Empire of Deception (Harry Styles AU)

Chapter 19

I am coming around the corner before I pull back at the sight of a Collings who is just now stepping out of my fathers office. I press my back against the wall praying that he doesn't see me as my mind begins to whir at the possibilities of his presence here. There were too many red flags going up and suddenly I felt an obligation to figure out what the hell was going on here.

What could possibly be happening in a secret project to be withheld from one of the supervisors himself? Mentally scanning the list of people on the Bolton team in my head (all that I could remember, anyway), I begin to put check marks alongside the names of slippery folk just like Collings. People who are so so squished under my fathers thumb that they like it in some sick way. I know that Collings would do anything he was asked of in a heartbeat, hoping that it will tip his surname in his favor whenever Des thinks of him. It's a waste of time, though. It's hard to sway Des' opinion of you—I've tried. No, Collings is exactly where Des has set him.

My first instinct is to call Victoria on the matter to see if there is someway we can track these select peoples' movements within the corporations, but I then remember that it's been nearly two months now and she has barely said a word to me. I'm determined to make that change though, no matter what I have to do.

I am sick of playing into other people's plan. If I do end up being tangled in Victoria's web of lies and deceit, it's going to be on my own terms.

I turn on my heels and head for the lift.

It's nearly time for the Monday morning meeting over at Swann.

***

My nerves are on edge as I take my usual seat. The people around me are moving slower than usual and I know that exhaustion hangs in the air like a poisonous fog. And it's only the beginning of this project.

I decide to attempt to mirror everyone else, just so my out of place adrenaline doesn't draw attention from anyone.

I see people beginning to move away from the doorway and I know that the Jarwins have arrived. First comes Christopher who looks both sleepy and rather angry. HIs eyes slightly puffy, giving the illusion of smaller eyes as well as making the resemblance between him and his sister a wee bit stronger. He holds the door open for his sister who is the definition of polished. Her eyes cut across the room, studying each and every single individual who seem to squirm under the weight of her eyes. Behind her is Jackson whom Christopher stops to whisper something to.

I know it's no use trying to hear.

They all take their usual spots right as Alexander and his assistant, as well as my father and Janice step inside.

The meeting has begun.

For the next twenty minutes we give boring estimates and boring numbers and boring statements all just to satisfy the all powerful man in the room. I sneak a peek at my wristwatch and stoked to see that we are practically done.

When I look up everyone is standing up and that's when I see black blur swiftly snake it's way through the crowd before slipping out the door with no one the wiser.

The crowd begins to talk, causing a humming noise to fill the room. Hands are being shaken and I look over where Vaugns stands and see that Victoria isn't by his side.

I find my way to the perimeter from the room before following the walls out the door.

I glance over my shoulder to check if anyone saw me, but they seem occupied. Even Christopher.

Looking ahead, the edge of her pantsuit turn the corner.

I run up the hallway and attempt to follow her but she is moving fast and by the time I reach the hallway that leads to the lobby of the firm and back towards the cubicles and offices, she is no where to be found.