Chapter 4

A big misunderstanding

The conference room was silent immediately. I shouted.

“Trent, you can't have that; it could be poisoned,” I said and ran towards him, slapping the cup away from his hands.

“What is she doing? Everyone whispered to themselves.

“Lena, what is this you're doing? Trent got up from his seat and looked at me with a flustered face.

“I'm sorry, but you can't have the wine, sir. It's poisoned,” I said.

“What are you saying? How can it be poisoned? He replied to me, this time with a glare in his eyes.

I was panting softly and looked around to search for Mr. Donovan. He was nowhere to be found.

“Lena, I'm talking to you. Trent's strong voice brought me back, and I faced him.“ It's Mr. Donovan; I saw him this morning. He was talking to a strange man, and they exchanged something. I'm sure he—

“What the heck are you talking about, Lena? Trent blurted out, frustration evident in his voice. How can a drink I served myself be poisoned? Are you being delusional?

I just stood there in awe. What? Did he serve himself? Who was Mr. Donovan giving orders to then?

“I apologize; I thought you were targeted, and so I wanted to help," I said, shaking at the turn of events. I had everything misunderstood, and no amount of excuses could defend my reasons.

“I need you out of my sight, he commanded coldly. He then turned to Sasha. “Get this incompetent fool out of here and make sure she never works here again.

"Yes, sir, Sasha responded and dragged me along with her. The meeting continued, and all that happened after was like a maze. Sasha reeled endless naggings and scoldings at me like she would never end. Other employees jeered at me, and no one was on my side.

Trent's meeting ended, and it looked like he sealed off the deal. He walked past me into his office, and I followed.

Trent stood across the room, his presence commanding attention, tall and imposing, his jaw set in a steely resolve. His dark eyes held a mixture of anger and disgust, and he dialed the intercom he had placed beside him.

He aggressively slammed the file with him on his table, and I struggled to keep my focus on why I came to see him.

"I'm in no position to say this, but I apologize for what happened during the meeting, I was trying to protect you," I said, my voice failing me.

"I would rather not have you speak," he replied curtly, continuing to work and ignoring me. "Leave!" he commanded, reaching for his suit jacket placed on an armchair.

He put the jacket over his shoulder and walked towards me, looking me in the eye. “Did I ruin the deal?" I asked tentatively, my voice laced with fear.

"Can't you see that?" Trent blurted out, frustration evident in his gestures as he swept his hands across his hair and slammed his fists on his table.

"If this is about Mr. Donovan, I apologize. I shouldn't have suspected him,” I said.

"You think it's about that? You almost ruined a deal I had planned for months now. This is why I was against employing a rich spoilt brat like you," he said unapologetically.

"What!" I stared at him, my face laced with disbelief.

Trent didn't care about my reaction. "Now I know why people like you won't last long in this game. You just don't know when to quit," he continued callously.

Suddenly, I felt like I was knocked off my feet. “Excuse me?" I retorted fiercely. What are you talking about?

“You know exactly what this means, Lenore Reed," he said, and I stood shocked. He knew who I was. Why didn't he say anything beforehand?

“I want you out of my office!" he spat before storming out of the room, his feet clattering against the floor as he slammed the door angrily behind him.

My body froze, and I stood still. He knew who I was despite my efforts. That explains all his comments about how he hated being around a rich, spoilt kid.

I squared my shoulders high and walked out of Trent's office. He could try his best, but I won't let him see me as my father's underling. I just have to make him forgive me for today's mistake. I thought and made my way out, only to be stopped by Mr. Donovan.

“That wasn't a smart move, Lenore Reed," Mr. Donovan said and laughed.

“I have no idea what you're talking about, sir," I replied to him, matching his tone.

“Quit acting all innocent, Lenore. I know you followed me this morning; what did you see? Mr. Donovan asked, and this time his expression was serious and harsh.

I staggered back and tried to keep my balance. Does he know I saw him with the strange man? “I saw nothing; I saw a figure that looked like yours and wanted to confirm if it was yours. Nothing more,” I said.

“Then explain what about in the conference room. Why do you think I poisoned your boss? Mr. Donovan growled back at me and pressed his body further.

“Well, I stammered and clicked my tongue. What do I say or how do I explain to him? It's complicated, I said, trying to find my breath.

"Oh, my little Lenore, you should be very careful." Mr. Donovan muttered in a low voice and used his hand to brush the strand of hair on my face aside.

You shouldn't venture into something you cannot handle, he said and clinked his tongue. I got out of his grip and stayed far away from me. He let out a smile and patted me on the shoulder before he walked away.

I let out a deep sigh. Dealing with Mr. Donovan isn't always an easy feat, and it's always been that way since I was young. I turned to leave and resumed my duties, and Mr. Donovan called out to me. “Be careful or you'll end up like your mother….