Chapter 19
Xander’s POV
I sat in my car, watching the video of Mia’s interview. Just like the rest of them, it was strictly by the books. Some of the questions focused on her personal life but none included her marriage to me or her involvement with Schaeffer’s group, same with her other Interviews. The Walton’s influence was wide enough to manipulate whatever scandal they deemed inconvenient
It was clear that Mia was purposely leaving those details out.
Just as the interview was wrapping up, my phone rang. I glanced at the door, Mia was yet to arrive, so I received the call.
“Yes, Irene?”
“Babe, can you come pick me up later tonight? Let’s have dinner out.”
“I can’t. I’m busy right now, and I’ll be working overtime at the office today. I’ll send a driver to take you”
“But I want you.” She whined. You can’t spare even an hour for me?”
My tone was stern, “Trene, I’m busy”
“With what? Are you with someone!”
As Irene spoke, I noticed the door open and Mia stepping out. The videography did not do justice to how resplendent she looked in the orange jumpsuit she wore. Her smile was radiant, but beneath it, I detected a hint of pain, something I had noticed since our first re-
encounter.
Perhaps it was just exhaustion. The three–hour interview had been grueling, and she had to smile through it. In her previous role at Schaeffer’s, Mis didn’t have to take interviews like this. She was usually camera shy, hence, we had representatives in place for her.
As expected, she was swarmed by a sea of reporters, and when the sparkle in her eyes dwindled increasingly with discomfort, I knew it was my cue to intervene.
“Babe?” Irene’s voice jolted me. “Xander, are you still there?”
1 have to go now, I’ll call you later.”
She was talking again when I hung up.
When Mia finally got into my car despite her reluctance at first, I sat next to her. The space between us gave me a glance of what we used to be, but then I ignored her. I had carelessly taken those priceless moments for granted to caress my ego.
Contrary to my plan, Mia hadn’t dropped the bottle of water after taking a few sips, but I was more disturbed by the fact that she thought I could plot something so devilish. Why would I get rid of her? Seeing the raw fear in her eyes made me wonder if I had been that inuch of a monster to her. It made me realize how badly I had treated her during our marriage.
When she got distracted by her phone and I caught a smile on her lips, I felt a pang in my heart.
“You know it’s rude to be on your phone when you have company, right?” I couldn’t help but blurt.
“I consider you more of a disturbance than a company, Mr Schaeffer.”
I brushed off the remark with a chuckle, “You’re the first woman to ever say that to me, but it’s ironic because you used to say the exact opposite when we were married”
She ignored me, darting her gaze ahead and then she came back to shooting daggers at me with her gaze.
“This is not my way.”
“I know. We have a meeting scheduled in three minutes. I’ve added it to your calendar.
She was appalled. Expected.
Without my consent?”
“We already clarified that.”
“Who do you think you are to do that?”
Chapter 19
“Alexander Schaeffer.” I didn’t intend my tone to come with that much arrogance.
Suddenly, she smirked and then agreed.
“Tine. Let’s have that meeting now, Mr Schaeffer.
The ride was quiet again. The tension built up intensively and made it hard for me to keep my eyes off her. What happened in the four years that she was away? How did she change so much?
The answers I sought rested solely on Sam’s findings but I was growing increasingly impatient.
We arrived at the cafe and I saw relief cover her skeptical expression when she found out it was a public place. I had reserved the top floor for just the both of us and that was where we went.
I studied her from across the table; her fingers gripped her purse as though she was struggling to blend in, but her expression remained
calm
“So, what did you want to talk about?” She fired, averting her gaze as soon as our eyes met.
We should order first
did
not come here to have a drink with you. Mr Schaeffer. I have a busy day ahead.”
For the next thirty minutes, you’re available. I made sure of that
Her jaw dropped like she wanted to argue but she clamped it shut when a waiter approached us.
I made a simple order and he turned to Mia.
“She likes her latte with whole milk. Extra creamy. I beat her to it. “Or is it different now!” I smirked.
“I have that” she said calmly to the waiter and he walked away.
Turning to me, she flared. “Don’t you care about your reputation? You shouldn’t look this excited hanging out with your ex–wife when you have a whole fiance.”
“Irene is not my fiancee,” luttered, not that it mattered anyway.
“Does it matter? You both are together.”
“I see you’ve been doing some research about me, I faced her squarely, teasing.
“What she
about you,
who
are you
with!
“Your relationship with Irene is public news,” she blurted. “Also, none of your business.”
The waiter returned with our order, and I waited for her to take a sip, but she raised a brow at me, not bothering to hide how badly she wanted to get away from me.
“I found our you purchased a building close to one of mine again,” I stressed. “I was wondering if that’s a coincidence”
“It was a good spot and they were willing to sell, so I bought it. Is that a problem?”
“What are you going to do with it?”
“How is that any of your business?”
“It’s rude to reply to a question with another question, you know,” I said calmly,
“And why are you so interested in my business?” She shot back. “You said I don’t intimidate you”
“Oh this is far from intimidation, Mia,” I said. “In fact, I think it is far from a coincidence. Is there something you have against me?”
“Why would I have anything against you, Mr. Schaeffer!” She fired. “I barely even remember you. Or is there something you think I should know?”
“Do you remember Kyle then?” I watched her expression keenly for any reaction but there was no switch. Nothing.
“Your little brother?” She said with a collected tone.
(You remember?”
2/3
Chapter 19
She picked up her cup of coffee, took a sip, and settled it back on the table before replying. Just like mine on you too. Somehow everyone thinks you’re some sort of god that I should be scared of
you
PIP
your research on me,
“Well I hope you were pleased with your findings!” I teased. “For someone who is extremely busy, I should be honored to have been worth your priceless time. Although, I was quite shocked with what I found about you. In your profile, you seem to have lived a different life from what I remember.”
“Yes. I was away from my family for years, that was my way of not feeling left out. Also, I have no memory of the kind of life I used to live so I chose to flow with the present, she shrugged. I don’t think I owe you an explanation on that.”
What about us? I wanted to ask but I figured it’d be better not to. Mia has clearly moved on from that or she just doesn’t care anymore.
Her phone rang, she glanced down at it and stood up.
“I believe this conversation is over, so I’d like to take my leave. I have an important matter to attend to.”
Til make a deal with you, Miss Walton,” I stood up after her. Her eyes sparkled with disbelief when she realized I had addressed her by her preferred title.
“Sell the building to me. I’ll pay you twice the cost price
“I don’t think I made myself clear enough. Mr. Schaeffer,” she scoffed. This is not some kind of competition. I bought the bakery
because it was a good spot and I have no intention of reselling it or deviating from what I plan to do with it. In simple terms, my answer
is no
“I doubt you did a proper research about me,” I said. “I don’t take no for an answer. It’s unwise to have me as a rival, Miss Walton.”
She shot me an incredulous look, the disdain glaring
“May the best player win, Mr Schaeffer,” she huffed. “My ride is here.
She grabbed her purse from the table and started for the stairs. My guard glanced at me, seeking permission to go after her but I shook my head, stopping him.
A smirk formed on my lips, Mia’s bold counter reflecting in my mind over and over. Rather than amused, I should be had changed into an interesting woman. How could I just ignore that!
ery but Mia
angry
to see a call from
With a napkin. I wiped the rim of the coffee cup and folded it into my pocket. My phone buzzed and I fished it out to see a
Sam
1 answered at the first ring and waited for him to speak.
“I have the report you wanted on Miss Walton.”
3/3
