Katherine stands.“Welcome, Mr.Knight.We’re honored to have you be part of this company.”
Watching her, I can’t trust my legs.Instead I lean against the wall like I need it to support me.
Zach speaks again.“I look forward to working with all of you.”And then his gaze sweeps over me again and fury rises inside me.He’s not going to intimidate me.
“Thank you, everyone.That’s all for today,” Cecil says.
Chairs scrape and people whisper, and somebody mutters, “My God, can you believe it?A Knight.This is great.This is so good for the company.”
I’m one of the first to leave.I don’t even look at him as I walk past.
My heart sinks at what he’s just done.He’s staking a majority claim in the company, because I’m here.It can’t be a coincidence, especially after we went to dinner.He wanted to meet again, but I wasn’t too keen on it.
Now he’s gone and done this.Typical Knight move.Why did I think he’d be any different?
Chapter 13
ZACH
Cecil has asked his assistants to make sure I’m settled in well.He wants to please me.It’s something I’ve been used to all my life.
I’m being taken care of.He wanted me to be in one of the executive rooms.It was large and windowed with magnificent displays of the river, and on a different floor, but I insisted on having the smaller glass-walled meeting room on the floor where Maya works.
I pulled my weight.Sure I did.Because what’s the point of being in my position and not even having a small perk like this?
It was obvious to see that Maya hated the announcement.
What did I expect?She thinks I want to insert myself into her world, that I’m trying to force my way into her life.That I’m trying to make her like me again, by sheer proximity and power.
I don’t.I don’t want to force anyone to like me.With Maya, that’s not my ulterior motive in acquiring a majority stake in Stella.The company is clearly not doing well.Cecil and I have met numerous times prior to this morning’s announcement, and I’ve pored over the financial data until I can practically recite it in my sleep.I know exactly where Stella stands.
It’s struggling, but I’m going to change that, and in doing so, maybe the prospects will be better for Maya?I don’t expect her to see it like that, so I’m curious to know her thoughts.
A knock on the door makes me look up.My insides shrivel, yet I manage to keep my expression neutral.The advantage of having a glass wall is that it’s so easy to see who’s at the door.
Right now, it’s Maya’s boss.I nod, summoning her in, albeit reluctantly.Katherine sashays in, her hands smoothing down her bob.She’s the first of the managers to come and greet me personally.Others have emailed me to congratulate me, told me they’re thrilled to have me on board, but this one wants to greet me in person, just like I expected she would.
“Mr.Knight, I just wanted to say, ‘Welcome aboard’.”Her smile is fake and plastic, and too much.
I nod but say nothing.
Standing before me, her hands clasped together, in a demure way, she continues, “We’re so happy to have you.This is the mostfantasticnews.”
“Glad you think so,” I say, dryly.I see Katherine for exactly the sort of woman she is.She wants to be in my face.She wants me to know she’s important.She wants to curry favor with me, but I’m not interested in her.
The announcement was a few hours earlier, and I haven’t reached out to Maya yet, but of all the reactions, it’s hers I’m most curious about.
“If there’s anything I can do,anything...”she purrs, tilting her head, just slightly.
I sit back.“There is, actually.”
Her eyes widen, and her head rights itself on her shoulders.I notice this woman mostly wears sleeveless clothing just to show off her toned, leathery arms.“Just say it.”
“Could you tell Maya to come and see me?”
I don’t miss the flicker of surprise on her face, but she hides it instantly.
“Maya?”Her voice is unfamiliarly higher pitched than usual.“Of course.”
