Chapter 18
Adrian
Six years ago, Joshua designed this company’s software for them as one of his first jobs and he signed a contract stating he would be the one to upgrade the systems. Back then signing a contract for future work sounded like a smart choice.
Little did he know that he would own a multimillion-dollar company today and that this job would be a massive pain in the ass.
It has been on our diary for six months, but I couldn’t get Joshua to come to Australia after the Natasha debacle.
Now we are here for his grandmother and it seems
like a good time to cross it off the list. It should take about six to eight weeks if all goes to plan. I start to go through my emails and my phone rings. I look at the screen and the name lights up.
Nicholas Anastas
Shit, what does he want? I haven’t heard from him in six months, since I last avoided his calls. I stare at the ringing phone on my desk for a moment, I frown and press decline. I keep reading my emails as I scratch my head in frustration. I open one from Frank which reads:
Hi Murph
This was in the company email inbox from a Mrs. Jones. Not sure what to make of it but I thought I should forward it on to you. The attachment is very interesting!
Keep me posted.
Frank
Frank is one of my PAs in LA. I have three.
He liaises with the public and social network platforms and then filters anything onto me that I need to address.
The workload is just too great for me to handle alone and Joshua wants nothing to do with it.
He has no desire to be the successful millionaire or dominate the world, but his brain has ensured that he does it effortlessly anyway.
I deal with the staff, the clients, the workload and Joshua takes care of the tech side of things.
He doesn’t mix with the clients or make friendships outside of his close circle.
It works well between us, that is except when he breaks up with his girlfriend and then goes AWOL for a month.
That is a total nightmare for all concerned.
My phone rings again and I look at the screen.
Nicholas Anastas
I roll my eyes and push reject again. Take a hint. I blow out a breath as I click the email open. It reads
‘Contact me at mrs-jones@ or the wife gets the lot.’
Shit, my heart sinks. I click on the attachment.
It’s jumbled and the camera is shaking around.
I lean in to the screen to listen to the audio.
I can barely hear it. It looks as though the camera is attached to something she is carrying.
I can see two sets of legs, one obviously hers but the other?
It can’t be Joshua; he would never wear track pants around a woman.
I press pause as I try to study the screen; is it even Stanton?
I narrow my eyes and lean in close as I try to get my bearings. I pick up my phone and ring Ben.
“Hey,” he answers.
“Hi, can you come up here please?” I ask.
“Sure, what’s up?”
“I’m not sure,” I answer as I sit back in my seat in concentration.
“See you in a minute,” he sighs.
Ben and the security team have an office on the second floor.
They moonlight as computer techs as a cover because the seven of them can’t be in our office with us.
It’s just too small. We ensure Joshua has one guard with him at all times.
Ben has come in early with me this morning to go over the security of the building.
My phone beeps with a text and I pick it up and read it, Nicholas Anastas.
I hear you are in Sydney. I want to see you tonight.
Not now, asshole. I click off the message in annoyance. I press play again. They seem to go into a room, and I screw up my face in question. What the hell is this?
Ben walks in. “Hi. What’s up?”
I sit back on my chair as I flick my pen around in annoyance. “Not sure. I think Stanton fucked up.”
He crosses his arms in front of him as he rolls his eyes. “Play it,” he snaps.
We watch the two sets of legs start to go upstairs. Ben leans in and turns up the volume so we can hear the sound.
“So, what did you say your name is?’ Joshua’s distinct voice is heard.
“What do you want it to be?” she replies, and I look at Ben deadpan and he smiles stupidly.
“Original,” I say flatly.
As clear as day, we hear Joshua reply. “My bedroom is this way… Natasha.”
Our eyes widen in shock. “Holy shit, who is this slut and how did she get past security with a fucking camera?” I stammer as I run my hand over my face in horror.
Ben changes his stance nervously as he crosses his arms. “I don’t know, let me find out.”
“She is threatening to send this shit to Natasha. Do you have any idea how postal Stanton is going to go when he sees this? He can kiss Natasha goodbye. Why would he even mention her name?” I can’t believe this.
Ben shakes his head. “I don’t know. Let me look into it today and we will tell him tomorrow. Contact her and see what she wants. Try and buy us some time.”
“Christ,” I snap, “I don’t have time for this shit. What exactly do your moronic security team actually do? I expect you to check every female that comes into contact with him for cameras. It’s common sense.”
He swallows nervously. “Hmm, you would think.” With that he walks out of the room.
I blow out a breath to try and calm myself. This is a disaster.
Joshua is going to hit the roof.
My phone beeps a message and I angrily snap it from the desk to check it. Nicholas Anastas.
You either ring me or I will be at your office at 1 pm.
Don’t push me.
I frown at the screen. Don’t push me…don’t push me, cock head. I text back angrily.
What do you want?
He texts back immediately.
I want to know what happened between us.
I roll my eyes.
Nothing.
Stop looking for something that wasn’t there.
He texts back.
That’s bullshit and you know it.
See you at 1 pm.
I puff air into my cheeks in frustration.
Joshua walks into the office and smiles as he puts his briefcase on his desk. Then he stands still and puts his hands on his hips as his eyes scan the room. “This office fucking sucks,” he says dryly.
I glare at him in annoyance. “Shut up. I’m not in the mood,” I snap.
His eyes flick to me and he smirks. “What’s up your ass?” “Nothing,” I snap
He laughs. “Maybe, that’s the problem.” He picks up a pen and throws it at me.
I narrow my eyes at him.
Knock, knock. We both turn to the door and see two men in suits and a very attractive woman.
“Hello. We have just come to welcome you. I’m Paul and this is Alex and Tatiana.”
We both stand and shake hands with them and smile cordially. “Tatiana and Alex here will be in the office next to yours and will help you in any way they can.” Paul says, “Hopefully this reprogramming will run as smoothly as possible.”
Joshua frowns at the woman and she smiles broadly at him. “Oh my god,” Tatiana puts her hand on her chest. “It’s you,” she purrs.
He frowns again. “Have we met before?” he asks.
She laughs and nods. “Yes, we met at a wedding last year.
We were seated next to each other. Remember?”
He smiles and nods. “That’s right, I do. Yes, of course.”
My eyes flick between them as she blushes. Oh God, give me a break.
“We will be in the office next door if you need anything.” Alex smiles and they leave the room.
Joshua turns and smirks and raises his eyebrows. “Interesting morning, huh.” He smiles.
I sit back down in my seat. “You have no idea,” I sigh.
Natasha
I walk into the hospital and head straight upstairs to the palliative care unit. I have a bad feeling today. I just hope Gran is ok.
I run into Mum in the hallway. “Is everything okay?” I ask nervously.
She smiles warmly as she kisses me on the cheek. “Yes, she is doing really well. She has had us laughing all day.”
I put my hand on my chest. “Oh, thank goodness, I’ve been a bit nervy,” I sigh.
Mum smiles sympathetically as she walks past me down the hall. Bridget, Cameron and Will are sitting together on the seats. Bridget is seated opposite the boys and has her legs resting on Cameron’s legs who is oblivious and on his phone. She and Will are deep in conversation.
“Hi,” I smile as I put my bag on the seat next to them.
“Oh hi,” Bridget smiles. “Loving that Kate Middleton dress.” She raises her eyebrows at me.
I smile. I love this dress too. It’s cream and fitted and hangs just below the knee.
It’s very simple but beautifully cut and it hangs really nicely.
I am in matching cream high-heel shoes. My hair is in a loose, low ponytail and I have my glasses on and minimal make up.
I stand and stretch my back. I’ve been on my computer all day and it’s as tight as anything.
“You been at work?” Cameron asks, his eyes not rising from his phone.
“Ahuh,” I answer flatly. “You guys been in yet?” I ask as my eyes flick around, and I put my hands on my hips.
“Not yet,” Bridget answers. “She has a line up in front of us.”
She gestures to a group of oldies sitting in the other waiting room.
“Mmm, okay. I might go and get a coffee then,” I sigh. I pick up my bag and head back downstairs to the cafeteria.