Chapter Twenty-Three

Alina’s POV

“What do you mean?” I asked, staring at the grey-haired man in front of me who had come along with his team.

“We no longer want the partnership with your company,”  he said in a gruff voice while looking out of the window and not meeting my eyes. “It is time for us to take over our own business,” he added after a pause.

“But everything has been going smoothly, what  changed your mind?” I asked, looking at him with an eyebrow raised in disbelief.

“We have already taken care of all that matters. My board members voted for a dissolution. We wouldn't want to associate with a company whose acting CEO's reputation is on the line because of its bad business practices. It would be best if we go our separate ways” he answered, still not meeting my gaze. “The merger was a very good idea and we appreciate your support for our decision,” he added. With these words, he got up from the chair opposite to mine and left without saying another word. So did his team.

I collapsed against my chair and sighed heavily. My life had just gone completely upside down due to the actions of some stupid old photos and now I was losing business partners like Alvin Bridge.

Whoever sent those photos out wanted nothing but to make my life miserable. They were clearly after that.

Charles was going to kill me.

“Should I get you water ma?” I had forgotten that Clara was still standing beside me.

“Yes please.” I murmured while massaging my temples.

She poured me some water and set it down in front of me. I took one glass and drained it quickly before placing it back on the table.

“Clara, when is the next meeting for today?”  I asked her while rubbing my forehead tiredly. The stress from this whole situation was wearing me out. And I hadn't even started yet.

“In about two hours.” she answered standing down opposite to me.

“Reschedule, I am not mentally prepared to handle anyone today.” I replied and stood up to leave the room.

“Should I come with you Ma?”  She asked, looking up at me.

“No you shouldn't, I will see you later.” I told her while giving her a smile to let her know that was okay with me. “Oh and don't bother bringing anything else to my office. Everything is already arranged here,” I added with a smile.

I had no idea what I wanted to do next, but I felt like getting away from everyone and everything. There was one thing that I really needed right now: privacy and silence so that I could think straight and figure out how to deal with this situation.

My phone blared causing me to jump slightly. After checking the caller ID, my throat was dry. It was Charles.

“Grandfather…” I said immediately I answered  him, trying to sound calm even though my heart rate went up at full speed.

“Hello, Melissa. I heard you lost Alvin?”   His grave tone gave me chills down my spine, but I was too numb to react to any emotions right then. I just nodded but then I remembered he couldn't see me.

“Yes grandfather, but I am working on it…” I tried to reassure him.

“Are you? because I heard he's gone to the Wolfes.” . That made me snap out of my daze. I blinked a few times.

“How...how did you…?” I stammered. How did he hear that from them? “That's not true!”

He laughed lightly on the other side of the line. “Alina, I may not be able to be there presently , but I know people and I have my ways.” He paused for a few moments. “And since you  are reacting this way, I am assuming you are not aware.”

I gulped  hard and swallowed down the lump that formed in my throat.  My fingers fumbled around nervously with my hair. Beads of sweat formed around my forehead.

“I will fix this grandfather”  . I managed to choke out. What could I possibly say now that would make up for this huge blow?

“Fix it.” he repeated and hung up.

I put my phone on silent and leaned my head against the wall for support. Oh God…

Soon anger coursed through my veins when I thought about the fact that Sebastian had been the one playing shady games behind  my back all this time.. I clenched my jaw tightly until I almost cracked my knuckles. I didn't have time to waste on how Sebastian went on with his schemes. The only thing I could do now was try to salvage the deal. The only way that would work. I was going to pay him a visit.

I drove myself to his office and when I got there, I was not oblivious to the stares I received from his staff and the whispers that followed  my arrival, as well as from his secretary. I was just glad that they knew better than to try to talk to me.

I was an object of curiosity. I had suddenly married their boss and suddenly there were photos of my past everywhere that also got whipped off the internet almost immediately. But no matter how much I tried to deny it, everybody was sure of what had happened.

After making an attempt to calm myself down and collect my thoughts I knocked at the door and walked in without waiting for an answer and when one didn't come, I opened.

He looked stunned to see me enter. He quickly composed himself and sat up in his chair gesturing to me to close the door.

I ignored his gesture and closed it slowly and calmly. He raised an eyebrow at me in question and I stared right into his eyes, determined to show him how serious I was. Was he guilty?

“Here to finish what we started last night?”  he smirked arrogantly which annoyed me to no end.

“Or maybe to tell me that it's time for us to call it quits again”.

“I didn't call you here for either reason, Mr. Wolfe.” I snapped. Then I softened my tone and looked into his face. He was still smiling. I hated that smile. I loved it but at this moment I hated it. If he was surprised that I was addressing him officially, he didn't show it.

“Why did you marry me?”