Merina MacGregor is doing some corporate espionage into O’Keefe Industries for MacGregor Industries, as Summer O’Neil, the personal assistant to Conner O’Keefe. Conner’s investigating a corporate saboteur. His father claims he’ll need Summer's help and Gabriella Mandela as his girlfriend. She's the daughter of a prospective partner. He doesn’t want either in his life. If the saboteur remains undiscovered, the Mandela family will assume control of O’Keefe Industries and MacGregor Industries will fall. Gabriella will do anything for her family. Including marrying Conner. She’s not fooled, something's wrong with Summer O’Neil. Conner knows he wants Summer in many unusual ways. The O’Keefe and MacGregor families were once inseparable until it ended. Conner and Merina were engaged and ready to unite their families. In their teens, the friendships ended, and the MacGregors whisked Merina off to boarding school. Merina’s back and expected a place within MacGregor Industries. Her father denies her a position. Merina learns MacGregor Industries is under attack and failing. Her father’s convinced it’s his archenemy and ex-friend. He believes in the O’Keefe family’s guilt. Merina isn’t sure. She strikes a deal with her father. She’ll prove the O’Keefe family isn’t guilty. If she finds the saboteur, he’ll give her a position within MacGregor Industries. Now undercover as Summer O’Neil, it grates Merina’s hide. Conner doesn’t recognize her. When will someone else recognize her? How much trouble will she be in? Can Summer help Conner find the saboteur? Is the same person attacking both companies? What will Conner do if he discovers Summer’s identity? Will the families’ secret pull them apart? Will they bring the two families together? How many ways does Conner want Summer?
View MoreMerina MacGregor, now going by the name Summer McNeil, sat eating lunch with her friend, Ana Davies. They knew each other from boarding school. Since then, they’d confided everything in each other. Summer glared at her food as she stabbed her salad. She brushed her short, dark hair away from her cheek. “I don’t recognize him anymore. He’s not the guy I remember. He’s a complete asshat for a boss. It’s been a week, and he’s a slave driver.”
“We’re talking Conner O’Keefe?” Ana asked. She set her fork down and watched Summer with a look of concern over her dark-rimmed glasses. Summer teased her about looking like the young librarian all the boys at school would chase. Ana didn’t see what Summer saw.
“Well, it’s not his father. His father calls to change what Conner has ordered. Then I must remind him to take it up with Conner. Because he hired me to work for Conner. I don’t feel right getting in their problems. Add to that, Conner hasn’t recognized me.” Summer tried to eat as she caught up with her red-haired friend on her time at O’Keefe Industries. They sat whispering to each other in a quiet restaurant, away from other patrons. Summer couldn’t afford anyone from O’Keefe Industries overhearing her conversation with Ana. Both women sat in the pleasant restaurant in corporate attire. Summer found it difficult to dress nondescript every day and not wear something too expensive for her personal assistant position. It became more difficult when Conner insisted she must attend formal work functions with him. He wasn’t paying for her evening clothes, and she struggled to keep her budget within her salary, which wasn’t simple since she wouldn’t see her first paycheck for weeks.
“It’s good, right? Merina. I mean Summer. It’ll take time to adapt, unfortunately. Don’t glare at me, girl, it’s only been a week.” Ana knew her as Merina during boarding school. They were home again. Both women were trying to establish themselves. When Summer first told Ana about her father’s demands. Ana thought Summer or her father, Andre MacGregor, was joking. Ana hadn’t stopped showing concern for Summer’s safety and the possibility of her arrest. Which would happen if Conner discovered Summer’s identity.
“Yes, you’re aware I can’t afford someone overhearing that mistake. They could have me arrested for corporate espionage and using a false identity. Please be careful.” Summer whispered this. She hid her mouth from everyone behind with her hand. Summer acted like she hid a mouth full of food while she spoke. This restaurant emphasized manners and privilege along with excellent food. In her position, as Conner O’Neil’s personal assistant, Summer wouldn’t eat at this restaurant because she couldn’t afford to eat there, and Ana would not be a friend of hers. They wouldn’t mingle in the same circles or meet. As a personal assistant, Summer wouldn’t make enough money to live the lifestyle needed to eat there.
“I don’t understand why your father insisted on you proving your worth. Whose father does that? It’s like he’s trying to get rid of you without killing you. It’s rude if you ask me.” Ana had a keen sense of fairness.
What Summer’s father insisted she do was so far from legal. Ana had called his decision an abuse of his power. He was using Summer to avoid the prosecution himself for spying. By forcing her to take the risk and blame if someone caught her. Summer agreed with Ana. If Summer wanted to take her place within the family’s business. She must prove to her father she’d go above and beyond to protect MacGregor Industries, a direct competitor and family enemy of the O’Keefe family.
“My father’s too desperate to stop what’s going on. We’re losing money every day to corporate sabotage. I warned him I couldn’t find any evidence. I don’t see Conner as the dishonorable type. But I’m questioning that belief now after I’ve seen how Conner’s changed. But the report which crossed my desk this morning.” Summer shook her head, remembering the report. “It detailed how O’Keefe Industries has suffered from similar attacks. I’m more confused about who’s attacking both companies. The attacks appear identical, as if they’re using the same plan for both companies.” Someone needed to discover the guilty party, despite Summer’s hatred. It fell on Summer because her father wouldn’t listen to reason in how he hated Conner’s father. At one time, their fathers and families were inseparable. For an unknown reason, the two families separated. Following that, they became rivals in all aspects.
“Well, if that’s the case, you can use that knowledge to your advantage. Tell your father and Conner, I’m sure they can use it to find out who the real criminal is.”
Ana wished for Summer to leave her current position and pass it onto the men who created it. Let them bear the repercussions. Yet, Summer understood she would bear the blame and potential legal consequences. All so she could secure a position within her family’s business.
“Ana, they will never cooperate again. I know this for a fact. My father won’t believe me, and he’s insisting I find something that points toward Conner or his father’s guilt.” Summer said. She shook her head even as she shoveled another forkful of salad into her mouth.
“What are you going to do?” Ana had run out of suggestions to give Summer. Even though Summer didn’t ask for help to solve her problems. She’d gotten into this, and she’d get out of it with success in solving everyone’s problem. She’d have a place secured in her family business, too. Even if, she could never get back her friendship with the gorgeous Conner O’Keefe.
“I don’t know. I cannot fabricate a falsehood. Everything will worsen and guilty people may escape justice. His father tasked Conner with finding the guilty party by his father. I’ll stay to learn what Conner discovers, then I’ll return to my father with a name to confront them. I just hope it’ll be in time to save both businesses.” Conner was the son of her father’s ex-friend and, at one point, both families expected them to marry and blend the two families into one. Until they ended their longstanding friendship.
“That’s a tall order, Summer. But I also know you. You have intelligence and a wide range of capabilities. You transformed a bunch of spoiled haters into devoted friends. Just handle him the same way. What’s on your agenda this afternoon? Ana shifted in her chair. Unlike Summer, Ana’s body was curvy and considered plus sized for her short stature. She had problems sitting at most tables and often complained about feeling like she’d never grown out of her childhood body. Summer always reminded her she’d not needed a bra back then. Which made Ana snort with derision.
“Conner will make changes. We know it. I’m stuck trying to avoid any recognition. He’s insisted that I attend another social event this evening. Which gets me back to why I asked you to lunch. I’m sorry, if he doesn’t change his mind, I’ll miss another girl’s night out.” He surpassed the women Summer knew in his indecisiveness, expecting everyone to adapt. It annoyed her to the point she wanted to scream. But she’d bite her tongue and do her best. She half expected to find out he deliberately did it to annoy her into quitting her new job.
“You’ve not attended a girl’s nights since we’ve returned. It’s because of Conner or your father. When will you have your own life?” Offended by the men around Summer.
“Your guess is as good as mine. I haven’t got a clue. I feel like a candle they’re burning from both ends.” Summer didn’t look any happier about it than Ana.
“Not worth it. If people found out about your father’s involvement, they’d condemn him. Just retrieve the proof and leave. What if Conner remembers who you are and assumes you’re guilty of the sabotage? I doubt the courts would blame your father. They’ll see you as the guilty party and you’ll go to jail.” Ana hated how Summer took all the risks and never resisted. She gave Summer the reminder.
“I’m sure Mr. O’Keefe Senior will assume I’m the criminal. I don’t think I’ve seen him happy about anything since I arrived there for my interview.” Summer nodded to Ana with her agreement. There wasn’t anyone willing to see reason or help her if she got into trouble.
“Yes, I remember you saying you couldn’t work for him. Then you panicked when you found out you were working for Conner. It didn’t become better when he did not recognize you. I still say you look unrecognizable in that wig. Short, dark hair changes your look,” Ana said. She admired Summer for how versatile her appearance was.
“Damn it. My time lunch is ending. I must get back to the office before Conner reprimanded me. I’ll call tomorrow. We can talk more. You can fill me in on what I missed. The alarm on Summer’s phone went off, and she flipped it over. She stopped eating and wiped her mouth with the napkin from her lap.
“You better call or I’ll be calling you to learn everything I can. You’re better than anything that’s on television right now.” Threatened Summer in a friendly manner as she wagged a finger at her.
“Please keep this to yourself. The fewer people are aware, the safer I’ll be,” Summer expressed. Her words begged her friend.
“I agree. Love you, babes. Take care. I’ll handle the bill when I leave.” She stayed seated while Summer stood.
“I’ll get the next lunch.” Summer said. She promised this and she would.
“Of course you will. Later.” Ana gave her a half wave and smile as Summer left the table for the restaurant’s exit.
[SIX MONTHS LATER] The family piled out of the limousine. Baby seats and gear carried by a happy Conner, Ian, and Andre. Merina noticed her father wave at a man in a wheelchair who was being pushed by a female attendant. That was Ana’s father. He appeared to be headed into the house from somewhere in the garden. Today was Ana’s wedding and the hive of action revealed how close the ceremony was to take place. Merina and Conner had to hurry to get ready. The two grandfathers were taking care of their two little bundles, which worried Merina a little. Merina caught sight of their fathers showing off the babies to everyone who showed any remote interest. With that, the wedding planner whisked her and Conner off for the final preparations. Hair, makeup, dress, champagne, photographs became a whirlwind of excitement and activity. Security was exceptional, with news of Jeff’s wedding and news leaking about his new album. “It’s a perfect day for your weddin
[SIX MONTHS LATER] “That goes into the front living room by the main table. Please place gifts at the entrance. There’s a table for them there. Until it’s time to open them and then, while we are in the dining room having lunch, you’ll bring them into the front living room. Oh, I must go, the special guests have arrived.” Joyce said to her housekeeper as her staff rushed through her home, performing the last-minute preparations for the party. Many guests were here already and gathered in the front living room. Joyce, Merina, and Ana were all surprised to receive acceptance responses from RSVPs for their invitations. Instead of rejections or being ignored all together. Merina avoided the public eye as much as she could for the long months that the arrests and crimes made news. She didn’t want to deal with the media and the questions. Joyce could understand for Merina it’s far more complicated. She could only imagine an interview being like walking th
Jeff wanted to celebrate. His plans were going as expected. Ana agreed to marry him. He wanted everything perfect. Later that week after the party, Merina held her housewarming for their condo rebuild. Despite Merina being a wreck, it went off without a hitch. He’d learned from Conner that they’d confirmed that afternoon that Merina was pregnant. However, they didn’t know how far along she was yet. They’d have those results in a few days. He showed Ana around his home, pointing out the details he had overlooked before because of other priorities. She’d returned to the house and come prepared not to feel impressed about what he showed her. This house stood for their future and his first step towards stability in life, which Ana came to accept. “I don’t understand. If you record your album at the studio at the production studio, why do you need this room here?” “I don’t write in the studio. I don’t enjoy writing with background noise as it
Doctor Sutton arrived in less than an hour after his father called. Their fathers sat in the living room, refusing to leave until they learned what Merina had. They’d made a bet that she might be pregnant. Conner admitted they weren’t doing anything to his knowledge to prevent the pregnancy. But with all the stress and anxiety, she could have worn her immune system down and caught something. He didn’t remember her avoiding food or being ill. But Andre claimed her mother didn’t have morning sickness, so that changed nothing for him on what the cause of her illness could stem from. “Conner, I thought I said not to bother the doctor about this? If I still feel like this tomorrow, I’d make an appointment.” Merina said. Her voice appeared groggy and disgruntled to everyone. “It’s alright Mrs. O’Keefe. It’s better safe than sorry. I’m Doctor Sutton and I’m well paid for nights like this. It’s fine. Do you have any idea why you feel well? What
For the first time, Merina stepped inside the condo. He’d found an experienced designer to remodel it into a fashionable, spacious home for their needs. She moved through it. The movers had already done their job. She had only her business things needed to move in, and she had a company licenced to do that coming in later that day to set up her office. They didn’t keep a physical office because they ran on word of mouth. That meant they could work wherever their secure files were. Now she walked through the top floor of O’Keefe Industries Office building where Conner set himself up with his condo a decade ago. He liked the ease of commuting, and they were downtown with a private elevator. Staff wouldn’t be knocking on their door at all hours. The chef and housekeeper were present as day staff. They’d leave after they served dinner most nights. They had space to grow and entertain. But Conner insisted this would be their home until they had children.
Medina observed men with their differences in appearance and demeanor. “It’s like they’ve left all serious business at the door.” They’d seen Conner drop an ice cube into Dan’s lap and then they were wrestling. Jeff proposed to Ana in an unusual manner, but she still had to respond. The position he put her in. Merina was like Ana. She didn’t know how she’d respond. Conner gave her a choice that wasn’t a choice. “So, you won’t punish me or give me grief for working? You won’t belittle me in front of other people for having goals in life that don’t include what you want?” Ana asked. Her questions revolved around how he’d treated her and how he wouldn’t do it again. “That’s right. I promise there won’t be any extra details.” Jeff said to Ana. He aimed to calm her thoughts, enabling them to move forward, and for her to feel at ease enough to agree.“What about your photos with other women?” Will they end too?” Ana hated seeing those photo
Merina sat eating dinner with everyone. They ate in a more relaxed setting. They forgo the dining table for the living room. Staff disappeared, leaving Merina unsure as everyone began eating. Conner had something planned. She knew he must. That was Conner. Conner had reasons for his actions, often known only to him. It didn’t take long for Merina to notice Ana’s change in mood and her disposition changed toward Jeff. He’d worked some kind of magic on her. Merina heard something, unable to distinguish between Ana’s joyful cries and Joyce’s sounds. Conner held her back, saying they’d have fun later with everyone. Two of his friends came without lovers. When she asked how this worked. Conner said they enjoyed watching and acting as coaches. He claimed it gave an impartial opinion on how to become more creative. He offered to call someone in to show her how it worked. But Merina couldn’t see herself as the hostess getting off and ignoring her guests. Th
Jeff smirked as he followed Ana into the guest room. “What are you doing?” Ana said. Her tone demanded an answer as her eyes flashed with fury. “They told me to use this room. It’s not like we haven’t seen each other naked before. Live a little Ana.” Jeff caught Ana’s arm as she tried to leave. “Hey, you don’t want your friend and host to feel horrible, do you? We’re all adults here.” “Some more than others it seems.” Ana pulled her arm from his hand, but he didn’t step back. Jeff let his height give him the advantage. “It’s time to stop this, Ana. Sometimes I forget to drop the persona because people prefer it over the real me.” “I’ve always kept that I didn’t care for the persona or the job. You never got it, did you? I wasn’t dating you for others to see me with you. I didn’t see you for your money or your capabilities. Yet, you tell me you believe I’m lying to you. Fine, I have lied to you about two things. But only two t
Ana watched the men come toward them. A worried woman trailed behind men ready for battle. “Ana, we need to talk.” Jeff said. “You need to hear me out.” He looked stern and foreboding when he said that. Joyce came around the men and tried to avoid notice or interrupting the drama. “Nice romantic setting. It’s a pity we can’t distract the gaggle of ganders behind him. They don’t need to see this.” Merina nodded, where she stood off to the side in Ana’s peripheral vision. “We didn’t plan this, but it’s like an Edwardian romance scene. This’ll become lost on them. I believe. They won’t see the chance to use it to their advantage.” She said, her voice was low to not interrupted Ana’s words. “Sad, I agree with you. It could have become a fond memory.” “Jeff, I don’t need that. You’ve made it clear that I filled gaps in your life, but there weren’t many. But heaven forbid that my time doesn’t align your schedule. Then I
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