~ MARIA BELGRAVE ~ We entered the law firm’s deserted lobby. Mr. Edwards stood waiting. We exchanged amused looks as we walked by him to the elevators. He didn’t recognize me. I’d met Mr. Edwards before I’d changed my appearance. Brown hair became the blonde David knew. Which became Revenge Red last night when I’d cut and dyed it. “Okay, confront or call him? I’m surprised he’s here and not upstairs.” “Call. I’m evil I’ll enjoy his honest reaction.” Josy said. He answered. “Mr. Allen Edwards.” “Sir, This is Maria Belgrave. Are you waiting for me? Or should I go upstairs for our appointment?” I wanted the call to sound like I was being discreet not rude. “Ms. Belgrave. How I missed your arrival?” “I’d prefer not to advertise my arrival sir. May we meet by the elevators.” “You are?” I hid my smile at his confusion. We had to walk by him. “Of course, I’ll meet you now.” Mr. Edwards hurried to the elevator
We entered the conference room, and the two representatives for Ms. Belgrave were there, as Mr. Edwards warned us. They had all the signed documents and her voting power. I’m furious. She should be here. I’d heard an earful this morning when I picked up Sabrina and Jacqueline. The ten-minute ride here had me in a mood. I expected a fat, homely looking, sad, meek woman waiting. “Where’s your boss? Why won’t she show her face?” Jacqueline asked a blonde woman. They were sharp demands, not questions. The pretty blonde in the blue suit looked up from her seat, cocked an eyebrow. I watched the back of her coworker stiffen at the coffee machine. “Good morning. Ms. Belgrave has responsibilities. She’ll return when she can. She sends her condolences, Mrs. Vines-Belgrave.” Sugar wouldn’t melt on her tongue. Executed with skill. “Since you’re making coffee. Make mine black with three sugars.” I thought nothing of it as I went to take my seat. She’
~ MARIA BELGRAVE ~ David lost it then and grabbed my arm, leaned toward me. “Ms. Bell. What the hell?” Oh, he’s lost it. “Let’s step out. We’re discussing this now.” “I’m sorry. Why would we need that, Mr. Hargrove?” I looked at Sabrina for help. It felt awkward. He’s her fiancée, after all. Control him. “Stay here Sabrina, it’s business, and not your concern.” She and Jacqueline paused at David’s commanding tones. Useless. “Mr. Edwards, we need a few minutes.” David pulled me with him to an unused room. It happened so fast. I hope no one noticed me wave Josy off. This confrontation was bound to happen. It’s better now. I need clarity on our going forward. Can I keep up this charade? He said nothing. Bloody bastard locked the door and backed me against it as he molded his hard frame against me. Damn, he must be ready to cum in his pants. I can feel his cock straining through his tailored dress pants. D
~ MARIA BELGRAVE ~ It took me several minutes to persuade David to return to the meeting. Jacqueline caused a scene when we were away, but David handled it. “You won’t be staying once we get down business Jacqueline and nor will Sabrina. There’s no point. Without a voting share, you lack influence in business decisions. Your concern is the funeral arrangements for your husband. Ensure it goes according to plan. We can’t afford a public black eye. Mr. Colins’ departure is the reason for this. Prioritize the funeral and make the media forget his mess. We need them to see this hasn’t harmed the project. Do you expect Ms. Belgrave to do all the work while you benefit from her efforts? If you don’t help Jacqueline, nothing will remain for anyone, even yourself. Understand? You and Sabrina might as well pack your bags and leave if you don’t do your part.” David didn’t mince his words with her. I didn’t expect him to say this. Jacqueline didn’t either, because of her
~ MARIA BELGRAVE ~ “Luke Petyr. Hi Maria Bell, remember. How are you? It’s been a while. What’ve you been doing?” I stood up, surprised and thankful, David wasn’t there to hear Luke. I changed schools and graduated. Before using the name Maria Bell. My certification is under Belgrave, not Bell. Since I took a few in-person classes, I have had few friends among my classmates. I graduated with them. But I finished my classes through the internet rather than the classroom. “You disappeared.” He leaned in too close, and his words were a snarl only I heard. A shiver ran through me, at the threatening promise in his voice. “Now you surface, are you connected to the Belgrave family?” I frowned at him. “Think about that. Why would I use Bell if I was?” It wasn’t his business. “After the stories and you refused to explain at graduation. I’m glad you’re well. I’m on the seventeenth floor working as an analyst. Oh, and I’m married to Kelly. She’s o
~ MARIA BELGRAVE ~ “Did you take it? Is that where this card came from?” David tried to snatch the debit card from my hand. Damn it. This card wasn’t a company card. It’s the card my mother’s inheritance is on. I don’t know if I could get a replacement for it if I lost it. So, I snatched my hand and the card away from him to protect it. After all, it’s all I have from my mother, other than my looks. “David, I didn’t take your father’s money. This is my money, and I had it before I met you. I questioned if I could use it then. There’s no way he’d believe me and I’m not in the right mood to explain every detail to him. I couldn’t get my food to my mouth. “Where did it come from? A previous lover? Why didn’t you inform me if there was an issue? I would have helped you clear it up.” His anger seemed laced with jealousy, but I know that doesn’t track. He often reminded me that this was not an emotional affair. I shouldn’t allow my emotions to become invo
~ MARIA BELGRAVE~ “I know that’s why I said no. Don’t worry that won’t be happening. Now, I must deal with the board after my father insisted on making David an advisor. The board must hate that David has access to the company’s secrets. If they find out I’m connected to him this entire time; I’ll never gain their confidence. Add in I’ve no access to his company like he has mine. They must be glad Sabrina has no connection to the company.” I had to show the board that he wasn’t taking or stealing from the company. I leaned against the sink counter. There must be a way. “Maria, that’s senseless. Why would your father have him advise you but marry Sabrina. It would make more sense if you married him, and he advised you. You know a power couple. You don’t think it’s Jacqueline screwing up your father’s wishes?” Her logic was overwhelming, but I avoided pondering it. We had to go into the meeting and speak to Mr. Skylar. I never met him, unsure of his demeanor.
~ DAVID HARGROVE ~ Jake sauntered over and sat down. By his grinning face, I knew he had an interesting story. “Well? What've you got?” “I’m certain they’re not telling us the entire truth. Oh, and when you check your mail, you’ll find my report on what you wanted. I apologize I had to reach out to someone, which caused a delay.” “That’s fine. Now, what happened. They warned me, we’re in for something unpleasant. Fill me in.” “She’s not the boss. That I’m sure of. As soon as I had her separated from Maria, Josy became a different person. Maria's apparently the leader. If I compared them to us. Josy sits where I am, and Maria would take your position.” “Interesting, it would fit with things I've witnessed this morning. But why?” “Why would we switch places? You tell me. Sometimes it’s easier to get the lay of the land if you’re in the trenches.” “Fine. They have their little deception going on. But for