Chapter 3

Thane's pov 

" It would be unwise to reject this offer. " Paul advised.  

I lean back into my leather seat and read the message from my computer 

"Auraspire Energy, a subsidiary of Campbell's Technologies, proposes a comprehensive collaboration to integrate our renewable energy solutions with Renihardt's Infrastructure's expertise.

Our partnership aims to establish Seattle as a global model for sustainable urban development, enhancing the city's eco-friendliness, and quality of life...'"

  The proposal is good. Normally, I would be reluctant to partner with a new company, but seeing as this one is an extension of the renowned Campbell's technologies, I'm assured they're liquid enough to collaborate. My earlier skepticism morphed into fascination. This collaboration could catapult Renihardt's Infrastructure to the forefront of sustainable development. 

" Our partnership will change the game. And Ms Campbell you've made a compelling case. I look forward to seeing you ." I type and send via email. 

" Schedule a meeting with Ms Campbell," I instruct Paul. " We'll finalize the details tomorrow."

He nods.

" Alright, Paul. I have to be gone for now. " 

Standing up, I adjust my Navy Blue Ralph Lauren luxury suit. Ever since Melissa moved in with me, which is about a year ago, she's made sure that I dress in expensive tailored suits to work and while I love to look good, I can't help but cringe over spending four to five figures on a suit I won't wear more than twice!

Melissa's worth it, she's important to me. If wearing expensive suits makes her happy, then so be it. Melissa and I got back together after my divorce; you see, Melissa is my college girlfriend, and we had to break up when my father insisted I marry Andera. So when Andera left my life, Melissa came back.

I smile wryly as I step into my Bentley SUV. We're both meeting with our wedding planner today. Two months ago, my mother and Imogen had talked me into settling down. 

It's only right that I marry Melissa; we've known each other long enough, and I want a family of my own, too. 

  The driver parks in front of the building. 

Melissa's already outside, with a scowl on her face. She's wearing a pink strapless gown on black heels. Her hair is pulled into a tight bun; her face, heavy with makeup.

Her scowl deepens as I walk towards her, and I mentally roll my eyes; she can be a little extra at times, like now, she's dressed like she's going for a modeling show when we're here to see wedding planners.

" You're late. " She grumbled

"Yeah, well I had something important to take care of at the office. " 

" More important than me? " She bats her long eyelashes.

I ignore her question and walk ahead of her, not wanting an argument 

" Sometimes, you act as if you don't care about me. If you don't want me, just say it and I'll pack my things and hop on the next flight back to London. " She bawled.

Oh not this, not again! 

Before I can answer her, the wedding planner walks up to us

" Oh hello there, I believe you're to be meeting with me." She says

I smile tightly as I shake the woman, grateful for the distraction.

An hour later Melissa is screaming and shouting all over the office.

" This is nonsense! Arrant nonsense. I said I wanted the grandest, the most spectacular wedding in all of Washington DC. A wedding that would leave people talking for months. And you dare give me substandard plans. Do we look like we can't afford to throw the wedding of the year?! Do we look poor to you? I thought people said you were the best wedding planner in Seattle?" 

She bangs her hand on the desk. The lady's mouth is open in shock at Melissa's tantrum while I'm boiling within me, struggling to contain my annoyance.

" Thane, aren't you going to say anything about this thrash she's giving us? " She asks me softly as if just realizing my presence. I swallow hard again, forcing myself to remain calm.

" I'm highly sorry for the embarrassment, I'll get back to you soonest. " I apologize.

The lady nods. 

 I stand up, and without looking at Melissa, I storm out of the building. 

" Drive me home. " I tell my driver once I'm back in the car, she can find her way home herself once she comes to her senses.

---

" Ms Campbell will arrive soon for the meeting. Are all protocols in check? " I ask my PA

" Yes sir. The conference room is prepared, documents are ready, and security has been notified. We're good to go. " Paul answers enthusiastically.

" Good. " I adjust my cufflinks. The words are barely out of my mouth when I get notified. They just entered the company. 

" Escort Ms Campbell and her team to the conference room. " I instruct Paul and head to the meeting room myself.

I take a deep breath to prepare myself for the meeting. I can hear footsteps making their way. 

 Paul is walking towards the door, leading the rest behind him. There's a look on his face I can't quite decipher.

 Ms Campbell walks behind him, and my eyes instantly glue on her. I was expecting an older woman, not some hot shot. She's wearing dark shades. Her stride is confident and feminine. I have to drag my eyes from the rhythmic sway of her hips. Her auburn hair flows in effortless waves over her shoulders, and she's wearing a cream-colored blazer and pencil skirt that brings out her elegance. Stunning, absolutely captivating she is, and that's a fact, but there's something about her that seems.....familiar.....strange.

They all walk in.

With one fluid move, she flicks her hair away from her face and takes her shade off. My heart momentarily stops functioning as I realize who's standing before me. Her hazel eyes are locked with mine. Eyes that have inhabited my dreams for half a decade. My mouth dries up at once. A small delicate hand stretches toward me

" Mr Renihardt. " She croons. 

" Andrea? " My voice is barely a whisper, I'm still trying to process the reality of her standing in front of me. Her expression turns stern 

" I would prefer you call me Ms Campbell. "  

 Every brain cell responsible for my senses snaps.

Is this some kind of stunt?

" What the fuck, Andrea?! "