She caught it awkwardly. "Take the coat off before you ruin the rug," he muttered. "Not that it's worth much, but it's mine. " Viven unbuttoned the soaked trench coat and draped it over a kitchen chair. Underneath, she wore a simple, ridiculously expensive silk blouse and tailored trousers. She wrapped the towel around her shoulders, looking small.
Roland walked into the kitchen and put the kettle on. I don't have espresso. I have instant coffee or chamomile tea. Tea is fine. She stood by the island watching him move around his kitchen.
He moved with a relaxed efficiency she wasn't used to. In the office, Roland was always tense, always anticipating the next disaster. Here, wearing a faded band t-shirt. He looked like a different man. "Who betrayed you? " Roland asked, dropping a tea bag into a mug.
Viven scoffed bitterly. Who didn't? My uncle spearheaded it, but he needed a majority. The CFO flipped. Head of acquisitions flipped.
They cited the Japanese deal, stalling as proof I was losing my touch. She looked at him, her dark eyes narrowing. The deal you refused to help me close. Roland poured the hot water and slid the mug across the counter. Don't put this on me.
You built a company entirely out of mercenaries. You shouldn't be surprised when they do mercenary things. She wrapped her hands around the warm mug, letting the steam hit her face. They planned it for months. They waited until I was isolated.
They even tipped off the door man at my building not to let me up. So, you grabbed a suitcase and got on a subway. I took a cab. She corrected him defensively. I had a $50 bill in my coat pocket.
And when the 48 hours are up, Roland asked, "What's the play? Your uncle won't back down. He's been trying to push you out since your father died. He has the board now. I fight," Vivien said.
The fire returned to her eyes, cold and sharp. "I tear them down. I have enough dirt on every single board member to ruin their lives. I'm going to take it all back and then I'm going to fire everyone. Roland shook his head slowly.
You haven't learned a thing, have you? Before Viven could snap back, the floorboards creaked. Roland turned, standing in the hallway, rubbing her eyes with the back of a small pajama clad arm was Chloe. She was clutching a worn stuffed rabbit. Daddy," she mumbled.
I heard talking. Roland's demeanor changed instantly. The defensive posture melted away. He walked over and knelt down. "Hey, Bug.
I'm sorry. Did we wake you? Is it morning? " "No, it's still late. Just had an unexpected guest. " Khloe peered around Roland's shoulder. She looked at Viven.