CHAPTER 11

 

How many times must a person have their heart broken before they learn their lesson? For me, it’s been three times. But I still hadn’t learned my lesson. And here I was, running after him to figure out why he'd abandoned me back in Australia while he was running away to America. Didn’t he say he wanted to have a relationship with me?

I got off the plane in Miami, determined to find out.

Although this was my true intention, the supposed reason was Papa had asked me to overlook the mall project.

Papa was such a kind-hearted soul. Even back on the yacht, he wasn’t even aware I’d been taken against my will. He thought Julian and I were having a private discussion.

That night at the conference, Julian had told Papa he would like to spend some time alone with me, to get to know me better. Little did Papa know we knew each other beyond just acquaintances. And Papa happily obliged.

He always saw everyone in a good light. Maybe I’d inherited that trait too, and that was why I was duped by Julian. Three times.

Would there be a fourth?

I hoped not. Because if I found out he had another girl, this time it was over.

Thinking about our time at the yacht, we parted ways much too hastily. All he said was, “I need to get back to America. Once everything is done, I’ll come get you. Don’t follow me.”

What was he thinking? The more he said not to follow, the more I was determined to do just that.

As I stepped off the tarmac of Miami airport, my mind took me back to that time when I first met Julian. He must have been following me closely back then. Is he aware I’m here now?

No one knew I was coming. This would be a surprise visit for everyone. Julian included.

The drive to Devereux Enterprises took longer than I initially thought. With the swarming heat taking a toll on me, I sourly regretted not bringing any change of clothes. My only red dress stuck to me like a second skin. Sweat from my temples ruined my makeup and slid down to pool at the valley between my cleavage. I was in such a hurry to get to Julian I didn’t get to pack, thinking I’d buy whatever I needed when I got there.

By the time I arrived at the Devereux building, I was grumpy and moody. I got out of the taxi, giving the driver the extra tip he deserved for driving me in this awful heat.

I stood in front of Devereux Enterprises. The massive structure loomed solidly into the sky. A sly smile appeared on my face as the sun reached its peak, signaling midday. I felt much better already, breathing the midday air, thinking about the surprise on Julian’s face when he would see me. And most especially Melissa.

I treaded into Devereux's head office with a confident stride, determined to find out all the answers to these shenanigans.

Melissa was speechless when she saw me walk into her suite. Just as I had planned.

“Hello, Melissa. Long time no see.” I spoke softly, with a touch of aggression in my voice. “How are you?”

“Miss… Miss… Henderson,” she stuttered, looking nervous.

Melissa was afraid of me. I could see it in her brown eyes.

Good. She should be. What was she thinking? Concocting with Julian, using me as their pawn so he could become heir to Devereux. At least if they were so determined to achieve that goal, they should let me know in advance.

But then again, if I knew, would I still be foolish enough to help them?

Shit! I still didn’t know why Julian used me. There must be more to it than gaining the name and title of Beau’s heir. I needed to find out the answer to that point too.

“Oh, there’s no need to call me Miss Henderson, Melissa.” I pretended to laugh to smooth that agitated tone in my voice. “After all, you know me so well already. Watching me for three years. Planning every little step until I fell into your trap.”

“Miss Hen—”

“Kimberly. I said to call me Kimberly,” I snapped at her, making her jump out of her chair in fright.

Looking down, Melissa whimpered, “Miss Kimberly, what can I help you with?”

“You really don’t know how to address clients, do you? How long have you been in this profession? Why are you constantly looking down at the floor when you should be facing me?”

She lifted her face. Her eyes were sparkling with unshed tears. God, how pathetic. Even I didn’t cry when Julian betrayed me. I had no sympathy for her.

“I want to see Julian. Tell him I’m here.” I got straight to the point, having had enough of traumatizing the woman.

Melissa must have finally woken from her weakened state. She squared her shoulders and stared back at me. “Julian is busy right now. Please make an appointment for tomorrow.”

I was aghast. I was one of the bosses here that would be organizing the South Beach mall project, and Melissa had asked me to make an appointment to see Julian for tomorrow?

“Have you any idea what position I hold?” I hissed at her. Melissa looked down again. But I could make out a slight nod of her head. I was at least satisfied. “Well then, I don’t need an appointment to see him. Tell him I’m here.”

“But he’s busy.”

“Then I’ll wait in his office.

Melissa looked up instantly, alarm in her eyes. “You can’t wait in his office.”

“Why?” Melissa only shook her head and nimbly looked down at the grey carpet again. I was furious. What’s with everyone not giving me full answers? First Julian, and now Melissa. “I ask why?”

“You just can’t.” She raised her voice at me, but fear still shone in her eyes.

Is Julian hiding something in there? That’s why Melissa is guarding his door like a snake ready to bite off my head.

I looked at the door. Then I ran for it. I was fast, striding on my heels to get to his door. But Melissa caught up in time and blocked my way.

“He’s in there, isn’t he?” I demanded.

“No, Julian isn't in there,” she whimpered again.

“Is he hiding something or someone in there?”

I recalled the term ‘she’ being used in the phone conversation. Maybe that ‘she’ was in there.

I yanked Melissa out of my way, but she only bounced right back in place, blocking my path again.

“Don’t you dare block my way, Melissa, or I’ll fire you,” I seethed at her.

“Miss Kimberly!” She quivered beneath my stare. “Julian is really not here.”

“Then let me in. I’ll wait in his office.”

“It’s better if you wait in the main lounge.

“I want to wait in his office.” With this said, I pushed her out of my way again. Melissa stumbled and fell on her butt.

Good, she deserved it for manipulating me like Julian did. Except with Julian, I’d have my way with him. With Melissa, her treatment began here.

My hand was already on the doorknob when Melissa scooted back up and pulled at my arm, stopping me from opening that door.

What is up with her? The more she stops me, the more I’m determined to open it.

And so I did. I shoved her off me again and got ready to open the door. Melissa screamed and yelled like she was about to die on the spot if I were to open that door.

A sly smile appeared on my face. I knew I was on the right track. I knew I was about to find out Julian’s secret.

I turned the knob. Melissa screamed in the background. My heart rate increased. My ears rang.

This is it. This is the moment of truth.

I opened the door. The office was empty. Julian wasn't in.

I flipped my eyes to Melissa. She clamped her mouth shut.

“Julian’s not in here. Why are you so scared?”

Melissa only stared at me, her eyes big and frightened, her palm clamped to her mouth.

And then it clicked.

Melissa and Julian. They were up to something. And that something involved a ‘she’ or possibly another elaborate plan to take over another company.

I quickly rushed in and shut the door in Melissa’s face just as she was about to pull me back out again.

“Miss Kimberly, open this door,” she yelled, continuously banging on the door.

I locked it. I could hear banging from the other side, but I didn’t care. I went to lounge on Julian’s chair, edging myself to the window that lined one side of the wall in his office.

Julian occupied the tenth floor. I watched the bustling people down below, like little ants in a colony of building blocks. Some were kissing each other before heading back to work after lunch; others were walking in herds, like tourist exploring the new city. I watched the scenery playing out before me until the sounds of the banging stopped.

And now, my investigation would begin.

 

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