Marcus
I could see the look on Andra’s face but I really don’t care and no, don’t get me wrong. I’m not even trying to be soft with Melissa.
I still have to stick to the game, the plan, and whatever the fuck this is about. I kept a straight face as she sat beside me, her hands sliding to the table. I caught a view of the beautiful bracelet on her wrist.
I love jewelry and I appreciate really beautiful ones. The next few minutes go so fast with Melissa beside me and even though we don’t exchange many words, I can tell there’s a lot she has to say.
It felt like she was holding herself back from saying what was on her mind and hell, I appreciate that. I don’t think I’m mentally ready to even address the shit she’s putting me through
How she was able to maintain composure beside me was way beyond me. Even though I was keeping a stern expression, I still paused to swallow hard and just took a moment to cuss at myself for staring at her.
The next thing that had my attention back was the stutter that came from the head of the table and it was Andra. She was meant to be giving the speech since she had it prepared and Melissa wasn’t ready but-
“Uh–I’m sorry, I think it’s the wine.”
My eyes darted to the room and I caught the confused look. I myself was confused as fuck but when I looked at Melissa, her reaction showed more of disappointment.
Andra cleared her throat. “It’s just really nice having you all here and uh- as a representative from the prestigious Hillstate enterprises, I say a very beautiful welcome.”
Although applause followed, it felt like it was there because of the name of the company she mentioned and not really the speech she gave.
What the fuck was that?? Anyone could do that even a fucking dropout who is homeless and not learned.
I couldn’t hide my irritation till the end of the event so the moment I could, I stepped to the side and leaned against the wall, taking a sip from my glass.
“Hills.”
No one calls me that aside Jackson and the moment I heard his voice, another rush of anger coursed through me.
“So I guess you don’t catch them smart anymore.” His tone insinuated what he meant without even thinking twice and so I lowered my glass without responding.
“Melissa,” he called and I turned to look. She had just joined us and I kept my look straight.
“Hi,” she cheered. “I just needed a drink.”
“Oh sure,” he told her and waved to the bartender. “All her drinks on me.”
“You really don’t have to worry.” Her eyes darted to me but it really did seem like Melissa had no idea who she was dealing with and what he could do to have her attention.
“Linsist,” he said and she gave a small nod. She turned to the bartender, gave her order, and got it in just a split second.
“So I was saying. Jackson continued. “I can’t say for sure that I know what the problem is but I think Hillsate is falling short of the brainiacs they’ve always had.”
1/2
Chapter 86
Melissa coughed and I knew exactly what was going on in her mind. It wasn’t going to take long for her to see another side of this arrogant prick.
“Sorry?”
“Oh no,” he brushed off. “It’s something every industry experiences and that may just be the reason for the recent backlash Hillstate is experiencing. What, I however, want to say is that if need be, there’s always a space for you on my team.”
All this trash–talking because Andra thought it wise to take the stand with nothing but a fucking lame sentence. I can’t even imagine what else other companies are saying already or what the blogs are cooking up for the next few weeks.
Melissa offered a saccharine smile. “Thank you for the offer, Jackson but I’m quite happy here at Hillstate.”
He didn’t seem convinced but what I love about Melissa is that she doesn’t see the need to convince you. With that, she grabbed her glass from the slab. “Thank you for the drink and if you’ll excuse me…”
Jackson then turned to me but I wasn’t ready for any more conversation with him or with anyone else. “Have a great time buddy,” I muttered and jabbed his shoulder with my fingers just before walking away..
I walked to the lounge to unwind just before retiring to the bed when I heard my name again. Shit, when does it all end??
“Mr. Hills, I’m really sorry. I got distracted and my head was blank. You of all people should know how crazy it can get in front of so many people.”
Trying hard to not get irritated, I looked at her. “Is that why you’re here? To remind me how inefficient you’ve depicted Hillstate to be?”
“No,” she blurted. “Of course not. No one is ever going to say that because of one mistake”
“One mistake?” I asked her with my brows arched. “That’s what you call it but it’s another opportunity to make a mockery of Hillstate.
I stared at her for a second and I just couldn’t anymore. “You should go, Andra.”
Whether she was going to take my order or not didn’t matter cause I was sure as hell retiring to my room. I moved past without my shoulders brushing her and she followed. “Mr. Hills.”
I didn’t stop, I just continued walking till I could no longer hear her voice, and from nowhere, my name rang in the air again.
“Sir.”
“Can you just fucking leave me alone???”
“Yes but maybe if you talk about why you’re so pissed then we can sort it out like adults.”
That wasn’t Andra, it was Melissa and when I turned, I was right. Melissa was standing in front of my door with a glass of champagne still in her hands.
“So may I come in?”
