My Girlfriend, My Pet.

Chapter 36

Two days later, Evelyn was on her way to Raiden's office for what could very well be the deciding meeting on the merger. Mike was there even earlier as Raiden walked in to prepare for said meeting. "You sure you got this figured out? Elizabeth said her private investigator has only managed to figure out so much since they got in touch." 

"And... ?" 

"And she's been informed that there's nothing dirty on Evelyn's and her company's books. Which makes it all the more strange, doesn't it? Why would a company doing well for itself wants to get its business tied up to another in a different industry?" 

"I'm sure she has her reasons for it."

"It just doesn't seem right, you know. After all, she didn't even-"

Their conversation was cut short by the interruption of the receptionist, who had entered the meeting room to tell them that Elizabeth was on her way up and the Evelyn should be here in the next 15 minutes or so. Raiden excused himself to the toilet but not before stopping over at his personal office to swing the window open. 

Iona had earlier told him to leave it open so she could swoop in and be on standby in case anything were to happen at the premise. The two of them had discussed it earlier and Raiden would confront her on her secret ability - which could very well lead to the real reason of the merger - after the meeting. 

Back at the meeting room, Elizabeth and several other executives had taken their seats when Raiden came back. He noticed that Elizabeth had gotten close to one of them ever since her arrival, a young-ish man that was placed in charge of one of the divisions of the firm. No doubt the two of them held more than meetings in this very room, according to Iona's bloodhound senses. 

Before his mind could wander any further, Evelyn and three others from her team arrived. Pleasantries exchanged, the meeting was soon underway in no time. 

~~~

It would take close to an entire day for the meeting as by the time it was officially over, the clock had shown half past four. Conclusion? The merger would see Raiden's firm gain a financial majority of Evelyn's while her company had rights to facilities owned by Raiden's around the country for purposes of "manufacturing." 

Outside the meeting room, while handshakes were still given out, he approached Evelyn. 

"Miss Connor, Evelyn..." she had insisted he used her first name, "... if you don't mind, could you spare maybe ten minutes? There are matters related to the merger that I need to discuss with you privately."

Without a hint of reluctance, she agreed and followed him into his office. Door closed and blinds shut, Raiden wasted no time in confronting her. "Why are you really doing this? Just be honest with me. Right here, right now. Why are you so desperate the merge our companies?"

Evelyn sat straight and blinked a couple of times before giving him a perplexed look. "I'm sorry, I don't think I quite follow. You already know the financial benefits from this merger and I believe that together we could-"

"Damn it! Just tell me the truth!" Raiden slammed his fist onto the table. The impact had caused Evelyn to jolt in her seat. "Fine. You wanna' play games, you go ahead. I'm not interested so I'll just ask you, then." 

Evelyn leaned forward, concern - genuine or not, he wasn't sure - played across her face as she listened for the impending question.

"You're a shapeshifter, aren't you?" 

She chuckled. "Is this a joke? Am I being set up for a prank or something?" 

Raiden was motionless, though. He stared at her before asking again. "You are a shapeshifter, right? You can turn yourself into animals?"