Chapter 5

Lily ...

But she had already turned on her heel and quickly left the premises, with his face on fire Rick noticed the laughter of some people, after leaving the money on the table he hurriedly left behind Lily he found her next to her truck. The cool breeze that chilled the stain on her pants also molded the fabric of the shirt over her abdomen.

-Sorry, I have not been able to express myself properly. "Enough of you kidding me, I bet no one could accuse you of being the gentle prince."

With a grimace, Rick ran his hand through his hair. -Let me explain it to you, I barely knew how to walk when I began to follow my grandfather through the sections of the company. Hell, I even rode my bike through the corridors, when I turned 14, he gave me paid employment and made my way, from sweeping the company to my current position five years ago my cousin failed the exam to enter law my father gave him gave a job.

I know the company better than my face, I know my grandfather's vision and plans for the future, and I share his belief that old buildings are part of history and must be preserved. Alan doesn't think like that, I can't let everything fall apart just because my father plays mind games with me.

-Mental games?

He likes to raise the bar for his demands higher and higher to see if I can jump it. This time I'm supposed to introduce myself to a suitable woman or risk having my 11-year-old work jettisoned by Dad. "And why don't you tell one of your girlfriends?" I ask with a sympathetic look. -Because any of them would make common cause with my mother and end up with a wife.

She rolled her eyes. -A fate worse than death, right? Rick show your father the contract your cousin made me and tell him what happens. -My cousin is very clever, he always gets away with what I did not tell you in the office is that when you compare the offer that Alan presented to the board of directors with the amount that he promised to pay to your company, your contract stipulated a amount of $ 10,000 less.

Lily stiffened. -Are you trying to say that that bastard tried to deceive us? What do I decide to put our money in my pocket? she asked, her eyes full of anger.

That is exactly what I am saying. I will go through Alan's files for more evidence between the contracts and the offers, but I cannot be sure that he has left any clues. My cousin is a liar but not stupid, I wouldn't be surprised if he asked your brother to sign two copies of the contract, one with the correct numbers and one with the altered numbers.

-There was indeed Trent told me that he had signed two copies. He didn't like it, but your cousin assured him it was a procedure ...

-Current in the company. -Rick completed the sentence.

-And it's not damn if Alan is covering his back it will be very difficult to catch him.

- Trent didn't get a copy of the second contract because your cousin told him they were identical. -Help me with this Lily, it is possible that my cousin is committing a fraud with the contracts and if so, his crimes could end the company.

-Can't you report it to the police? -No, reputation is the only thing my father values more than money. Rick noticed that Lily had softened.

Sorry Rick. him, ”he said with a sigh that escaped his

parted lips. A wave of excitement hit Rick.

-I admit that you are in a bind, but I thought it would be better for you to find a more suitable person for the role of your fake girlfriend. He declared as he turned to open the vehicle door, but Rick stopped him.

-Come on, Lily, all I ask of you is a few days of your time, you will keep a dress and beautiful jewelry. She would be a kind of Cinderella project.

She turned with her chin raised. Rick's gaze focused on her plum mouth and he wondered what she tasted like.

Days have we gone from an appointment to days? And are you going to be my fairy godmother? I ask between laughs.

-We would have to meet him in order to plan a strategy to catch Alan and also go shopping.

-You don't even trust that she knows how to choose a suitable dress?

Rick cursed low.

-I know what my parents expect to see, and on the other hand I have to pay the bills

-This is becoming more and more complex. I can't say it was a pleasure meeting you, Rick, but it was certainly very interesting, bye. He said as he opened the door of the vehicle with a strange sensation in his stomach.

Rick let out a frustrated groan.

-Tell me what your price is and I will make you the queen of my mother's dance. Her friends from the botanical club will drop to their knees when you walk through the front door of Briarwood chase.

She stopped short and turned to him with wide eyes.

-The botanical club? Briadrwood chase?

-My mother is the president of the Chapel Hill botanical club and Briarwood chase is my parents' home.

Lily put a hand to her heart.

-For a time I took care of the roses at Briarwood Chase. -said Lily

-Roses are my mother's pride and joy. Rick commented as he wondered what the roses had to do with Lily's change in attitude.

-Your family, as well as most of the club members, have a contract with the company to work in your garden for a time.

-What do you think if I try to convince my mother to put her garden in your hands?

Lily faced him with a raised eyebrow.

"That is outright blackmail, Mr. Faulkner."

He raised his hands in defense mode

-Yes, I am, but I'm desperate. Help me prove that my cousin is scamming the company and I will speak to my mother in favor of Gemini Landscaping. I can't guarantee anything because my mother and her roses ...-