It was five o'clock when I stepped out of my penthouse . Again I have to stay in my penthouse because josh drove me back . And he doesn't know that I don't live here and I don't plan on telling him or anybody for the matter.

I sighed when I entered into my car , I still have an hour drive . But hopefully the traffic won't be that hectic with that I started the engine. A few minutes into the drive it started to drizzle I then quickly turned my heater on and drove a little faster.

After one hour and fifteen minutes I have finally arrived at the house. It was still drizzling but it was not raining hard.

After that I went inside my house and went straight to my room and started to change my dress . After that i started to work on the papers that I have to submit . It was finished already but a final go through is always better. Because it is Irvine company for Christ sake.

After checking and concluding that all was right i went downstairs to go to my office to get the papers done . After that I made my way towards the room again to get ready for the meeting.

A warm shower sounds so relaxing. After coming from my bathroom I shivered slightly when the cold air hits me . I quickly covered myself with a fluffy robe.

I then went into my closet by instinct I grabbed my office outfit when I was actually going to a restaurant. I l kept my office outfit back and took something that would go nice with both a meeting and for a restaurant. After two minutes I finally settled with a slightly loose black sleeveless top and paired it up with high waisted brown pants. After that I went to do my hair I took a side part in the front and put my hair in a pony tail . After five minutes I was finally ready .

I took my purse and the papers needed for the meeting and my new iphone and my portable charger . I furrowed my eyebrows when I couldn't find my coat . After a moment I realized I left it in the coat hanger.

With that I made my way downstairs. While coming down from the stairs my eyes feel into the three standing figure. Paul , Georgia and mark.

They all looked up when they heard my footsteps. Sighing I made my way towards the kitchen not even bothering to acknowledge them . They follow me to the kitchen like ants following towards the prey.

Pathetic.

"You guys lost your house or something" I ask while opening the fridge "if you haven't realized this is not a charity place " I look up while drinking the water.

Silence.

"If you still not realized my house is not a exhibition. If you have nothing else to speak " I pause and look at them."LEAVE MY HOUSE "

They take a step back but paul is the one to break it.

"We need to discuss something fel .... jone " he corrects himself "let's sit down for this " he ask his eyes holds a pleading look.

I sigh "Twenty minute max " I say and place the bottle down "I have places to go " .

They all nod and sigh in relief.

After that we all settled in the dinning table . There were sitting opposite to me looking nervous while I was seated in the head table looking at them with a narrowed eyes.

"Speak" I order.

Paul straightens up "It's about the event"

I saw it coming. But I play it cool.

"What about it " I ask . They all share a look.

"We heard you spent some large amount of money " paul says cautiously.

"You heard it right" I state placing my cup of coffee down.

"Jone you know that is a huge money right" he says with a raised eyebrow.

"Ofcourse I know , you think that I'm that dumb it was me who spent the money"

Paul eyes widened when he realized what he asked .

"No jone he didn't mean it like that " Georgia says and glares at paul .

"Sorry" he straighten up "I didn't mean it like that"

"Good" I nod.

Mark glances at paul who still thinking about how to address the situation. Georgia shakes her head in disbelief looking at the two men . Mark notice this and braces himself to speak.

"Jone we just want you to listen to-

"What do you think I'm doing catwalking " I scoff.

Both Georgia and paul face palm themselves.

Georgia sighs and looks at me which said that she only would be capable of handling and not those two idiots.

"Jone the thing is the amount you spent is quite a lot of money, you should stop -

"You are NOT the one to SAY" I shout.

"I'm not, I'm just saying you to tone down a little bit . You know it fel.. sorry ... you know it jone that if you keep on spending the money we will end up in bankrupt "

"We won't end up in bankrupt " I automatically say .

"Jone you can't say that surely, I'm not looking down or anything like that. I'm just stating facts. The company is not a billion dollar company or a million dollar company , so please think about it " paul says joining in the conversation.

They are true but I won't back down.

"I'm rich . Incase you forgot it " . I say narrowing my eyes.

"That's not the point jone you have a office to run and a factory to be taken care off . We are also in need of new machines and the cost is gonna be so high . We are just worried how are you gona manage it " paul reasons out.

"Then don't worry " I let out a sarcastic laugh. "Listen I have this Irvine deal and I will get some other deal . So stop with your stupid worries " I shout.

I don't understand their point of worry . Well hell I'm may not be a billionaire but I have enough money . And I'm tolerating all the work in the Irvine company for what . Money.

All my life I have been struggling to make profit and to make more money . And I got this amazing deal which is kinda a big load.

Why can't i flaunt it the way I wished . After all the company is mine and money is mine and the leftovers will be more than enough for them .

They are gonna get some nice leftovers if I can convince Mr. Merrick today and somehow get a deal out of him .

Everything is under control . In me .

"I think you got your answers " I say and start to take my things. But Georgia comes and stands in front of me stopping me.

"Jone we still need to settle this down . I know why are you spending this amount of money ,it's okay but try to think the number of workers in the office and in the factory It is increasing you have to manage the payments which is very huge.... Do you want to, meet Lawrence.

Silence. Dead silence.

"Hey hey I'm so sorry jone I was just so worried about the financial status of our company . You know how important lily jones is to us if something happens to it . Your dad and your mom will be not like..

Wrong move . Wrong words.

Jone eyes widened like saucers and I hear faint gasps of paul and mark . I don't get the reaction beacuse I'm blinded by my range and I'm breathing heavily.

"Felici- paul starts .

"Over stepped your line Mrs. Ruffalo over stepped " I say in a low taunting voice.

"Jone I'm really-

"ENOUGH "

"Money . Is what your problem right " I seethe and quickly dig into my purse and flew money into her face.

Shocked at the impact she stumbles backs . Her foot trips the carpet and she falls down hitting her head in the chair.

My eyes widened but before I could do anything mark rushes to her side. He then cups her face looking at her where a blood pours from the side of her head. He then turns his face toward me with the look only said how much he hated me .

"You should be ashamed Miss.jones of how horrible person you are " mark says in a cold voice . That it brings tears to my eyes.

Without any other word I rush towards the door not even bothering to look at paul and Georgia because I know I wouldn't be capable of seeing their hatred and disappointment in their eyes.

I hastily reach my car and start the car with shaky hands. Few minutes into the drive a tear drop falls into my hand followed by another it continued till it blurs my eyes . I pull over and stop the engine .

I vigorously wipe my eyes and small whimpers escape my mouth and it slowly turn into cries.

I place my head down on the steering wheel and cry out.

You should be ashamed.

"Nooo" I shout and and punch my hands onto the steering wheel.

"I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm so sorry I didn't mean it . I'm really " i say while crying harder.

Horrible person.

Horrible person.

The hatred in his eyes and his tone.

"I'M NOT A HORRIBLE PERSON " I shout while a whimper escapes my mouth.

"I'm not a horrible person I'm not I'm not I'm not " I repeat it again and again.

"I'm maybe a bad person but I'm not horrible " I cry leaning my head back on the headrest and my eyes closing on their own.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

The elevator doors open and Zion enters in when he sees me he gives me a curt nod and goes to stand at the side.

A unknown feeling erupts into me with his kind of gesture. He never the one who gives me a nod . Well I maybe little oblivious to certain things But I never miss the jerk of his eyes whenever he sees me . Followed by his good morning. His greeting are always fresh and bright and for some unknown reason I liked it . But since I didn't get it I can't help feeling a little sad. I don't know why I'm sad or affected by it . Well it's maybe the horrify events I encountered a few hours back is making me feel like this. I'm not ready for another person to show their hatred towards me.

I had enough.

The elevator opens with a ding . He then steps out and I after him . He tugs his hands in his pocket and casually walks. I then spot Mr. Irvine standing in front of a door .

"Good morning Miss.jones " he greets me.

"Morning Mr. Irvine " I greet back .

"Sorry , for the short notice hope you don't mind " he says.

I shook my head "It's okay Mr. Irvine the sooner the beter " I say.

"That's the spirit " he comment.

I then look at my side to see that Zion already went inside and looking through some files.

"Shall we " Mr. Irvine asks from beside.

"Yes we shall" .

.

.

.

.

.

"All the preparations are finally done , I think we can start this monday " Mr.Irvine says.

"Let's start on Wednesday. " Zion says. "I still have to check on the design with Madeleine and with our HR "

"Okay then " Mr. Irvine says . "And Miss.jones you're design were all amazing everyone approved it "

I internally sigh at this . Atleast something close to happy happened today.

"Well, thank you Mr. Irvine ." I say.

"But we can give you the contract for other resort only when the customer like it " Mr. Irvine says while looking at my face for confirmation.

Nothings stays for more than a minute.

"It's okay Mr. Irvine, I don't mind " I say in a not bothered way.

"But you don't worry Miss.jones -

My interest peak. But it was cut off by the knocking sound of the door.

Mr. Irvine shares a confused look at Zion who only shrugs in response.

"Come in" Mr. Irvine says .

The door then bust open and a girl enters whom I instantly recognized as Zion's sister ,athena .

"Dad" she says and gives him a hug . He laughs and returns it.

I ball my fists together. At the interruption.

"What are you doing here princess " Mr. Irvine ask with a smile.

"Mom sent me here to grab the two workaholic men ,whom probably forgot the little dinner " Athena says.

Mr.Irvine laughs. For someone who always looked so demanding and powerful watching him laughing is kinda weird.

"Where is your mom " Mr. Irvine ask looking behind her.

"Mom is in the restroom and that's not the point . Let's go dad I'm so eager to visit the restaurant " Athena says while loking at her dad with doe eyes.

"More like eager to eat " Zion comments.

"Hey-

"Okay okay please dont start your bickering " Mr. Irvine says.

"But can we leave Now" Athena ask with her doe eyes.

"Ofcourse princess I can't say no to you" he says and kisses her forehead. She smiles and looks towards us , she then realizes that I'm also here in the room.

"Oh Hello Miss. Felicity I didn't see you there " she says with a smile .

I stiff hearing my name and my eyes narrowed at her.

"Jone..." I say in a low voice. But I quickly regain my senses. And straighten up . "I like you to call me jone " I say in a polite manner.

"Oh okay then sure jone" she says .

I nod from my peripheral version I can feel Zion's eyes on me . When I look at him his eyes are on my hands that are balled into fists tightly. I quickly free my hand.

"Gosh! I sent you too fetch them but you also joined them and now I have to come to fetch you also" Mrs. Irvine voice broke into the room .

Mr. Irvine and Athena gave a sheepish look . While Mrs. Irvine just sighed muttering like father like daughter.

After some sweet talk from Mr.Irvine to Mrs. Irvine and a chatting with the siblings while I was standing in the room like a fool . We finally went down.

.......

"I will meet you there " I said once I reached the basement.

"Why honey we are all going to the same restaurant . You can catch ride with us . Zion is taking his car so you can tag with him " Mrs. Irvine said sweetly.

It felt stupid to argue about it . I don't want to look childish saying that I can come with my own car and also we are kind of late . And when I glance at Zion who looks unbothered by it.

"If it is okay with Mr. Zion. I don't want to intrude " I say

"What is the harm in you tagging with him , right Zion" Mrs. Irvine ask looking at him.

His brows are drawn together "Yeah no problem " he replies dryly

"Well okay then let's hit the road " Mr.Irvine says .

"I'm also going with Zion" Athena excitedly says runs towards us but stoped midstep by Mrs. Irvine.

"Not happening missy , you are coming with us ''

"But why "

"Do you even need to ask " Mrs. Irvine ask and look at her and at Zion . "For the sake of your life and others life please get in the car "

Well....

She obliges for the sake of i don't know her life or other life . But whatever it was I'm grateful.

"We shall go " Zion comments and walk towards his car . I then follow him , I was surprised when he opened the door for me I thought he would never do that since we barely talk nowadays He then closes the door and curves the car and settle into the driver seat.

I then took a glance at him and noticed his outfit. He was wearing a light brown sweater jacket with darker shade tshirt and paired it with a white jean.

He was driving casually I think he forgot that I'm also there in the car . Eventhough we become more professional he still remained like a gentleman he is .

He then stoped at the signal. And casually drummed his fingers against the steering wheel. While waiting for the signal.

Should I talk?.

Well after the incident he didn't acknowledge me . Maybe I was too harsh, I don't want him to hate me . I prepared myself to address the issue. The traffic will take a little time . So I can use this time and clear whatever the atmosphere within us.

When I turned towards him I realized one thing . This silence this professionalism this acquaintance kind of air is only I wanted from the beginning. I never wanted him to be more than that . And I finally got this without any side talk other than business and no silly talks. Is this what I wanted from the beginning. And I finally got it and I'm not letting this go . Never.

Let's this stay this way .

The light then changed to green and he started the car .

I sighed and looked outside the car.

This is the best . I said to myself.

If i clear this air between us . He will somehow knowingly or unknowingly gonna over step his boundaries then I will end up in his hatred list . And I'm also not gonna add another hatred eyes into my mind.

I'm not gonna be a horrible person.

.....

You should be ashamed Miss.jones of how horrible person you are

"I'm not " I clench my fist tightly my breathing gets heavier.

....

"We have arrived "

I opened my eyes at the sudden voice . When I looked in the front indeed we are reached . When I looked at the side Zion was already climbing out of the car . I took a deep breath to calm myself.

Everything is under control I can manage it . I won't let it screw me ,not today not when I close to have another huge deal.

With that I got out of the car instantly getting hit by the cold wind. I brought my coat together only to realize I was bare.

I blinked and looked around myself to realize that there is no coat hanging.

Heck. No

I didn't take it from the hanger.

Seems like it my punishment.

But soon I realized I was wrong when I looked up the sky the dark clouds are covering the whole sky.

Please don't rain . Atleast not when I'm driving.

My thoughts were cut by a loud voice.

"Austin you came" Mr. Merrick came towards us. I was so consumed in my thoughts that I didn't realize Mr. Irvine have arrived.

"How can I not " Mr. Irvine said and they both hugged like how long distance friends would do. Mr. Merrick then turned and saw me.

"Miss.jones I'm glad you could come" Mr. Merrick said .

"It's my pleasure Mr. Merrick " I said .

"Oh cut the formalities call me Michael" he said.

I gave him a postive nod . Satisfied he turned towards Mrs. Irvine and Mr.Irvine and continued to talk . A few seconds later a tall handsome guy came towards us . He looked vaguely familiar.

Oh shit .

This is Michael son. Whom I met in the museum what was his name again.

"Kara meet my son Cameron "

Ahhh. Cameron.

Cameron then greeted them back . But I didn't miss the slight glance he gave towards athena. Not in creepy way but more like she caught the attention in his eyes than everyone.

"Oh Hello Cameron I'm athena" she said and extended her hand with a smile.

If some other girl would have done that it would be considered as a flirt. But it gave nothing like that , it was more of innocent and friendly.

I then zoomed out of the conversation and my eyes fell to a particular couple. I internally smiled at them.

I only came back to the conversation when Michael said that how rude of him to keep us waiting outside in the cold air.

And he was absolutely right.

It is freaking cold.

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