Old Money || Shawmila [Completed]

24. Day trip

The hot coffee cup in her hands and the giant box of donuts she was carrying had earned her more than a few curious looks from people in the building. But Camila walked quickly with her head held high, her heels echoing through the office halls. Camila had a mission: she needed to apologize to Connor.

Shawn had begged her not to have dinner with him, but he had not prevented her from making amends in some other way. Camila knew very well that he wouldn't appreciate knowing her in the company of her coworker, but Camila needed Connor, whether it was for his advice or simply for his friendship. Twisting Shawn's words in her favor was a low blow, but it was what she did best - after all it was her job.

Before knocking on Connor's door, Camila took a deep breath and relaxed the muscles of her face. She hadn't often had to apologize to a friend, and she wasn't sure she had all the necessary skills to do it gracefully. Her knuckles tapped decisively on the wood of the door in front of her and she waited impatiently for a few seconds to hear the man's voice from the other side. When she entered, Connor barely looked at her. He was hunched over his desk, busy signing some documents. Camila cautiously stepped into the room, unable to decipher his mood. She sat in one of the chairs in front of his desk, waiting for him to pay attention to her. The hot coffee cup was burning her hand and the sweet smell of the donuts made her nauseous, yet she stayed there waiting. Fifteen signatures later, Connor finally laid his eyes on her.

Camila began to speak. «I guess you know why I'm here. I'm not very good at apologies, so please don't make it any harder than it already is».

Connor grimaced. «Yeah, you're not good at apologies».

Camila placed the gifts on the desk. «Connor, it wasn't my intention to snap at you or exclude you from my life. The fact is, I'm a very private person and I can count on the fingers of one hand the people I've trusted enough to confide in. I'm not saying you're not trustworthy, but we've only known each other for a short time. Give me time to make it up to you and I promise you won't regret it»

The man slowly sipped the coffee he had been brought, and a faint expression of satisfaction could be seen on his face. «This coffee is exactly how I like it».

«I got it from your favorite bar».

He smiled and took a bite of a doughnut. «I don't like holding grudges against people, so consider yourself forgiven».

«Really?»

He nodded. «Plus, you're the only one in here who seems to have a more messed-up life than mine. I don't want to miss out on all the entertainment!»

Camila laughed. «You're a jerk». She got up and headed towards the door, but before leaving, she turned around one last time. «Do you want to go on a day trip next week?»

Connor looked at her intrigued. «I'm listening».

***

A few hours' drive outside of New York, on the border with Pennsylvania, there was a modest town. It looked like one of those remote places between big cities that nobody cares about. Camila and Connor were headed there. It wasn't a courtesy visit or a trip, but business. Gary Milton was spending his retirement years there. He probably hoped to find some peace, away from the frenzy and deceit of the city, but apparently those elements didn't want to leave him. Camila didn't like the idea of troubling him at his own house, asking some questions, and demanding his help. Unfortunately, her position didn't allow her to do otherwise.

The car ride with Connor had given her the opportunity to get to know him better, to the point that the man hadn't closed his mouth for a second. But Camila didn't mind it: the more Connor talked about himself, the less he would ask about her.

Time passed faster than expected, and they soon arrived at their destination. Gary Milton's house was modest but pretty, and you could tell that the old man took care of it. Camila rang the doorbell and waited for Gary to open the door. The man wasn't expecting her visit, a detail that was reflected in his expression when he was face to face with the two lawyers.

He had clearly guessed what that was about, but despite the features of his face had hardened, the man spoke calmly and politely. «What can I do for you?»

Camila smiled sweetly at him. «Mr. Milton, good morning. I'm lawyer Cabello, and he's my colleague, lawyer McMillan. We're sorry to barge in like this, but we urgently need to talk to you».

Gary looked behind him for a moment, considering whether to let them in or throw them off his property, but in the end, he nodded. «Please come in»

They sat on the soft sofa in the living room, and while Gary was in the kitchen boiling some water for the tea, Camila had the opportunity to look around. The furniture in the room was simple and pretty. You could see the feminine touch and attention to detail of his wife, but nothing screamed luxury and wealth. The scattered photos portrayed the couple in different moments of their life. The wrinkles on their faces revealed the passage of time and the effort they had both put in to achieve great milestones. In them, she recognized the sacrifices of ordinary people, the same ones her parents made to ensure her success.

The man reemerged shortly afterward from the kitchen, carrying a tray on which cups and a teapot were placed. After everyone had been served, Camila began to explain the reason for her visit. «Mr. Milton, we're here on behalf of Mr. Gold. There's a negotiation going on between him and Mr. Caplan after the division of the company. One of the crucial elements is the ownership of the patent that was developed by one of them, and that's why we're here today. We would like you to sign a declaration that attributes ownership of the patent in question to Mr. Gold».

Gary immediately shook his head. «I don't want to be rude, but I don't want anything to do with this story. You're not the first to come knocking on my door with such demands , but just as I refused to help the others, I'll do the same with you».

Camila didn't expect to receive such information. It was true that Gary had refused to cooperate, but apparently, Shawn had received the same answer as her. It was obvious that Shawn had been bluffing.

As Camila processed the new information, Connor stepped forward. «Before making any decisions, Mr. Milton, listen to what Mr. Gold is proposing. We are aware that there are issues between you two, but Mr. Gold is willing to pay a substantial amount of money for your help».

At these words, the old man jumped up. His face was red and he was quivering with anger. «How dare you insult me like this? I didn't let that dishonest man buy me off forty years ago, and I certainly won't do it today! Now leave please»

Camila shot Connor a dirty look, as he clearly did not expect such a reaction. Before Camila could apologize and try to retract in some way, Gary had already escorted them to the door. The two returned to New York empty-handed but at least with the knowledge that Camila still had hope of winning the case.

*******

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