Business No More

Chapter 13 - Sam's Point of View

*Sam's Point of View*

I place my hand against the sofa's arm, Violet's head resting on my lap. The idea of touching her sends incredible warmth through my body like I must always hold her, like I mustn't ever let go. I can imagine life like this. Just her and I. The peace and quiet is astounding. It's been so long that I've had this. It's good to be home.

I brush Violet's stray hair away from her face and tuck it behind her ear before bending forward to kiss her forehead. Didn't think I'd find someone, didn't think I'd care.

I know I should head to the office but I can't seem to wake her up. She looks peaceful and that small smile that's made its way to her lips...well it makes me happy.

She fists a small part of my shirt in her hand as she turns. She's still asleep. Her legs curl up to her stomach and I notice her shiver. She's cold.

She looks up through her eyelashes at me. "Did I fall asleep?"

I nod. "Only for like three hours," I say with a smirk.

She immediately sits up, noticing me in a suit and tie. "You're late for work, Sam!"

I laugh. "I own the company, I can go whenever."

She stands up. "Then wait up, I'll come too."

I shake my head. "You should rest," I say and then point at her bare legs. "And perhaps wear something warmer."

She rubs her legs before she nods and gives me a quick kiss.

I turn around grabbing my suitcase from the side of the sofa and head outside where my driver has already loaded the car. He grabs my suitcase as I take a seat in the limousine.

When I get to the office, Dale is waiting for me. "Sir, there seems to be a problem."

I nod as I walk into my office, Dale following behind.

"We tried to call you," he says in a panic.

I pull my phone out to notice it's battery is dead. "What seems to be the problem?"

He hands me a document as I take a seat. A quarter of our shares have been sold. "How did this happen?"

He shakes his head. "I don't know sir but you've signed it."

When I scan to the last page, my signature confirms the words he's said. Although there's a slight notice that pulls my attention. The writing is curved to the right. Although it looks pretty similar to mine, I'm left handed and it's usually curved to the left because of the way i hold my pen.

"Who else has access to these folders?" I ask.

Dale shakes his head. "Just you and Violet and obviously me."

I turn the document around in my hand. Dale has been working here for too long to do such a thing and obviously Violet wouldn't.

"Surveillance cameras," I say. "Check them and see who has gone to the documents room. Find out immediately."

I scan the document again, staring at the signature. Whose is it?

A knock on the door draws my attention. Violet walks in. My frown immediately turns into a smile. Let's just hope she doesn't realise I'm faking it.

"What are you doing here?"

She smiles. "Didn't want to be home alone."

"You should be resting," I say. "Please go home, Violet."

I can't have her here, especially when something is wrong. I need to get to the bottom of this.

She frowns. "What's wrong?"

I shake my head. "Nothing."

She walks over and places a tray in front of me. Oats and fruits. "You didn't have breakfast," she says. "Now tell me what's wrong."

"Why would something be wrong?"

"Because I can tell when you're lying and that fake smile," she says pointing at my lips. "That fake smile clearly looks plastered on."

I sit down again. "Violet, please go home."

"Ok whatever," she says as she walks away.

I can tell she's upset. I should've told her but she would worry. Because although it may not seem like a lot, I feel like this is just the beginning.

Dale walks in. "Sir over the past two days, no one has gone in."

I shake my head. "When was this signed?"

"Yesterday," he says.

"Dammit," I say slamming the folder hard against the floor.

"The new client," I say. "Did we find out who is running the company?"

Dale nods. "Georgia who met us two weeks ago, she's not the one who owns the company. Her boss does. Though her boss hates doing the talking and coming up for meetings so Georgia handles everything."

"Well everything seems great and the offer is fantastic. What I don't understand is why they won't make this deal with someone from the U.S when that's where their company is. Why make a deal with someone from Australia?"

Dale nods. "I understand sir but maybe it's because you're the bloody best," he says. "Georgia is waiting, we should get it sorted."

We both turn and walk out of my office, my eye scans the crowd, noticing Violet sitting on the chairs. She stands when she sees us and pulls Dale's hand to draw his attention. I want to stop her but I have to meet Georgia so I turn and walking into the conference room.

"A pleasure to meet you," Georgia says, standing to shake my hand.

I shake her hand before signalling her to take a seat. "The pleasure's all mine," I say. "So tell me, what do we get in return."

"Eighteen million is our cover fee. You'll get all that in conjunction with launching the clothes to your company's label," she says. "We'll split the profit."

I nod. "It sounds like a good deal and I've gone through the prototypes. Call it a deal," I say.

She leans forward, sliding the contract forward.

I grab it. "Give us a day or two and we'll have this back to you."

She frowns. "My boss hates to wait, I suggest you read it now and sign it. You won't get a deal like this elsewhere."

"I'm sure your boss hates to wait but I hate being told what to do."

Georgia nods likes she gets the message and pardons herself as she leaves. That's when Dale rushes in. "It's almost done," he whispers before peaking outside.

I nod my appreciate. "One week," I say. "Then we can surprise Violet."

Dale smiles. "I think she'll notice when she steps outside if she hasn't already. I mean she'll see the connecting blocks from the building next door to your office."

I laugh. "I'm surprised she hasn't said anything about it yet."

Next to Anderson's Corporation, at least the main headquarters here in Sydney, I've built another office. Black and gold. Violet's new company. It'll be the perfect gift for her birthday.

"Dale not fair," Violet bursts in saying. "Stop avoiding me."

I lift any eyebrow. "What's wrong, hunny?"

"Something's wrong and because Dale is such a good friend of yours, he won't tell me."

Dale smiles my direction before giving me a thumbs up and then leaving.

"Dodgy activity," I say. "Someone is signing fake documents in my name."