I stood struck, thinking if Jake might have seen through my disguise. My heart raced as he approached, his presence igniting a mix of anxiety and curiosity within me. Why was he here? What did he want?
“Lady B, I’m so sorry I couldn’t pick you up from the airport yesterday,” Jake said, his expression apologetic. “I got held up by something.”
Jake, actually apologizing? That’s a new record, I thought, my mind racing to process everything.
I smiled politely, playing the role of a gracious stranger.
“Thank you, Mr ???” I asked raising my eyebrow.
“Jake…” He responded scratching the back of his neck nervously.
“Ahh, that’s the name. There’s no problem, I don’t have an issue with it. Mr McLaren already promised to make it up to me, so I’m looking forward to that.”
Jake’s eyes sparkled with a hint of relief.
“Yeah, that’s my dad. He’s really persistent when it comes to things like this.”
My eyebrows rose, feigning surprise.
“Oh, McLaren is your dad? Wow, I didn’t know that. That’s really nice. He looks way too young to have a son your age.”
“Yeah, we get that a lot,” Jake nodded, seeming pleased. “He’s a great guy.”
I smiled, still trying to fathom why he’s being so friendly with me.
Then, his tone shifted, becoming more casual.
“So, how did the meeting go?”
Okay now this is weird, Ray is his father, he could just ask him about the meeting instead of coming to me..
Why is he acting so casual with me anyways?
My instincts kicked in. I could literally sense an ulterior motive behind his question. Is he trying to gauge my influence over his father?
“The finalization depends on Mr. McLaren’s decision,” I replied, choosing my words carefully, maintaining my composure.
His smile faltered for a moment, and I could see him processing my answer.
“Maybe I can convince him to partner with you,” he said, his voice laced with sincerity. Or was it?
If I should know Jake any better, I know he doesn’t do something that doesn’t benefit him
But right now, I can’t tell what he’s after? Why would he want to help me ?
He doesn’t know me. Well he does literally , but he doesn’t know lady B.
Did he genuinely want to help me, or was he simply trying to protect his family’s interests?
No matter how much I tried to think, nothing was coming fort.
“Thank you, Mr. McLaren junior,” I said jokingly, forcing a smile.
“Anytime lady B, you can count on me.”
Okay, now this is really suspicious. I nodded and smiled at him anyways.
As I walked away, I felt the weight of his gaze lingering on me. Still trying to process our little exchange.
What had he hoped to achieve? What was his plan?
Damn it, my head will probably explode from overthinking.
I was very certain he had an ulterior motive thou.
But two can play this game, instead of thinking, is better I act.
Ray wont be this successful if he could be easily fooled.
My mind shifted to the humiliation I had endured at his hands, the way he had dismissed me with a cheque.
The way he has humiliated me for the whole world to see, how they called me names.
My anger boiled beneath the surface, over the years, have seen this city as bad luck.
But why should I let them get away with all they did ?
“It’s high time I get my revenge for the humiliation they made me go through,” I muttered to myself, my eyes scanning the busy streets as I stepped out of the company.
I’ll make sure they don’t see what is coming for them. I’ll build my web so strong that they’ll get caught in it.
I had never actually thought of having my revenge before, but at this point, seeing Jake act so cocky and self-assured only reminded me that he was the genesis of my problems, him and Emma
And Raymond-this same company that he chose over me-should watch how I turn it into mine.
They won’t even see the blow coming and I’ll make sure of that.
Pulling out my phone, I dialed Juliette’s number. She was the only person who I could rely on to help me gather the information I needed.
After a few rings, she picked up.
“Juliette, I need your help,” I said, my voice low and urgent.
“What’s going on, ma’am?” Juliette asked, sounding concerned.”did something happen ?”
“Not at all. I need you to dig up everything there is to know about Raymond McLaren and his son. Including the company. Every detail, no matter how small.”
Juliette’s pause was brief.
“Consider it done. But ma’am, what’s going on? You sound… different.”
“I’ll tell you soon, Juliette. Just get me the information.”
“Alright, I’ll get to work. But be careful, ma’am. You’re playing with fire, Raymond McLaren isn’t to be trifled with.”
“I know,” I replied, my voice dripping with determination. “Don’t worry about me Juliette. I’ll make sure they don’t find out.”
They definitely won’t see this coming.
Jake’s cockiness only ignited a fire within me, reminding me of the pain and humiliation he had caused me.
“Raymond McLaren, you chose your company over me,” I whispered, my eyes narrowing. “Now, watch how I turn it into mine.”
Ray’s Pov
The connection I felt with the Lady B is on another level.
The last time I felt that kind of connection was with Nora.
Her eyes felt like one could see the world through them, the eyes said alot, it was like it was communicating with me.
All through the duration of the meeting, all I wanted was to see the face behind the hijab.
To know what she actually looks like.
“Sir you called for me ?” Clara got in interrupting me from my thoughts.
“Yes, how’s the preparation for the party going ?”
“Is going well sir, everything is being prepared as requested.”
“Good, let the shareholders know that a meeting will be held tomorrow, Lady B will be joining, and we’ll finalize the partnership aswell.”
“Alright sir I’ll do just that. Anything else ?”
“No, that’s all.” I said, and she bowed lightly leaving the office.
The rest of the day was a blur, and all I was thinking about was the Arabic looking Lady B.
The next day at the meeting, she had a green hijab on, and her eyes sparkled.
I couldn’t help but notice she had come overly prepared.
The way she spoke and moved around with class, my eyes was glued on her throughout the duration of the meeting.
“I’m really pleased with the proposal, and will like to cast my vote for Blue Enterprise to go ahead with the partnership.” One of my share holders said.
They all nodded, pleased with her idea.
The other shareholders followed suit, and soon the motion was unanimous.
“I’m pleased to announce that Blue Enterprise is willing to offer a 20% stake in the funding of the project, ensuring a strong partnership and shared success.” I said standing up to place my signature on the documents.
“I’m delighted to have your support,” she said. “Together, we’ll achieve great things.”
As the meeting concluded, I couldn’t help but feel drawn to her, I made a mental note to find out more about her, to unravel the mystery that surrounded her.
“Congratulations, Lady B, I look forward to working with you, this is to say you’ll be in Boston for the time duration.” I said walking her out of the conference room.
“I’m thrilled,” she responded without altering any other word.
I couldn’t help but notice the shift in energy between the both of us.
She was more free with me yesterday than she was today.
“Have decided to throw a little party tonight to celebrate your partnership with us, and to make up for not showing up at the airport.” I said still trying to lighten the mood.
“Wow that’s really nice, I’m honored.” She replied, however I could sense nonchalance in her tone, I couldn’t see her face completely but atleast I could sense that much.
“You can come with a plus one..” I added.
“Sure.. I’ll be on my way now.” She said, and without even waiting for a response from me she left.
I’m not one to bother about people’s emotions, but it felt like I had offended her and she’s only trying to be polite with me.
But I can’t recall doing anything that will upset or irritate her.
I waved it off and just went ahead to make inquiries regarding the progress of the party that was to be held tonight.
Soon it was time for the party and Sandra had insisted she accompany me to the party, despite having her in attendance, my attention was elsewhere.
My eyes remained fixed on the entrance, awaiting Lady B’s arrival.
The moment she stepped in, my breath caught in my throat.
She walked in wearing a stunning dinner gown in a rich, emerald green that accentuated her curves. My gaze was captivated by her elegance, unable to look away, her face was still covered with her hijab, however the little part visible was breathtaking.
Sandra noticed my distraction and whispered, “Who is she?”
“The guest of honor,” I replied, my eyes still locked on her.
She approached our table, exchanging warm greetings with Sandra and me. Sandra grasped my arm, an attempt to stake her claim.
“Hi, nice meeting you,” Sandra said, extending her free hand to Lady B. “I’m Sandra.”
“Nice meeting you, Sandra,” Lady B replied. “You can call me Lady B.”
Sandra’s curiosity got the better of her. “Is that your real name or something?” she asked, her tone laced with intrigue.
Lady B’s smile hinted at amusement. “Let’s just say it’s the name I prefer,” she replied, her voice husky.
Sandra’s eyes narrowed slightly, her smile tightening.
“Nice to meet you, Lady B,” she said, her voice dripping with sweetness. “You look stunning tonight.”
Lady B’s gaze flickered to our intertwined arms before responding.
“Thank you, Sandra. You’re lovely as well.”
I extricated my arm from Sandra’s grasp, feeling a pang of guilt.
“Lady B, can I get you a drink?” I asked, eager to break the tension.
“That would be lovely, thank you,” she replied, her eyes sparkling.
As I headed to the bar, Sandra whispered.
“What’s going on, Ray? You’re completely enamored with her.”
I shrugged.
“She’s an important business partner, Sandra. That’s all.”
Sandra’s eyes flashed with skepticism.
“Don’t play dumb with me, Ray. I’ve seen the way you look at her.”
“Look at her ? You must be mistaken.”
“I know what I saw, stop denying it.”
“I honestly don’t care about what you saw, just stop putting ideas in my head.”
I returned with Lady B’s drink, effectively ending the conversation with Sandra.
“Lady B, I must say, you’re a vision tonight,” I said, handing her the glass.
“Thank you, Mr. McLaren. You’re too kind.”
“So tell me Lady B, how are you so young yet successful ?” Sandra chipped into the conversation.
“Well, I really don’t like talking about my success story, but you just have to know it wasn’t all my doing..”
“Wow, I won’t insist then.” Sandra said, still grabbing my hand tightly.
“So tell me, you both are together ?” The question so unexpected sent a jolt through me that I quickly released my hands from Sandra grip.
“No we aren’t..” I said subconsciously shifting a bit from her.
“So she’s your mistress ?” She asked taking a sip from her drink
The question felt like a bomb was being dropped, Sandra’s face darkened immediately.