I stepped into the cavernous lobby of Azul Enterprises, feeling a mixture of excitement and nervousness. This was it, the moment I had been waiting for. As I walked with David, my lawyer, towards Eduardo's office, I couldn't help but notice the grandeur of the building. It was evident that Azul Enterprises was a force to be reckoned with.Eduardo greeted us with a warm smile and a handshake, and we exchanged pleasantries as we made our way to his office. I immediately noticed how confident Eduardo looked, even as we walked into his territory. He knew he has us on the ropes. He knew we needed him, I didn't like that.Once we were seated, David started speaking about the acquisition that I was interested in, our flamboyant host cut him off almost immediately."Ah no business yet, I am a gracious host you see mi amigos." He said smiling widely, pressing a button on his intercom, he beeped his secretary. "Elizabeth dear, can you bring in some refreshments for our guests?""Mr Eduardo, it'
109I was sitting at my desk, staring at my computer screen when my phone rang. I picked it up to see Cameron's name on the caller ID."Hey Cam, what's up?" I asked."Nathan, I got some intel. Chloe has visited Eduardo," Cameron said, his voice tense."What? When?" I asked, trying to keep the surprise out of my voice."I don't know the exact yesterday, she went in with her lawyer, David. . The details of the meeting aren't clear, but it doesn't look good," Cameron said."How do you know this? Are you sure?" I pressed. Part of me still wanted it to be a lie, I still didn't want to believe Chloe was involved with the son of a bitch. Even after what she had put me through."Nathan come on, this isn't my first rodeo." Cam replied, sighing in exasperation. "I have my sources.""And how reliable are these sources of yours?""Very." He snapped back. I could tell he was losing his patience."I am sorry Cam." I apologized, I hadn't meant to antagonize him. "It's just... this is a lot on me.""
110I was sitting on the couch in my living room, trying to distract myself by watching some mindless TV after the disastrous deal with Eduardo. I just couldn't believe that I had messed up so badly. I had put everything on the line for that deal, and now it had all fallen apart. It was like my entire future was hanging in the balance.Suddenly, Addison walked in, interrupting my thoughts. "Hey, are you alright?" She asked, concern in her voice."Yeah, barely."Addison was quiet for a moment, thinking. Then she spoke up. "Chloe, maybe it's time for you to cut your losses and move on. North Carolina has been nothing but bad news for you.""Yeah," I said, smiling weakly. "You know what they say, never go back to an ex."We both shared a chuckle, the tension in the air loosening for a bit. I really needed as many laughs as I could get these days."Chloe, have you ever considered moving back to New York?" Addison asked out of the blue."What? Why would I move back to New York?" I asked,
111As I pulled up to Eduardo's sprawling estate, I couldn't help but feel a sense of dread wash over me. The last time I had seen him, he had tried to convince me to sell my shares in our joint business venture. I had refused then, but now he had new demands, and I wasn't sure if I was ready to hear them.But at this point, I really didn't care very much. I just wanted to get this over with and leave this damned state for good. Standing in front of the door and taking a few deep breaths, I promised myself to be on my absolute best behavior today. I couldn't risk antagonizing him and making the situation worse for myself.I rang the doorbell and waited nervously for someone to answer.The door finally swung open and burly looking guard in a black suit walked out. "Miss Montgomery?" He asked"Yes.""Raise your arms please, this will be brief." He replied, waving a sleek, black metal detector around me.As I raised an eyebrow inquisitively, he face an apologetic smile. "Standard proced
112As I drove my car into Chloe's neighborhood, my heart was pounding with nervousness. I was about to do something that could change everything. I had to plant a wire in Chloe's home to get the evidence I needed for Cameron, but I knew it would be risky. I had to be careful, or everything could fall apart.I parked my car outside Chloe's home and took a deep breath. I knew what I had to do, and I had to do it quickly. I walked up to the front door and rang the bell, hoping that Chloe wouldn't be home. But as the door opened, I saw Addison standing there, blocking my way."What are you doing here?" Addison asked, glaring at me."And a good morning to you too Addison." I replied, rolling my eyes."What do you want Nathan, you know you are not welcome here." She replied, ignoring my sarcasm and eyeing me with naked derision."Where is Chloe?" I asked, craning my neck to see past her."Out, on business." Addison replied, taking a step outside and shutting the door behind her. "Now what
113I sat in my car, my hands gripping the steering wheel tightly. I couldn't believe I had tried to kiss Chloe. It was completely inappropriate, and I felt like a fool. With all the drama going on around us now, I shouldn't be entertaining these kinds of thought about her, much less acting on them. And with her connections to Eduardo, I was playing with fire. I could almost see Cameron's disapproving face in my mind.As I drove home, my mind was filled with thoughts of Chloe. I couldn't deny that I was attracted to her, but I also knew that nothing could ever happen between us. When I pulled up to my house, I saw Lily's car parked in the driveway. I sighed, knowing that this was going to be a difficult night. Lily was my mistress, I reminded myself and she was heavily pregnant with my child. I knew that what I was doing was wrong, but I couldn't help the way I felt. I had to tolerate her, if not for nothing but my child's sake.I walked into my bedroom, and Lily greeted me with a sm
114As I made my grand entrance into Eduardo's ballroom, already full with the elites of North Carolina in their expensive Tuxedos and dinner gowns, I felt a sense of unease wash over me. Going for a pencil thing, knee length black gown and light make-up, I still provoked enough stares from the men. I could feel their lust weighing heavily on me, but I tried to ignore it as I scanned the room for Eduardo. He was nowhere to be found."Miss Montgomery?"Spinning around to see a bodyguard, dressed like a goon from a cheesy action movie, a cheap black suit, complete with dark glasses and an earpiece. I almost laughed at the absurdity of how he looked compared to the other guests and their thousand dollar Tuxedos."Yes?""The boss has been expecting you, he wants to meet you outside, at the garden."I nodded, feeling slightly amused by their insistence on calling Eduardo"the boss" like he was some mob boss."Please follow me." He added, showing me into the patio. At first, I couldn't find
115I slowly made my way towards her, restrained by the heavy crowd. Despite my attempts to be discreet, as though she was warned, she turned around and had me, our eyes meeting for a second. I saw the shock in her eyes turn to apprehension before she turned away hurrying up the stairs. I hurried on after her, getting to the top of the stairs and realizing she had disappeared.I walked into a passage way, hoping to find a few doors I could try but was disappointed when I was met with a row of doors on both sides of the passage. Sulking , I turned around to go back and try another route when I heard a faint whisper. It was Chloe's voice, apparently arguing with a man. Fighting of the urge to barge into the room and demand her attention, I walked back into the stair well and waited patiently for her to appear.Soon enough, I heard the door open and shut and her footsteps echoing down the hall as she approached. I allowed myself to enjoy the look of genuine surprise on her face when she