“Um...” Brad was clearly lost for words.
Erin’s palms went clammy. Damn him. Was he going to reject her in front of Tristan?
“Well, if Erin doesn’t mind...” Brad finally said.
“No,” she answered weakly, her mouth dry.
“Great. See you later,” said Tristan, who was now grinning like a Cheshire cat.
“Shall we?” Brad said with a small sigh, holding out his arm.
She took it, and when they were at the edge of the dance floor—thankfully with plenty of space around them—Brad slid an arm around her waist and grasped her hand.
Oh, she had missed him so, and she just wanted to melt against him. But Brad was keeping a couple of inches between their bodies, stopping her from giving in to her emotions.
“It should be okay being seen like this together, right?” she babbled. Gosh, her heart was pounding like mad.
“Well, Gavin did say it might be a good idea to show that all’s well between us. It might keep the gossipers guessing what’s going on, so no one can claim that a particular story is the absolute truth. Might as well play with their minds, Gavin reckons.”
“Oh. You could have cut in when Tristan and I were dancing,” she said lightly.
“It looked like you two were having a deep and meaningful conversation,” Brad answered, his tone carrying a hard edge.
Her lips tugged up in a secretive smile. “We were.”
Brad’s grip on her tightened fractionally, his features hardening.
“You know,” she said, suppressing the hope that cropped up from his gesture. “People would think you’re mad at me from that scowl on your face.”
Brad’s face broke into a chuckle, making her breath hitch.
“Sorry,” he murmured, relaxing his stance and pulling her to him just a tad closer. “I’m just worried.”
“About what?”
He didn’t answer for a long moment, keeping a faraway gaze.
“Brad?” she prodded softly.
“I want all rumours about you squashed. And I’m frustrated it’s not happening.”
“But so what if some sections keep saying negative things about me? My bosses at JMR believe in me and are standing by me. Some of our clients have even shown their support, including sending me some thoughtful gifts to cheer me up. Sure, a handful are making things difficult for Roger, but it’s nothing that can’t be handled.”
“So our break-up really helped?”
“Yes,” she said reluctantly. “But I’m making it clear to everyone I talk to that I know you’re innocent of any wrongdoing, and that our decision to part ways was mutual, and that I still support you one hundred percent.”
Brad’s frown returned. “Erin, I didn’t ask you to do that. You’re supposed to come out of this unscathed, and you’re not helping yourself. Maybe this is why the rumours against you haven’t stopped. We really need to talk about this.”
She huffed, getting frustrated. “Why are you so set on making me smell like roses? I’m not some helpless damsel who can’t handle challenging times.”
“I didn’t say you couldn’t,” he said, his voice appeasing. “I know how strong you are. But I wouldn’t be able to forgive myself if you couldn’t go as far as you want to go at a prestigious firm like JMR because of what I’ve put you through.”
“You haven’t put me through anything I didn’t agree to, Brad. And JMR is not my life. I only work there.”
“But you love it there,” Brad insisted.
I love you more. Ah, hell. She so didn’t need to acknowledge that to herself right now.
“Yes, I do love it there,” she answered out loud. “But it doesn’t mean I can’t let go of it if I have to. And it’s not as if I wouldn’t be able to find a job anywhere else if I’m forced to leave it.”
“If you have a questionable background because of the rumours, then you might find it hard to get a job you want.”
“I don’t think they’re so bad that any employer would literally blacklist me. But even if some did, I have plenty of influential friends who’ll vouch for my character. Even Tristan said he’ll give me a job if I need one.”
“He did, did he?” Brad asked, his voice low. “And here I am thinking that your role at JMR is your dream job.”
“It is, but I’m not so inflexible that I can’t adjust when I need to. Anyway, why is it all about me and JMR?”
“Like I said, any negative rumour about you could affect the way JMR treats you.”
“Well, thank you for your concern. But can we talk about your issues? I’m still keen to help, Brad. If showing that we’re good friends again can help stabilise things somewhat, I’m happy to organise some get-together out in public.”
“Thanks, but that won’t be necessary. This is a big enough event that there’s plenty of fodder for whoever wants to gossip. I’m glad we’re dancing together. It would put some people in a spin, wondering what’s going on. I’m hoping that speculations will replace accusations.”
“Brad, why are you so set on protecting me?” she asked softly, her breathing shallow.
His gulp was visible. “I already told you, Erin. I’ll feel guilty if you lose everything you worked hard for because of me.”
“Why?”
“Why? Because you wouldn’t have been in this position if it wasn’t for me.”
No. That couldn’t be the whole truth. She had to keep digging.
“See, I really think you’re overthinking this, Brad. But if you’re so concerned about people assuming I’ve moved on from you so quickly, then”—she took a deep, steadying breath—“why don’t we show them we’re back together?”
“No, Erin. It’s not safe for you.”
She stopped swaying. “It’s not safe for me, or you just don’t want to?”
“I’m sorry...”
Ouch. When will you learn, Erin?
“Okay,” she said quietly. “I think we should leave this dance floor together looking like we just enjoyed ourselves in each other’s company so we don’t add any more nasty rumours to the pot.” She turned on her heels, not caring if he was following or not.
Damn him.
“Erin,” Brad said, grabbing her arm.
“Let go, Brad, or we’ll look like we’re making a scene. You wouldn’t want that, would you?” she said sarcastically.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean for you to take it like that. I just...”
“Just what?” she asked, facing him, challenging him to tell the truth with her stare.
“I don’t want you to get into further trouble,” he said softly, his eyes pleading.
She laughed without cheer. “We keep coming back to that, don’t we? I don’t want you to save me from anything, Brad. I want to help you. I want to be an integral part of your life. But that’s not what you want, so you don’t have to worry about me pining for you again like a lovesick puppy. I’m finally done.”
She walked away. And she wasn’t going to cry. Damn him.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
“Mr. Mead? Mr. Delsant will see you now.”
“Thank you,” Brad answered, getting up from the ultra-comfortable armchair in the waiting room of Delsant Team-Building Adventures and followed Anthony’s PA.
He straightened the sleeves of his dark grey sports jacket, wondering if Anthony would be surprised that he wasn’t in one of his usual bespoke business suits.
He didn’t want to look like the powerful CEO today. Anthony had to feel he was the one with all the aces. Well, considering what he was about to negotiate with Anthony, he had already ceded power to his client even before this meeting had started. Today, he wanted Anthony’s help in eradicating the threat to Erin’s reputation once and for all, and he hoped he had the perfect leverage to do that.
“Brad,” Anthony said, extending his hand for a shake.
“Anthony, good to see you,” he responded, then turned to Anthony’s stone-faced legal counsel, who didn’t crack a smile at his gree
ting.
“Please sit down,” Anthony said. “Is your lawyer joining us?”
“No. I’ve already run this past him. He doesn’t agree with my intended course of action, but he doesn’t have a choice but to respect my decision.”
A surprised look appeared on Anthony’s face. “You’re here to discuss something without your lawyer and against his advice?”
“Yes. Basically, I want to understand your thought process about why you continue to insist that Erin’s involved in this. Man-to-man talk, Anthony. Professional to professional.”
Anthony smirked. “I suppose I could indulge you a bit.”
“Thank you. So could you tell me why you are starting a new investigation on JMR, particularly Erin?”
“I’m not satisfied with the current investigations. It’s going too slowly. I want new experts to do the work this time.”
“My take is that it’s not going slowly, Anthony. It’s just that they can’t find any evidence that the document I received with your name on it was sent by Erin or anyone at JMR. Perhaps it’s time to accept that fact?”
Anthony laughed with sarcasm. “Let’s revisit the facts, shall we, Brad? You had in your file a photocopy of the documents that only my office and JMR should have. I never intended to give that information out to anyone else until I’d selected my designer as I didn’t want anyone who wouldn’t be on my team to know about my new plans. The question still remains, how did they get in your hands? No one in this office sent it to you, so only someone from JMR could have. And no one else at JMR had the motive to give you such confidential information but your fiancée.”
“Like I said, Anthony, I got them in the mail. I simply assumed you sent them to me because the letter said it was from you, so I went ahead and incorporated them in my designs. Why jump to conclusions that Erin sent it?”
“Jump to conclusions? Where else could it have come from? I certainly didn’t send it, nor did my wife and program manager, who were the only two people in this office who knew about it apart from me. That document could only have come from JMR and, as far as I can tell, no one else there has any motive whatsoever to send them to you but Erin.”
“Let’s recap some other facts, Anthony. If Erin and I were colluding so I could win your contract, why would I have been so detailed in my proposal? Why would I have so obviously incorporated those top-secret information in my designs if I knew they shouldn’t have been in my possession?”
“Of course I’ve taken that into account. That’s why I’m being accommodating to you right now, because I do believe you’re innocent. As you pointed out, you’re way too smart to have done something so stupid as to present me with a proposal with details you knew you shouldn’t have had. But Erin is a different story. My question to you is how do you know for sure that Erin didn’t send those documents to you? Isn’t it possible that she didn’t expect that you could so quickly revise your previous proposal with such accuracy and in such a short time to make deadline? She probably didn’t think you’d be so good with your revisions.”
He bristled, not liking that Erin was being painted in such a negative light. “What would have been Erin’s purpose, Anthony? Why would she feel the need to give me an unfair advantage? I was at the top of my game, I was in demand and I didn’t need to resort to underhanded tactics to win contracts. In fact, you specifically invited me to bid for your project, even indicating to me that you’d love to work with me. What possible reason could Erin have to do such a thing that would jeopardise my business relationships?”
“Because at the time, question marks about your professionalism and ethics were already surfacing. Continuing to win contracts had become a must for you to remain at the top.”
“Could you elaborate on what you’ve heard?”
Anthony rattled off a couple of incidents, both of which were Warren’s doing.
Brad pulled out his phone. Warren had recently been awarded the Carmichaels’ Pyrmont contract and had been told by the brothers that Brad would have gotten it had he not pulled out of the race. Warren had surprised Brad with his gratitude and humility, promising Brad he was willing to help iron out the problems that Warren had started, if need be. Well, he was now going to take Warren up on that.
“Do you mind if I call Warren Oliver, Anthony? He’ll tell you a couple of things about those nasty rumours.”
“Now? Is this necessary?”
“Yes. Please,” he said quietly.
Anthony shrugged his acquiescence.
Fortunately, Warren was available to talk. And although a tad reluctant, his rival-turned-friend agreed to talk to Anthony.
Brad watched Anthony’s and his lawyer’s expressions as they listened to Warren on speaker. To say that they were startled was an understatement. They clearly weren’t expecting anything like this.
“Brad and I have agreed to bury the hatchet,” Warren said. “And I’m helping him and his detective to find out who’s sent the letter to my client with Brad’s fake signature.”
“You see, Anthony,” Brad said. “If you continue focusing on Erin, you’re not likely to find this person who’s stolen your documents and sent them to me.”
Anthony and his lawyer excused themselves to speak in private, while Brad thanked Warren for his help.
“It’s the least I could do,” Warren said before they said goodbye.
“Okay, Brad,” Anthony said when they came back. “It looks like I have to extend the investigations to cover other possibilities. This doesn’t mean Erin or you are off the hook. Right now, she’s still the only obvious suspect.”
“I have a proposition to make, Anthony.”
“What’s that?”
“Right now, your North Coast project is being delayed because of this, correct? I don’t think you’ve awarded the contract to anyone yet?”
“Correct. Frankly, you’ve provided the best and most suitable design. But I refuse to work with you until I know you’re not connected with the abhorrent act. It’s costing me, but I’m a man of principle. Besides, I intend to sue the pants off whoever is proven to be responsible for the delays and loss of income.”
“How about we start work but you don’t pay my company until my and Erin’s names are completely cleared? If it so happens that either Erin or I are found guilty, then you don’t pay at all.”
Anthony’s mouth dropped open. “Do you realise that it could cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars, if you take into account the opportunity costs of working on projects that you do get paid for?”
“Yes, it could. But it won’t, because Erin and I are innocent. There’s something you have to do, though, if you accept my offer.”
“What’s that?” Anthony asked warily.
“Make a public statement that you don’t see Erin as being guilty of anything until proof has been uncovered. And so far, there’s no definitive proof that she has done anything illegal, unethical or unprofessional.”
“I don’t know if I’m comfortable with that,” the lawyer said.
Brad ignored the man, keeping his gaze on Anthony. “You said you’re a man of principle, Anthony. Is it fair to let someone’s integrity be tarnished based on unproven accusations? With what Warren has told you, you can see that someone out there wants to hurt me. Unfortunately, Erin’s been caught up in all this, and now a magazine wants to run articles that could ruin her career. Sure, she might be able to sue after the fact, but in the meantime, life could be hell for her. You making a public statement will go a long way to stop that magazine from going ahead with the Erin story angle. If you come out and say there is currently no evidence against her, instead of being quiet and letting people believe that she’s your prime suspect, we’re cutting the legs from under their story.”
Anthony scrutinised him for a long moment. “So in exchange for me saying that Erin enjoys my full confidence because no evidence has yet been found against her, you’re willing to start working on my project for nothing? And the only time I have to pay
you is if it’s proven that you and Erin are truly innocent parties?”
He nodded.
“What if you’re proven guilty?”
“Then you would have gotten me, my team, my resources, my designs for free. But don’t count on not paying because—”
“You and Erin are innocent,” Anthony finished for him in a wry tone. “What if I don’t want to make a public statement?”
“Then I withdraw this offer. That’s the only reason I’m making this, Anthony. For Erin. Like you said, I could just spend my time working on other paid contracts while you refuse to start on yours. I’m not the one losing out financially with your project being delayed. You are.”
“Are you doing this because this is the only way Erin will take you back?”
“No. She wanted to stick by me, Anthony,” he said quietly. “She was willing to jeopardise her reputation for me. But I didn’t want her to do that, so I ended things with her. And I can’t let her be associated with me again until I know there are no more major threats to her career and integrity.”
“Wow,” Anthony said, his eyes widening. “You’re willing to do all this for her?”
“Yes,” he said simply.
Anthony glanced at his lawyer, who gave a little shrug. “Well, I guess saying something to the effect that Erin is innocent until proven guilty is not a big ask. Are you willing to put your offer in writing?”
“I already have,” he said, handing Anthony an envelope. “I’ve signed it and I’m willing to wait here until you’ve read and signed it as well.”
“Wow,” Anthony said again as he pulled out the document.
Brad waited patiently while the two men pored over the new contract, excitement starting to suffuse him.
There would still be problems while his main saboteur was still out there. But with Warren and Anthony’s assistance, any falsehood would hopefully have minimal damage from here on out.
He couldn’t wait to see Erin again, and tell her how much he loved her. He had a lot to make up for, especially for making her think he didn’t want a future with her. What would she say when he knocked on her door tonight?
The Unintended Fiancé (Captured by Love Book 4) Page 15
