Deception

CHAPTER NINE

JAMES' POV

I stepped out of the building, closing the sleek glass door behind me. I adjusted the cuff of my jacket as a sly smile formed on my lips. The collaboration proposal I just put forward to Diamond Glow's CEO was just the first domino in the intricate plan Ethan and I had carefully devised. It was a very intriguing proposal - one that no one could reject.

" There's no way she'll be able to resist it." I muttered under my breath, as I put my hands in my pockets and began walking towards my car. This collaboration will tie Diamond Glow down and crush the Diamond Group Empire. It'll take down Ellie Brown and Meera Brown, alongside the damned legacy they think they've created.

I got to my car and unlocked it, as I stared at the gigantic building in front of me. Diamond Glow, leading fashion company in the country, and the backbone of Diamond Group Empire.

Bullshit.

An Empire that was built on lies, tears and blood of innocent people, one of whom is my mother. What Meera Brown did to my mother...

I got into the car, my teeth clenched and my hands balled into fists. I stared at the building again, recalling my Mum's last words.

James, I didn't do it... I promise you, I didn't...

I fumed as anger surged within me. My Mum didn't deserve any of that. She didn't deserve what Meera Brown put her through!

Just wait and see, Meera Brown, how I'll bring down your Empire and turn it to dust. I will make sure your happiness doesn't last. Why should it, anyway, when you took mine away? I'll deal with you, till you fall on your knees and beg me. I'll use your precious daughter to destroy you, and then, I'll see if you'll still stand with pride.

I turned on the ignition and gripped the wheel, still staring at the building.

Enjoy, Meera Brown , because it'll all end very soon . Starting with your precious little daughter.

———

RYAN'S POV

I dropped the pen that I have been holding for quite a while on the table and leaned deeper into my chair. I was so exhausted, and falling asleep right there seemed like a very good idea. I was on the verge of doing so when my phone rang.

I groaned, cursing under my breath at whoever that was, and leaned forward to grab the phone. It was Mum.

Great.

" Hi Mum!" I said, trying to sound cheerful but I knew deep down that it was a lame attempt.

" Are you there yet?"

What?

" Where?" I asked, genuinely confused.

" The restaurant, you brat!" She yelled.

Oh, right. I totally forgot.

" Not yet." I said, rubbing my forehead.

" Why aren't you? " She asked but I remained silent. Not that I didn't have a reasonable excuse, but I just couldn't gather the strength to say it. She sighed deeply over the phone." Stop whatever you're doing, and go there. Now."

" But Mum, it's by 4pm, and it's just 2:30." I groaned.

" Whatever. Just start going. And make sure to have fun."

As if.

" Fine." I said and ended the call. I sighed deeply and stood up, taking my suit jacket from where I had hung it. I sighed again and walked out of the office, still asking myself why and how I got into this shit.

I arrived at the restaurant roughly an hour later, because I made sure to drive as slowly as I can so that I'll be late. But who knew that I'll still be thirty minutes early.

I got into the restaurant and showed my card to the hostess ,a blonde overly friendly lady,at the reception desk. " Ryan Adams."

" Right. VIP room 43." She said and instructed a short red head lady to take me there. I followed her, and soon we arrived at the room and I must admit, it was elegant. A grand chandelier hung from the ceiling , it's soft light reflecting off the dark, glossy walls adorned with abstract art. The table in the center was set with precision – adorned with crystal glittering glasses and a delicate floral centerpiece. Everything in the room was beyond amazing.

I was immensely grateful to Mum for choosing such an amazing place. At least, I won't be that much upset even if the date doesn't go well, which I was very much expecting.

" Thanks." I muttered.

" You're welcome, Sir. If you want anything, please press the button on the centre of the table. Your assigned waitstaff will attend to you."

" Alright, thanks." I thanked her again and she smiled before leaving the room and closing the glass door behind her.

I collapsed on one of the armchairs, groaning. I still don't know why I agreed to this, cause it's crap. Now, I'm stuck here, waiting for a lady I don't even know. Dejected, I took out my phone and started going through all my unreal messages. It seemed to help, because I was so engrossed in it that I didn't hear someone enter the room.

" Ryan."

I froze and looked up, meeting her eyes. I furrowed my brows, not liking this at all. Is she spying on me? Because I don't really get why I've just been bumping into her.

Except...

" Laura, why are you here?" I asked, trying very hard to hide my irritation.

" I came for lunch with a friend, but I saw just you being ushered in here, so I excused myself to come say hi ."

Okay, so she isn't my date, thank goodness for that. If she had been, I'll probably be out of here by now.

" This place looks good. Meeting a business partner?"

" It's none of your business."

She smiled and sat down beside me. " I'm glad I ran into you, though. I've been thinking about last night. What would have happened to me if you hadn't come when you did. Thank you so much. "

" It's fine. It's in the past now, so you should forget it. "

She stared at me and I saw sadness and different emotions in her eyes. It seemed like she was holding back tears and a lot of pain. But why?

"Ryan, I'm sorry. Look, I'm not trying to open up old wounds, I just want to make everything right. I hate how things ended between you and James, between us."

Seriously? Is she really still on this shit?

" It's can't be fixed, Laura. So just bury it behind you and move on."

" I can't, Ryan. I really can't... You mean the world to me. How can I toss you behind me? Look, I'm sorry for what James did to Stephanie. I'm really sorry for Zoe and Bella's deaths. But please give me a chance, please... "

" And Ethan Brown? "

" I'll break up with him, I promise... "

" Laura, stop. This isn't the right time or place for this. It'll be in your best interest if you let go and move on. Now, please leave."

" Ryan, please... " She tried to continue but was interrupted by someone tapping the door. We turned towards the door and I'm sure we both had the same shocked expressions when we saw who it was and more especially, when she spoke.

" Errr ... Am I in the wrong room? " She asked, her eyes darting from Laura to me. I didn't miss the surprise on her face.

" Miss Wells, my date is here. So please, leave." I said, not knowing where my confidence boost came from. Or perhaps it was because THE Ellie Brown was standing right across the room, and she is my date.

Laura turned to me, her sad eyes now red with anger. " Date? " She repeated.

I nodded, standing on my feet." Yes, my date. So please, leave." I said, gesturing towards the door. She looked at me, shocked. But I couldn't care less.

My patience with her had run low, anyway.