Chapter Eleven – Aldrich’s POV - The Night Party

Kahlan Walsh was the biggest mistake I had ever made.

From the moment this business trip started, she had proven to be nothing but a walking disaster, constantly getting in the way, fumbling with files, and embarrassing herself at every possible turn. I had lost count of the number of times I had wanted to fire her on the spot.

And I would have—if she hadn't begged me to let her stay.

The memory of her standing in my office, her voice shaking as she pleaded for this job, was something I had forced myself to forget. I wasn't the kind of man who gave second chances. I had no patience for weakness.

Yet, for some ridiculous reason, I had let her stay.

And now, every second around her was a test of my sanity.

This entire business trip had been exhausting. My focus was on securing the Redmont deal, a partnership that could expand Kingsport Companies into international markets. I had spent the last three days negotiating with Frederick Cane, Donovan Blake, and Robert Hayes—sharp men, all about business, no nonsense.

First, she had to totally forget herself at a board meeting and I had to call out to her before she could regain her senses. They had just ignored it and laughed it off as just a silly joke which was my own maneuver to shield myself from the embarrassment. 

But that wasn't just enough for Kahlan. 

I trusted them - these men. They were just every other man. And this was just business so I had invited them to my hotel suite for a final discussion.

And that was where Kahlan had made another scene.

The moment she had barged into my room, looking panicked and out of breath, I had nearly gone crazy but I wanted to believe she was actually out for something worth it. Was the hotel on fire? An earthquake? What the fuck was going on?

Boom! She grabbed me like a kid and locked me in a wardrobe!

What. The. Actual. Fuck!

The executives had laughed it off again, amused by her over-the-top concern about me being around "dangerous men."

I had dismissed her immediately, telling her she wasn't a security guard, just a secretary who needed to know her place.

Still, something about the look in her eyes had unnerved me.

But I ignored it.

I had more important things to focus on.

Now it was the night of the business party and I walked into the grand ballroom, ready for the only thing that mattered—securing an alliance with Edgar Montclair, one of the most influential businessmen in the country.

If I could convince Montclair to back this deal, Redmont would have no choice but to lock in the partnership.

The room was filled with London's most powerful elites—CEOs, investors, men who controlled entire industries. I moved through the crowd, greeting people I recognized, engaging in short but strategic conversations.

"Maximus, good to see you. Still running Kingsport like a madman?"

I turned to see Richard Langley, head of Langley & Co., holding a glass of bourbon. He was a man I had worked with years ago, before our businesses took different directions.

"Only madmen get things done, Langley." I smirked.

He laughed, clinking his glass against mine. "And what's this I hear about you pushing for Redmont? You really think Cane is the right partner?"

"Redmont has international leverage," I replied. "I don't trust people. I trust numbers. And theirs are solid."

Langley gave a slow nod. "Careful, Maximus. Some deals come with more than just numbers."

I brushed off his words. People in business always acted like they knew more than they did.

As the night went on, I became increasingly aware of Kahlan's presence hovering nearby. She was silent, barely speaking, but always within reach.

I didn't acknowledge her.

She was just there.

A shadow at my side.

Eventually, I made my way toward the bar, ordering a drink as I scanned the room.

That was when Nathaniel Crowe walked up beside me. He was about to speak when Langley suddenly came by again. 

"Hey, Aldrich. Can I borrow you for a minute?" He asked as he slowly pulled me out of the bar while I threw Crowe a nod of excuse. 

Langley took me subtly to a corner. "And who is she?" He asked.

I raised a brow as I followed the direction of his head. 

Kahlan. 

Seriously?

"My secretary." I replied dryly. 

"Isn't she a beauty?" He gasped as he bit his lower lip. 

"Yeah… and with brains!" That was the most sarcastic I had ever been. 

"Don't tell me you're not noticing all that intrigue, Aldrich." He pressed further, his eyes not leaving her. I didn't even bother looking anymore. 

"I'm married, man." I replied dryly.

"That doesn't mean jackshit! You and I know you could still have your way in and out! It's a business world, man!"

"Speaking of business, I have to return to Crowe. You know what… you can have her!"

I shot back and turned away instantly 

Crowe was another CEO—powerful, well-connected, and a man who had been circling the Redmont deal like a vulture.

"I was wondering when we'd have this conversation," he said, swirling his drink before taking a sip as I took a seat. 

I raised an eyebrow. "I don't recall inviting one."

Crowe chuckled. "Come on, Maximus. You and I both know you're making a mistake. Redmont isn't the company you want in your portfolio."

I leaned against the bar. "Let me guess—you want it instead?"

He smirked. "What I want is irrelevant. What I know is that if you continue down this path, you're walking straight into a disaster."

I laughed dryly. "That's the thing about men like you, Crowe. You pretend to care about other people's downfalls when all you really want is their seat at the table."

Crowe's expression darkened slightly. "Just watch your back."

I waved him off and turned back to my drink.

I had no patience for games.

I was just about to take a sip when suddenly—someone shoved into me, knocking the glass from my hand.

The drink spilled, crashing onto the bar, drawing attention from people around us.

I turned, my jaw clenching.

Kahlan.

Standing there, wide-eyed, looking like she had just committed the crime of the century.

The room fell into silence for a brief moment before murmurs started spreading.

I exhaled slowly, gripping the edge of the bar.

I was sick of her.

And now, I was going to address this.