Chapter 6

Eva

The drive was a reminder of memories I didn't want to remember. Once upon a time, Viktor brought me here to introduce me to his parents. Considering that mine had practically neglected and abandoned me years before I grew up and left them, he thought he could let me spend the holidays with them.

I remembered the nerves I felt back then, followed by the absolute relief as Grace welcomed me in with open arms. Despite

He had fought over me with his father before we abruptly left the house.

“You're the only family I need.” He'd said.

I shut my eyes tightly. What a joke it was, and what a fool I was to believe him then. Anyways, the past was the past. I was here on a mission, and if he thought he was going to unnerve me by pulling this stunt, he had another thing coming.

I drove to the gate when I was stopped by a security guard.

“I'm here for Viktor Reynolds.” I told him, waiting as he turned away for a moment, likely to confirm permission. My hands tightened on the steering wheel as I waited. If he was planning on rejecting me after I came all this way, I wasn't going to take it lying down.

The security man came back moments later giving me a curt smile.

“Please come in ma'am.”

I nodded in response before driving in. The place didn't seem to have changed since the last time I saw it.

Their estate was large and sprawling, with a garden and a fountain in the center. The road to the house was straight and simple and I got to the front of the mansion in no time.

To my surprise another person was waiting as I stepped out of my car. This time it was a lady dressed in uniform that greeted me.

“This way ma'am.” she said.

I was led into the house with her guiding me through the room before stopping at a point.

“They're waiting here for you ma'am.” She bowed, gesturing to the hallway that led to an open lawn. So this was where he wanted to meet me?

Murmuring a thanks I quickly moved forward. The faster I dealt with him the faster I could stay away. As I came out I turned to search for him only to freeze.

It wasn't Viktor.

“Well, well, I was surprised when I heard your name said by the security guard.” Brienne smirked at me.

So she was the one who let me in. She looked comfortable here, sipping a glass of champagne. Beside her was a brunette with hair styled just like hers. I didn't recognize her but the way she eyed me was far from friendly.

Suddenly she turned to Brienne.

“Bri, did you bring her in? Is she your new assistant?” The girl asked with an oblivious excitement I could tell was fake.

I clenched my jaw but made no response.

“Assistant? Don't insult me like that Julienne. If I could give her any position it would be the help.” Brienne pouted before they both broke down in giggles.

It was clear to me what they were trying to do. She had called me here to humiliate me. They were trying to rile me up.

I fought the urge to roll my eyes. Was this what she had stooped to? I wouldn't lower myself to their level.

“Where’s Mr Reynolds?” I immediately snapped, making them fall silent as both women looked at me.

“You came here to see her fiance? Even after he dumped you five years ago? Talk about delusional.” Julienne giggled before looking at her again. She looked at Brienne as though asking for validation. She was playing this ruse under Brienne's orders, a simple follower.

Brienne smirked at her before turning back to me.

“If you have any news for him you can tell me. I am his fiancee after all.” Her eyebrows raised as she gave a smug expression.

I inwardly scoffed. Did she think that her gloating was going to do anything? Did she think that she was hurting my feelings?

Not at all, but she was wasting my time.

“On the contrary Miss Harrison,” I emphasized her title reminding her of her still fiancee status, as she lost her smile.

“This is a professional matter and last I checked, you have no hold in the business. I doubt you know much about it either. Now if you could tell me where your fiance is, you can sip your champagne all you want while I deal with saving your company.” I gave a smile hoping it would look as patronizing as possible.

Steam could be coming out of her with how red she looked. Satisfaction purred in me at the way her face screwed up into a snarl.

“You-”

“Eva? Is that you?”

Whatever Brienne was about to say was abruptly cut off by a completely different voice. That voice gave me instant relief. I turned around to see Grace walking towards me, surprise and happiness on her face.

I couldn't help but smile seeing her, the tension in me seeping away.

“Good day Mrs Reynolds.” I greeted politely as she moved close only to hug me.

“What are you doing here? Come, let me take you to the lobby.” She brushed my arm to gently lead me away.

“Mother-in-law.” A saccharine voice that could only belong to one person stopped us short. I turned to find Brienne looking innocent.

“It's been so long since I ate your cooking. I would love to taste it again. We're family after all.” she said with a sweet innocent smile. I could tell it was an obvious attempt to pander to her.

I looked back at Grace to find her frowning in displeasure. Surprise ran through me. She didn't like Brienne.

“Of course.” She said in a cold tone I'd never heard before before turning away.

‘Interesting.’ I thought inwardly. I kept my lips sealed as she led me away.

…

“When I talked about seeing you again, I didn't think it'd be this soon.” she chuckled, putting a cup of tea and some cookies on the table for me after speaking before picking up the teapot in an elegant motion.

“I'm here to see your son.” I said, not bothering to say Viktor's name.

She paused immediately and her brows furrowed. The confusion instantly made me alarmed.

“Viktor? He's not here. I thought he went out for work.” she said.

I clenched my.jaw as I processed it. So he'd sent me out on a wild goose chase claiming to be sick, yet he wasn't even here?

Anger boiled in me

“Do you have any idea if he'll be back anytime soon?” I asked.

“He said he'll be back, but whenever he is…” she trailed off, her face turning into a small frown. The look on her face was answer enough.

Upset coiled in my belly. I came here for nothing, wasting my precious time and energy. Thinking back to the time in the office made me grit my teeth. I wished I slapped him back then.

It meant I had no business being here. I stood up and was about to say goodbye when Grace interrupted me.

“Can you stay for a little while? At least finish the cookies before you leave?” Her voice was soft, but my heart skipped a beat as I looked into her eyes. There was panic and slight pleading. She was silently pleading for me to stay. Being in the house with her excuse for a husband, how did she feel?

“Okay.” I conceded. The smile and relief in her eyes made me feel happy as well.

“I wouldn't give up your cookies for the world.” I said.

“Oh you little tease.” She chuckled, sitting down next to me when a sudden crash came from a distance. She sat up straight, turning around in alarm and I followed her gaze.

“The servants must have messed up the store. I have to check on it.” She muttered before standing up and passing an apologetic smile.

“Just wait for a little while, I'll be back soon.” She said before she left.

Silence filled the room for a few seconds. I looked around the grand room while eating.

Goodness knew where he was. The longer this held up, the more time I would spend around him and his family. That was the last thing I wanted.

But seeing Grace made up for it. She, unlike the rest of the family, was kind and sweet to me. Even though I was here and the day started out horribly, perhaps I could salvage it…

“Look who it is.”

Or not.

My jaw clenched as I turned to the direction of the voice only to see none other than Viktor's father staring at me.