“Gala?”
“Mhmm. Every billionaire needs an expensive gala to show off their shiny toys, do they not?” she says nonchalantly.
It’s the way she speaks, so matter-of-factly, so cavalier, as if Sloane Pierce is nothing more than a nerdy little boy who wants attention.
But, I suppose that’s fair, judging by all the interviews and articles I’ve consumed from this past year alone. It seems the guy is just about everywhere.
“Is that something I’ll have to—”
“Of course,” she says, and I swallow hard at the fact there was no hesitation. I can plan an event. I planned several at the library. Fundraisers and Spaghetti Dinners, mostly, but how hard can it be on a corporate scale? I can’t imagine it’s much different, save for the budget.
At least that’s what I tell myself so I don’t have a fucking meltdown before I even make it upstairs…
“I’ll just give you a quick tour of the building, run down the schedule with you, and then you and Mr. Pierce can spend the morning getting to know each other.”
My throat tightens, not because of her words, but because of the way she says them. It’s her sarcasm that worries me when she saysgetting to know each other.Like the man I work for is a tyrant or something.
Maybe he is—I mean, his assistants don’t stay long, and he did fire Robbie and supposedly stole his million-dollar idea, so…
Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea. Maybe…
Mrs. Deangelo brings us to the elevator lobby, and I can’t help but marvel at the elegance. The black glass and marble is still present, but there are several monitors along the wall, each playing something different. The news on one, HGTV on the other, and the third, largest monitor looks like a visual screensaver from the Matrix.
“So,” she says as the elevator dings and opens up with a loud chirp. “You are familiar with Veil Technologies and what we do here, I take it?” she asks. I motion for her to step in before me.
“Ladies first.” I nod.
She smirks, walking in without a care. “Tell me, Oliver, are you single?”
I nearly do a double take as I step into the elevator.
“I, uh—”
Technically, I’m not, but Robbie said it would be too risky to admit that, and Sloane hasrules.He has his own moral code, though such morality seems to be up for debate. Robbie said for the premise of my persona, I would need to make it known somehow that I am single.
Apparently, Sloane doesn’t like cheaters, which I find slightly hypocritical.
She laughs, dismissing me with a wave. “I’m just teasing you, sweetheart.” Chicora lets out a laugh that turns to a soft snort. “I don’t get to have much fun these days, forgive me.”
“Oh, right,” I say, clearing my throat. My cheeks heat, as the elevator doors shut.
“To answer your question, yes. I know Veil Technologies was founded five years ago, and ever since Sloane Pierce has been spearheading the security division with his innovative technologies, he changed the entire industry,” I say with a forced smile.
And according to Robbie, none of it is his to begin with, but I digress. That’s why I’m here. To help my boyfriend get the revenge he needs, but also what he’s owed.
Because if Sloane Pierce really did steal it all from Robbie… he should pay for that.
Mrs. Deangelo looks at me with a scrutinizing gaze and a wicked smirk.
“I like you, Oliver,” she says sweetly.
“Thank you,” I say, standing straighter.
She twists her lips. “You can relax, you know. We’re not a bunch of stuffy assholes here. Most of the time,” she says.
“That’s… good to know, I suppose.”
“Except for his majesty, Mr. Pierce, of course,” she says with a laugh. “Oh, but that’s only if he hasn’t had his coffee before eight-am.” She winks.
