Chapter 30

Liam left before me to the office. The man is a machine. I don't understand how he is functioning on only a few hours of sleep each night. I took my time showering and dressing and still managed to get to the office until nine. Okay, it's 9:15 but I'm not on the clock. Just using the office in a coworking kind of way. The morning started quite warm already. And I'm regretting having to drag my laptop with me because I'm sweating like a pig. Lobby doors swoosh in front of me and I’m welcomed by a burst of conditioned air sucking me in.

I hear elevator door pings and I scurry to catch it.

“No, no, no, no, no.” I whine as the metal doors start to shut just a few steps away. Big male hand clamps on the door and stops them from shutting. I barge into the elevator with all my bags. And the man inside moves to one corner giving me space. He is tall and huge. Not taller than Liam. But wider in the shoulders. Drop dead gorgeous in his black suit. I have seen this face somewhere.

“Thank you,” I say nodding courtly to the man. Reaching for the elevator panel I see that my floor is already lit. Of course, he is going to see Liam. Recognition dawns. That is Duncan Carver, Liam's younger brother.

I've seen his face on news and business magazines. He looks at his watch, while I face the door.

“Running late?” I look at him trying to keep my best polite expression.

“I don't work here,” I gave him a forced little smile, turning back to the door.

“We are both having a meeting with Liam?” He continues.

“No, Mr. Carver, I'm just temporarily using the office on that floor.” Looking back at him, I answer.

The elevator finally pings our arrival to the desired floor and he gestures for me to exit.

“Good day.” I cordially greet him and step out heading for my office. “Good day Miss. Ace. “I hear behind my back. How and why this man knows who I am.

Me knowing his name is a given having in mind how famous he is. But why does he know mine? Pushing all that to the back of my mind. I power up all the computers and seeing that nothing is burning I decide to go to the cafeteria to get some coffee. And something for breakfast.

Door to my office opens with no warning. And Duncan swiftly enters, closing the door behind him. He reaches into the pocket of his jacket and takes out a business card.

“My private number is here. Call me when you will be alone.” Duncan's eyes were stern. That man was seriously pissed off. He drops the business card in my bag just as the door opens again. This time. Liam bursting into my office.

“Mr. Carver, your call is about to start.” Sarah, his assistant shouts behind him.

“What are you doing?” He stepped closer to Duncan, almost getting into his face. The whole situation dancing on the verge of physical violence. Any little flutter could escalate this into a fistfight between two equal opponents. What happened in the 15 minutes Duncan was in Liam's office. What can go so terribly wrong?

Duncan takes us one step back lifting both of his hands in surrender. “I'm leaving. Good day Miss. Ace.”

“What was…”

“I’ll ping you after the meeting.” Liam cuts me off, exits and closes the door behind him. What in the world is going on? And how does that involve me? Too much drama for 9:30am.

The business card Duncan left rested on top of all the clutter in my bag. I take it out, then fish out my phone as well. He answers on the second ring.

“Mr. Carver, this is Madison Ace. Can you please tell me what just happened?”

“Duncan.”

“I'm sorry what?”

“Call me Duncan. Mr. Carver was my father.”

Now that is a cliche if I ever heard one. “Okay, Duncan, my questions still stands.” Sitting back behind the desk I wait for him to respond.

“What do you want from Liam?” he asks me. “And don't play the timid and coy girl act with me. Just tell me what you want from him. So that we can negotiate a deal and continue with our lives.” He delivered this as smooth as ordering us coffee without any emotion. Like what he was saying is the usual situation. Like I'm a petulance and Liam is a bad tempered, sulky child. This man obviously has a talent for making people angry in 30 seconds or less.

“Duncan, I can see that for some reason, you are trying your best to annoy both Liam and me today. Reason for that is known only to you. And that is okay. I would think that a man of your status and capability has better things to do.”

“Madison, I don't know you personally, but from input and got about you, let me put this on the table.” He responds without missing a beat. Things he had heard about me!? Why would somebody talk to him about me? I'm nobody. My finger hovers over the End Call button as I stare into the screen.

“Are you still there?” He asks when I don't respond.

“I'm here contemplating should I end this call or not? Can you tell me who is the source of your information? And what is this negative feedback you got about me?” I ask him.

“This is not relevant here,” he cuts me off. “As I understand, you're looking to fund your company. You have an MVP ready? Let me finance the seed money you need, instead of Liam. I'll even take a smaller share in your company. You get the money you need. Go back to your house and end whatever you have with Liam.”

“What the hell are you talking about?” I hiss through clenched teeth. Where is all this coming from? And why does this guy hate my guts? Now more than ever I know I don’t want a cent from Liam. The decision to decline his offer is set in stone.

“Look, sweetie, all this righteous anger is cute. And I guess Liam bought it. You can drop the act with me.”

Although I want to say many bad words to this man’s face, I decided to keep my composure. “Mr. Carver, there is no value in continuing this conversation. I would like to confront the person or whatever the source of your data is. Instead of you insulting me for no reason. I wish you a great rest of the day.”

My heart is beating in my chest like it was going to explode. Self-control… Self-control is a limited capability and requires exerting control over oneself in a way that consumes energy. I just don't have the energy to spare at this moment.

Company computer chimes in with a message from Liam. Can you come to my office please?

He wrapped up his call sooner than I expected. It would be great if I had more time to calm down from the conversation with Duncan. Since I don't I take a few deep breaths on the short walk to Liam's office. Passing Sarah, she tells me to go right in. After knocking once, I don't wait for his reply, but just enter to find him sitting on the sofa, holding a crystal glass containing Amber liquid.

“Is this your secret to infinite energy?” I say pointing to the glass is sitting next to him on the sofa. Liam gives me a small smile, which doesn't reach his eyes. Those remain sad.

After placing the glass on the Rose Quartz table, he reaches out to me. I take his hand sitting close to him.

“What is going on?” I ask as he nestles me against his body. My anger is forgotten the second his strong hand envelopes me and holds me close.

“Don't worry about it. This is my problem. I just wanted to tell you I'm sorry you were dragged into it.”

“Now that I am dragged into this, can you tell me why your brother hates me? I’m in awe that he knows I exist.”

Liam places the gentle kiss on the top of my head. That makes me feel all warm and precious. “I told you I was no good for you. It was the first thing I told you.”

I'm paralyzed in a second. Is he breaking up with me? Is this because all the lies somebody fed him? “Are you dumping me because some shit Duncan is saying about me?” I turn and I'm greeted by a furrowed brow and a confused look. “How much time do you have? “I ask him.” I want to tell you something.”

“My next meeting started five minutes ago.” He responds by getting up, “I just wanted to ask you if you want to have lunch with me?”

I take the offered hand and he pulls me to my feet. “Mr. Carver, lunch it is.” I say cheerfully.

“Yes, Miss Ace, 12 o'clock sharp in my office.”