was met with icy blue eyes staring down at me.

I gasped in surprise.

" Gareth Wellington.... nice to meet you.