Chapter 3

The lady's fingers moved to the telephone and without hesitation, she made the call. “We’ve got a problem at the front desk,” she said, scowling in annoyance. “Some lunatic is out here claiming he’s Miss Smith's fiance.”

Lunatic? Jason did not appreciate being labeled that, however he let it slide for now.

Within seconds, someone appeared. It was the head of security, a towering man with a chest like a fortress war. Frowning, he sized Jason up, demanding, “You got an appointment? No? Then get lost.”

Without moving, or showing any sign of being fazed, Jason answered, sounding a little amused, “Yeah… no. I think I’ll stay.”

The security guard was already annoyed. Well of course, he would be annoyed, because it sounded like Jason was underestimating his authority as the head of security.

Not having any of it, he reached for Jason’s shoulder.

Surprising him, Jason caught his wrist midair and squeezed it, not too much, but just enough to make a point.

The security guard’s brows furrowed in surprise, but before he could react, Jason twisted his arm slightly, forcing him to step back.

“You don’t want to do this. Trust me,” Jason said, his tone calm, but there was a hint of warning in it.

The receptionist’s smug look disappeared when she noticed that the head of security couldn't get close to Jason. Her fingers moved over to the phone again, ready to call for backup.

However she didn't get to do that, because someone showed up.

“What is going on here?” The newcomer asked as he approached the scene. He scanned everyone, his eyes lingering on the unfamiliar man, who was Jason.

Jason didn't exactly fit in here, since he wasn't even dressed professionally or carried the air of someone who was supposed to be here. So what was his business here?

The receptionist turned toward the newcomer. Her expression was one of urgency as she pointed at Jason.

Her voice was accusatory as she said, “Sir, this guy is trespassing! He forced his way in without an appointment, and he’s refusing to leave.” she didn't stop there, she also added, “.... Oh, and also, he is claiming to be miss Smith's future husband.”

Jason ignored her, turning his attention to the man who had just arrived.

“Hi, I’m Jason. I’m here to meet Vanessa Smith.”

The newcomer, Damien Smith had heard the receptionists complain, however he paid little mind to that.

He was more interested in hearing Jason's reason for being here. He raised an eyebrow, studying Jason. There was a hint of surprise across his face.

Vanessa was his sister. And this guy claimed to be her fiance? He took in Jason's appearance. There was no hostility in his expression, just curiosity.

In truth, Damien was intrigued, because this was something he didn't see often. Sure, people would die to date Vanessa, however never has anyone ever claimed something like this.

That was bold, or maybe …he was just another delusional guy who had probably seen her once and convinced himself they were meant to be.

“I don’t believe we’ve met,” Damien said finally. “I’m Damien smith.”

“Jason Wolfe.” Jason gave a slight nod. “Any chance you could point me to Miss Smith’s office?”

At the mention of his last name, Damien finally realized who Jason was. He remembered his late grandfather mentioning someone by that last name, a man who had been of great help to their family.

Damien studied Jason for a second before he nodded. “Sure, follow me.” Without another word, he turned and led Jason away.

Nora watched their exchange. There was so much respect in Damien's eyes as he spoke to Jason, and it made her stomach turn.

She had just treated Jason like a trespasser, and had even called him a lunatic. But Damien, the boss’s own brother, was leading him away like an honored guest? Who the hell was this guy?

Realizing this too, the head of security was panicking deep down. He let out a slow breath, turning to her. “Nora… what did you do?”

“How was I supposed to know he actually knew the boss?” she whispered.

The guard wasn’t convinced. His eyes snapped back toward the hallway where Damien and Jason had disappeared. He shifted uncomfortably. “I swear, if I lose my job over this….”

Nora barely heard him. Her mind thought back to the way she’d spoken to Jason. She was so rude and disrespectful towards him. If he really was someone important… had she just screwed herself over?

Jason was led through the hallway by Damien.

Meanwhile Vanessa was in her office.

Standing by the floor-to-ceiling windows of her office, she stared into the distance, lost in thought.

She exhaled, then placed her palm with her forehead. “This is a mess.” She muttered to herself, turning away from the view.

She crossed the room, walking to her desk.

Grabbing a glass of water, she took a sip savoring the taste. But it did nothing to ease her worries.

She was troubled. The family business was in serious financial trouble, and she had no idea how to fix it.

No one in the family did, even her father, the current CEO, didn't know how to fix it.

With the direction things were taking, it wouldn't be long until they would have to file for bankruptcy.

Their options were limited. Taking out a loan was nearly impossible, because the banks had already denied them. Selling shares was another way the family had come up with to save the company, but that came with its own set of risks.

Hearing a knock, Vanessa's gaze shot to the door.

“Come in.” she said, sitting down on the luxurious leather seat, composing herself as she waited for someone to come in.

She had a meeting with the general manager of Titan Dynamics, one of the most prominent companies in the city, and she was hoping that was him knocking.

The door opened. To Vanessa's disappointment, it was not the general manager of Titan Dynamics she had been expecting.

Instead, a man she had never seen before stepped inside. He was tall, lean, and dressed in dark clothing.

To sum it up he looked a little suspicious in her eyes. What was someone like him doing in her office? Forget that, how did he get past security?

Nothing about his attire screamed wealth or status, yet he carried himself with an air of confidence that felt almost out of place.

Confused and alarmed, Vanessa furrowed her brows. "Who are you?" She asked.