Page 74 of See You Maybe
The Bloom lawyers blanched, as Chris’s eyes narrowed. But before the men actually came to blows, the lawyers were up and tugging on Chris’s arm.
Chris suddenly relaxed his posture and rolled his shoulders before letting out a harsh bark of laughter. “Your arrogance will always be your downfall, Dec.” He tugged at his lapels, straightening his jacket. “Gentlemen, ladies.”
His eyes lingered on Olivia before he turned and strode from the room, leaving the Bloom Communications’ entourage to hastily gather their belongings and hurry after him.
Declan turned to face the group, a harsh expression on his face. The crowd of bystanders watched wide-eyed, clearly unsure how this change of events would affect them. Nothing in his expression boded well for their future.
Bitter acid roiled in Olivia’s stomach. What did it mean for all of them? The payouts and bonuses they’d all expected wouldn’t be coming now. Declan didn’t need to give them anything. He’d outmaneuvered them all, and she feared he would make good on his promise to dismantle the company.
He had no use for any of them. All he wanted was XEROS for his revenge.
Olivia’s temples pulsed as her anger built. She had built this company as much as Richard, and she’d be damned if she sat back and watched Declan destroy everything she’d spent the last decade of her life devoted to.
But what can I do?
A woman, who Olivia recognized as Declan’s—actually, she had no idea what Cecile’s job title was—entered the room dressed in an immaculate blue dress. With an impassive face, she distributed folders to each person at the table before stepping back to stand with her back against the wall.
“I’m sure this comes as a surprise, but as you are all gathered here, it’s the perfect opportunity to explain how things will be in the future.”
Declan’s gaze landed on her, and Olivia realized to her surprise she was still standing. She tried to read the expression in his violet eyes, but a wall had come down.
This man was a stranger.
“If you will be seated, we can begin.”
Olivia didn’t move.
“Be seated.” His words lashed out, but she refused to break eye contact and slowly lifted one eyebrow.
Fuck him, if he thinks he’s going to intimidate me.
Declan’s expression softened a fraction. “Please.”
Stuart tilted his head, his expression worried. “Olivia.”
“Sit down,” Kyle hissed, but Olivia felt as though her feet had been nailed to the ground.
Declan’s mouth opened to say something else, but Kyle reached out and yanked her wrist, causing her to instinctively jerk back, freeing herself. “Sit down, Livvy.” Kyle’s eyes blazed at her, but he lowered his hand.
Acknowledging silently to herself that her stubbornness wouldn’t help, Olivia finally moved, but when she lifted her gaze, she saw Declan watching Kyle with a terrifying expression.
“I’ve provided proof of my ownership,” Declan began, as Olivia slid into her seat. “Now that I own a majority of the company out-right, it changes things.”
“But the deal you offered is still good, right?” The desperation in Kyle’s voice was obvious.
How had she not seen how truly stupid he was before she agreed to marry him?
Declan blinked at him. “There is no deal.”
“But—” Stuart looked pale.
“This is your fault!” Kyle turned a furious face to Olivia, and she struggled not to react. “You told him about the shareholders,” he accused. “You’d do anything to get back at me.”
Richard put a hand on his son’s back. “It’s not Livvy’s fault.” His face was haggard.
Olivia stared at Declan. She had thought she understood who Declan was now—that there was some echo of the man she’d loved—but she saw clearly that she’d underestimated him and the danger he posed.
CHAPTER TWENTY