Chapter Nineteen. #2
“Jude and Ryder may be two of the most ruthless assholes out there, but they’d never cheat or treat their wives like Kensington did.
Alicia’s treatment showed Kensington’s real personality.
The asshole is a raging psychopath combined with sociopathic tendencies.
He’s a complete narcissist and very dangerous.
Kensington’s shown no remorse for how he treated Alicia and doesn’t care he humiliated her.
We don’t want to do business with him anymore.
” “That doesn’t mean others won’t, Aaron.
” I finished applying my face cream and looked at him.
“No. There’s plenty that will take a risk on Kensington and his Eliganz chain. Have you heard something?” Aaron asked, and I frowned.
“About?”
“Mystique?”
I stiffened. “What about her?” I demanded, reading to go to war for Alicia.
“Mystique hasn’t signed for Eliganz yet. Rumours say she was seen leaving Zade’s HQ,” Aaron probed.
I grinned. “Has she now? Alicia hasn’t said anything, but good!”
“If Mystique signs for Zade, Kensington will be knocked off the number one spot. I’ll give him eighteen months before Harrison takes it. From what I’ve heard, Harrison’s a decent guy with solid ideas.”
“Alicia’s been seen around town with him. The fact they’re friends would make her lean towards Zade,” I said consideringly.
Aaron nodded. “I’ve dug into Harrison’s background. There’s nothing worrying about him. Harrison’s a self-made man who, in time, will become a major power player if he’s careful and sticks to his path.”
“Why did you dig into him?” I asked. Was the Founding Five looking at investing in Zade?
“He’s been hanging around your girl. Naturally, I’d check he’s safe for her,” Aaron said as he placed his reading glasses on the bedside table. He gave me a cheeky grin. “Plus, we invested in him to help him with his hostile takeover.”
I stared, stunned, at Aaron. “How long ago?”
“Oh, about when Oliver and Eve became blatantly obvious.” Aaron grinned.
Quickly, I did the math. “You brought Devon Harrison back for Alicia? Wow!”
“They were good friends, and if something develops…”
“What about Cain Russell?” I asked, worried.
“Russell needs some competition. Harrison will provide that,” Aaron stated.
Warmth swept through my body. Damn, I loved this man a little more each day that passed, and I’d never stop. I launched myself off the stool and tackled Aaron, kissing him wildly as he laughed.
Oliver
“Is everything ready?” I asked as Eve entered the living room.
She was wearing a stylish black dress, one I’d approved.
I’d sent her back to lighten up on the make-up, telling her understated was better for this evening.
Eve had looked embarrassed, but had obeyed.
It was a sign that she could be trained with time.
“Yes. The caterers have everything in hand.”
“Good girl, this is for your hard work,” I drawled casually. I handed her the box, and Eve opened it with a gasp. A diamond pendant lay nestled on the velvet.
“Oliver, this is beautiful.” Eve quickly fastened the necklace around her neck and examined it with glee.
“Just like you.” I eyed her plump lips. Was there time for a blowjob?
Nobody sucked me like she did. Not even Alicia.
I hauled Eve close and then growled as the doorbell rang.
As much as it tempted me to tell those fuckers to wait, I knew they’d take that as an insult.
My new housekeeper opened the door, and within a few moments, Aaron, Winona, Brock, and Saska entered the lounge.
“Welcome! How is everyone?” I boomed, moving to shake hands and kiss cheeks. Eve plastered herself to my side, and I wrapped an arm around her waist. “This is Eve, my personal assistant and girlfriend.”
“We’re aware,” Winona replied, offering Eve a sour look.
I bristled. How dare that bitch disrespect Eve in my own home? Before I could form a chastisement, the doorbell rang again, and Ryder and Oceane entered, followed by Jude and Rebel.
I greeted them while issuing Winona a reproving stare. Eve hurried to the bar to make drinks and hand them out.
“Sorry, we were late, Zinnia’s call overran,” Dax apologised a few minutes later.
“No. Not at all. We have half an hour until dinner is ready,” Eve said with a small smile. Zinnia stared down her nose, and I bristled again. Fuck, those whores believed they were entitled. Well, screw them.
The women gathered at one end in a tight circle, which deliberately excluded Eve. Eve looked hurt and turned to me. “I’ll check with the staff and see how dinner is progressing.”
Once she’d gone, I faced the men. “You realise this is my home?”
They exchanged puzzled glances.
“Naturally,” Ryder replied.
“Then perhaps Eve could be included and shown some respect?” I stated, and the women glanced across.
“Told you,” Rebel said to Jude, who rolled his eyes.
“What?” I asked.
“Nothing.” Jude smiled at Rebel, who sniffed and turned away.
“Dinner will be ready in ten minutes. Would anyone like a top-up?” Eve asked, returning.
“No thanks, I’m driving,” Aaron replied, followed by the rest of the men.
Eve turned towards the women, who all looked to Winona.
Why did they need permission from that old hag?
My temper was sparking; the insults I was receiving were beyond the pale.
I couldn’t wait to tell these fuckers I didn’t want their investment. Fuck all of them.
“Do you have a white wine?” Winona finally said, and Eve smiled. She went to move behind the bar, and I snapped my fingers. Eve paused and glanced over, biting her lip, worried.
“Get one of the servers to serve them. That is not your job. You’re here as my girlfriend, Eve,” I stated.
“Looks like history’s repeating itself,” Oceane muttered as Eve hesitated, unsure what to do.
“I don’t mind, darling,” Eve finally murmured.
“I do. Come here,” I ordered, and Eve smiled and hurried over. Nobody made my girlfriend wait on them. Screw politeness. Eve slid next to me, and I wrapped an arm around her.
“In that case, maybe we ought to get down to business and…” Aaron began but was interrupted by the catering manager.
“Would you all like to be seated, we’ll bring in starters shortly,” she said with a worried glance about the room.
I understood why. These assholes were creating a bad atmosphere.
I couldn’t believe I’d shelled out money for this.
Well, after tonight, I wouldn’t need them.
With Mystique in my pocket, I could get any investor I wanted.