CHAPTER ELEVEN
“Why is she even here?” I asked.
“She usually tags along whenever her brother attends,” Charles explained. “They’re inseparable in most cases. It’s a bit creepy at times.”
I kept watching the girl as she stood there. She was alone but didn’t really seem to be bothered by that fact. Soon, however, her brother walked up to her and pulled her closer, whispering something in her ear before he towed her away to the corner.
“See what I mean? He’s probably whining to her that you got mad at him.” Michael snickered..
“Wow, really?”
“I wouldn’t put it past him.”
“And you aren’t just saying that because you’re his rival and you’re trying to make him look bad?” I asked, taking another sip of my water, trying to calm my nerves. The night was starting to blur together. From all the people I met, to seeing Charles again, my thoughts felt scattered.
“There might be some of that. Can’t blame a man for wanting to make himself look good in front of a beautiful woman.”
My cheeks colored at his comment, but I didn’t bother replying. I was too preoccupied with what was happening in the corner. Charles and Vanessa looked like they were arguing. Charles’ eyes were cold and harsh. His hands were clenched into fists by his side. He looked angry – very angry. Vanessa rested a hand on his upper arm and said something. It was short, but it seemed to calm him down.
“I think I need some air…” I whispered.
“Do you want me to come with you?” Michael offered.
“No. I’ll be fine by myself. Besides, it looks like there are a few girls who want to talk to you.” I pointed my thumb at the girl with the bouncy brown hair I had seen earlier. She giggled and quickly took my seat the moment I got up.
I shook my head and walked outside. The backyard of the estate was beautiful. There was a large walk-through garden with pruned bushes in the shape of various animals. Perfectly-tended roses. A water fountain in the center of it all depicted what seemed to be the goddess, Venus. I walked toward it, running my fingers along the water’s surface.
At the back of the garden was a gazebo with a bench. I walked up the steps and sat down, sighing in relief. The place felt so serene, so quiet. I took the moment to gather my thoughts. My stomach was still tied in knots. The night had only just begun and already, I felt like I had been here for hours.
Sudden footsteps startled me and I looked up to see Bruce standing there.
“Why do you keep following me?” I asked. “I just happened to see you walk out here. I thought something might be wrong.”
“Look, Bruce, I don’t need you treating me like a child. I can take care of myself.”
“I didn’t say you couldn’t… I just worry about you. I know how hard it can be when your plans fall through.”
“Bruce, please. I don’t want to hear it.” I sighed. “But since you’re here, I might as well ask you something.”
“What?”
“I just saw Charles in there and he told me that his sister – Vanessa was it? – was the one behind the takeover. Why didn’t you tell me that? Why did you make me think that Charles did it?”
“I admit, I knew that Vanessa orchestrated it all.”
“Then why didn’t you tell me the truth?” I snapped, losing my temper for a moment. My cheeks felt like they were burning up. “If I had known…” I bit my lip to keep from finishing my sentence.
“I didn’t want you to get mixed up with Charles. He’s bad news, Haley.”
“I don’t need you to keep babying me. If I wanted to be with Charles - then that was my business. I can’t believe you allowed me to go through all this just because you thought I shouldn’t be with someone. You crushed my dream. If you had told me his sister was behind all this… maybe I would’ve answered his call… maybe all of this would be behind me and I would be the success business owner I always wanted to be.”
“You can still be that business woman - if you let me help you. I’m the major stockholder now. No one can buy me out. I promise to support you completely on your next venture.”
“Stop it. I don’t want your charity - I already told you. Just leave me alone and let me live my life.”
“Haley –”
“I don’t want to hear anymore. I’m just trying to put all of this behind me - turn a new leaf - I don’t need to get stuck in the mud anymore than I already am.” I walked away, knowing my anger would get the best of me if I stuck around. In my haste, I nearly slammed right into Vanessa. I stepped back and stared at her before I did my best to plaster a smile on my face. Maybe she would tell me why she had bought out Bruce, shattering my dreams. “I’m sorry about that.”
“No worries,” Vanessa answered, her voice flat and emotionless.
“I’m Haley Winslow,” I said, holding out my hand in introduction. She squeezed mine firmly as if this were a business transaction and she was closing the deal.
“It’s a pleasure.” She answered, her expression still cold and harsh. “Please call me Vanessa.”
“You mean Vanessa Branlon?” I asked, innocently.
“That’s right.”
“You know, everyone’s been talking about you.”
“Oh really? Good things I hope.” Unconsciously, we had started walking around the garden.
“Oh yes. I’ve been told you’re a mastermind in the business world. That you have quite a few small businesses under your wing. Tell me, how do you do it?”
I noticed her eyes narrow at my comment. Her full lips pressed into a hard line. The clicking of our heels against the concrete was the only sound that echoed through the night.
“Just talent, I suppose.”
“You must be very talented indeed. And you must be very proud of your brother for following in your footsteps.”
To my surprise, she just rolled her eyes.