by Ellie Danes
“Jennifer, Reese, nice work—but don’t get ahead of yourselves, here. Present what you have and don’t jump to any conclusions or make any accusations. The bottom line is that we represent Vawter Corporation in this meeting. In order for us to our job we need some answers. That’s why we are here. Got it?” Dad made it apparent who was really running the meeting.
Reese didn’t say a word and I openly acknowledged the order. “Got it.”
Dad stood next to me and absently patted my shoulder. “Alright, they will be here any minute.”
He took his seat at the table, next to where I was sitting, and opened his notepad.
One of the receptionists opened the heavy wooden door that led to the boardroom. “Dylan Rogers, Miss Dunning.”
Dylan walked in and looked around the room at the small group of people. He walked around the table, greeting each person individually. He slowly approached me and gave me a winning smile, his hand extended. “It’s always nice to see you, Jennifer.”
I briefly shook his hand and looked past him toward the door. “Where’s Trey?”
“Trey’s right behind me. He’s taking a call—won’t be just a sec. So, tell me, what have you been up to? Besides working diligently on our case?”
I heard my phone vibrate in my bag, pulling my attention from Dylan. It was a welcome distraction. “Excuse me, I need to check a few things before we get started.”
I pointed to a chair and asked him to sit, then took my phone to a discreet corner of the room. I didn’t know what to make of Dylan, at times. He was constantly sending mixed signals and it was obvious he was trying to come on to me.
The screen on my phone showed I had received several text messages—all from Cain. I hesitated before looking at them, but decided to get it out of the way. Otherwise I wouldn’t be able to focus during the meeting. I leaned against the back wall and looked at the gathering group.
Dylan stared at me from the table. His brown eyes gleamed with some hidden emotion but then he smiled again, and whatever spark was there faded.
I gave him a quick, bland smile and looked back at my phone. I hesitated and then read the messages.
Cain: Jennifer, we need to talk. I think you may have misunderstood…
Cain: Okay, it’s clear to me that you don’t want to talk, but I’d like you to reconsider.
Cain: I’m stepping into a meeting... I’ll try again soon….
I could feel the loss and hurt sinking in. He made me so mad, but now I wondered how I could have possibly misunderstood what I saw.
The group around the table stood and Dylan approached the door. “Trey! You’re holding up the meeting. If that’s Ferguson, tell him he’ll have to wait.”
Dylan backed away from the door, followed by two other people. A small, blonde woman entered the room first and shot a beaming smile at the group.
Trey backed into the room, still carrying on a conversation with someone on the phone. He finished his sentence and spun on his heel. His dark hair, golden skin and electric blue eyes had me frozen. My heart plummeted into my gut and I immediately dropped my phone. It couldn’t be...
Chapter Twelve
This can’t be happening.
My phone, still lying at my feet, dinged with a new voicemail. I reached down to pick it up, my gaze never leaving the man entering the room. I slowly approached the conference room table. Keep focused, Jennifer.
Cain, my recent mystery man, lover—and the person I now hated more than anyone else—stood in front of me in all of his masculine appeal. He looked more serious than I had ever seen him and, after a momentary glare, he showed me his million-dollar smile, which lit up the room. I slowly shook my head from side to side and plastered a fake smile on my face. Anger and nervousness battled inside my body.
Cain extended his hand. “You must be Jennifer, I’ve heard a lot about you from Dylan. I’m Cain Parker.”
“Yes, I’m Jennifer Dunning.” I extended my hand in a robotic manner and shook Cain’s strong, soft hand. I quickly pulled it away and pointed to a nearby chair. “Please, sit.” I could feel the small gathering watching us, including my father, Jack Dunning. “I’m curious, why does everyone refer to you as ‘Trey’?”
Dylan immediately jumped into the conversation without missing a beat. “He’s the third. Cain Parker, III. I always thought it was funny calling him Trey, as in three in Italian. It stuck.”
Cain shook his head and looked down at the floor. “Lucky me, but I prefer Cain.”
A slight echo of laughter from the group resounded in the large conference room. I couldn’t manage a smile. The burning anger and resentment still overwhelmed me from the last time Cain and I were together.
I attempted to cut the laughter short and begin the meeting. “Shall we get started?” I pulled out my seat at the large table, flanked by my father. Cain joined the group at the table sitting next to Dylan, the CIO of Vawter Corporation.
The petite blonde who had preceded Cain into the room quietly took a seat next to him. She laid her crocodile portfolio on the table and unpacked her meeting supplies. Once settled, she inched her chair a little closer to Cain. My eyes burned holes in her. I shouldn’t care, but seeing the attractive blonde with her porcelain complexion, hazel eyes, and tight skirt suit, brought an instant jealous feeling over me. Why is she sitting so close?
Cain immediately broke up the side conversations in the room and pulled my attention from the girl. “I’m sorry. I don’t believe everyone here knows my assistant. This is Ashley Murant.”
Ashley smiled and waved at everyone around the table.
So this is who Cain is sleeping with. I flashed another fake smile and looked down at my notes. I could feel my face getting red. Jennifer, get it together. The thought of lying in Cain’s bed the other night still haunted me. The message he had received from Ashley at midnight was etched in my brain.
I took a deep breath, looked around the room and began the presentation.
“We’ve had the opportunity to review the files that were sent over, in addition to the files that Dylan brought over himself. We felt that it may make more sense for us to start with both of you before delving deeper into interviewing the staff beneath you.”
Cain leaned forward in his chair. “Anything we can do to help. I’m glad Dylan was able to personally get those files over to you so quickly.” He glanced to his right and shot Dylan a look. “Usually we use a courier service, or at least get one of the interns take care of things like that.”
Dylan squirmed in his chair and leaned forward to join Cain. “I knew they were important. Besides, I felt it would give Ms. Dunning the opportunity to ask any questions while I was there.”
“They were helpful. Thank you. If I can continue…” I could sense the tension rising between Cain and Dylan. An uncomfortable, almost competitive tension. “We weren’t initially aware of the scope of Vawter Corporation, but quickly found that of the twenty-five companies under the Vawter umbrella, the main issue is really just related to one company, The Arena.”
Dylan leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms. “Yes. We discussed this the other day. The problem with the software we purchased from Pegasus. It’s on them, not us.”
“I wish that were entirely true. But we have found that there was more happening than just a few data breaches here and there. The Arena has not only been losing data, but they—I mean Vawter—has been charging members’ credit cards randomly. The emails we’ve seen from your customer service department show serious complaints. Charges of hundreds of thousands of dollars in total.”
“How can this be right? We have an army of internal auditors that review these numbers for me and this is the first time I’m hearing of this kind of problem.” Cain tapped on the table passionately. “Dylan, why wasn’t I told about this? How long have you known?”
“What do you mean, ‘How long have I known?’ I’m hearing about this now, too.” He sneered at his partner and friend, his face like granite, unr
eadable but obviously angry.
Cain raised his voice and directed his attention toward Dylan. “You’re telling me that you are just now learning this is more than just a little data breach? It’s your job to be on top of this technical stuff.” Cain’s face began to flush as he fumbled for words. “Dylan, this is embarrassing.”
Ashley placed her ivory hand on Cain’s and he slowly calmed down. He gently pulled his hand away, turned to her and smiled. I felt the jealousy stir inside of me again, but quickly reminded myself of the message I had seen from her to Cain. Why should I care?
Chapter Thirteen
My eyes focused on Cain and then shifted to Dylan, who was leaning back in his chair, exuding confidence and denial. His arms were still crossed and Cain’s anger didn’t seem to have any effect on him. “Yes, Trey. I knew about that, but we took care of it. It wasn’t something you needed to worry about. You’re always so busy running here and there. I wasn’t aware there were so many emails to customer service, but I guess I’ll keep an eye on that next time.” The sarcasm in his voice was apparent.
I flipped the pages of my notes. “I’m sorry, there’s more. Shall I continue?”
“Actually, I’d like to have a quick discussion with Dylan and Ashley,
in private. Please give us a minute.” Cain looked at me directly, with complete seriousness and determination. I didn’t dare protest. I nodded and left the trio to figure out what the hell was going on.
My father and I joined Reese at the back of the room. “Well, what do you think?” Reese’s gruff voice hardly stayed below a whisper.
“I think Cain was surprised about what he heard, and he seems pretty pissed off. Dylan is just all over the place. I don’t trust him at all.” I glanced toward the table, trying to gauge what they might be talking about. Dylan was now standing, his back straight, chin up, chest out. It was obviously some sort of confrontation.
Dad pulled me back into our conversation. “Jennifer, I need to remind you that these are our clients. They—Mr. Parker—hired us. I would appreciate it if you were a little more considerate and respectful toward them. They aren’t on trial—yet.”
“I’m sorry, Dad. I just…”
“Don’t apologize, Jennifer. Just fix it. I almost get the feeling there is some tension between you and Mr. Parker…and, for that matter, his assistant. You barely acknowledged her.”
I realized I had been letting my emotions get the better of me, but it was difficult to hold back. I stared at Cain from across the room. I hated him so much right now, but I was still so attracted to him. He caught me mid-stare, while he was still in a deep discussion with the others in his group. His mesmerizing blue eyes pulled me in deeper and I had to look away. “Don’t worry, Dad, I’ll take care of it.”
“Jennifer, I’m giving you some leeway, but do not screw this up. If I need to jump in and take this over, I will. And if I do, that’s it.”
I could tell Dad was serious about this. I always felt like I was disappointing him, and this was my chance to prove that I didn’t have to go through law school or be a big shot lawyer like he was. I had spent years perfecting my ability to read people and get the answers others couldn’t get.
Cain, Dylan and Ashley finished their side-meeting and called us back to the table. The tension between Cain and Dylan was obvious, and I needed to bring them both down to a level where I could get the information we needed; not only to help Vawter, but to get to the bottom of everything that was going on.
“Thank you, everyone, for your patience. There were a few things that Dylan and I needed to clear up before we could continue.” Cain’s confidence overflowed into the room and it was clear why he was the CEO of Vawter.
“We’re all on the same team here, but there’s more, Mr. Parker, if you can spare me just a few more minutes.” I looked Cain in the eyes and I could feel the power he had over me take over. I felt Ashley staring at me. She was watching me stare at Cain and I was careful not to hold his gaze for longer than I needed.
“Please, call me Cain, and yes, continue.”
I froze for second and collected my thoughts. I could feel the eyes of the group on me. “With all of this going on, the data breaches, the fraudulent credit card charges, it’s just unclear how you could be unaware of everything that was happening with your company, with this website.”
“I believe I’ve explained it to someone once before. I’m a manager, of sorts. I trust the people I have in their positions, and I rely on them to get me the information I need to make informed decisions. If that isn’t happening, then it is something I will look into right away.” Cain leaned forward on the table. The seriousness of the situation showed on his face.
“So you are aware of the stalking and harassment accusations against The Arena?” I pointed to the thick folder sitting on the table next to me.
Cain eyed the folder. “Stalking and harassment? We can’t be held responsible for our members messaging other members. We do our best to protect our clients, but there is only so much we can do.”
“It’s not our members.” Dylan paused, took a deep breath, and looked at Cain. “We’ve had complaints from our members that they were receiving unwanted messages and threats from a user on the site. That’s normal, but then I found out they were coming from your account.”
Chapter Fourteen
Dylan’s statement hung in the air. Nobody said a word and he continued, a little more confident now that he had everyone’s attention. “Of course, I didn’t believe it, but someone had definitely assumed Trey’s identity and there were some accusations from some very upset customers.”
“Why not just tell me about this, Dylan? Why is all of this a secret from me?” Cain’s obvious frustration was taking over gain.
“I wasn’t hiding anything, Trey. Remember, we discussed the password resets across the board. You authorized it. You signed the paperwork.” Dylan seemed confident in his delivery.
“You explained that was just for security purposes, because of something with the Pegasus software. You never mentioned members being stalked or harassed, let alone by someone pretending to be me.” The tension between Cain and Dylan escalated again.
Dylan clenched the pen in is his hand. The vein in his forehead slightly protruded. “I was protecting you, Cain. I was protecting the company we built together, although it doesn’t feel that way.”
The room fell silent for a moment. Even Dad and Reese sat speechless as they watched the coarse exchange of words. I couldn’t help but break the silence. “There are always accusations, especially if the CEO is an attractive, presumably wealthy man. Something must have made you believe that these particular accusations had some merit. What was it?”
“The posts, all used Trey’s picture and profile, but I agree that is quite easy for a skilled hacker to hijack.” Dylan glared at Cain but spoke to me. “However, it became a problem when I discovered that all the posts originated from Trey’s computer.”
“That’s a damn lie!” Cain growled. “Except for a dummy app account created for testing, I’ve never used the site. What makes you so certain that it was me?”
Dylan exhaled. “I’m just telling Miss Dunning what I know. I’m not accusing you, Cain.”
The moment was interrupted by a phone vibrating in Ashley’s portfolio. She quickly silenced it and looked at the screen. Her petite hand touched Cain’s arm and she whispered into his ear. Her eyes fixed on mine, as if she were telling him a dirty secret. A faint smile appeared on her face.
Cain nodded, his jaw clenched.
“Miss Dunning, if we can take a short break?” Ashley had a soft, feminine voice that left me feeling harsh and ugly. “Mr. Parker has a phone conference coming up in a few minutes, and we need to talk about a few things before he takes this call.”
I looked at my watch and then looked around the room. “Sure, that would be fine, I believe. It seems we need a little break. Feel free to use any of the conference rooms if you two need some privacy. S
hall we meet back here in twenty minutes?”
Ashley nodded in agreement and gathered her things. I rose from the table to allow them to talk, but Cain reached his hand out to mine; I snatched it away, mindful of everyone watching. “Can we talk, first?” His blue eyes searched mine. I nodded and led him out to the hallway, away from the watchful eyes of my father and Ashley. “Well?”
“Well, what, Cain Parker—or should I call you Trey?” I didn’t mean to sound so angry, but I couldn’t help it. I felt confused and hurt. I felt used, now knowing who was on the other end of his midnight messages.
“You left and didn’t say anything. I know what you thought, I found my phone open to my messages, but you’re wrong. Ashley is my assistant, not anyone I am interested in romantically.”
The innocence in his eyes intrigued me, and I felt myself falling for his story, but didn’t allow it. “Cain, there is no reason she needed to send you a message at midnight. I see the way she looks at you, the way she calms you. There’s more to it. Period. I’m not buying this.”
“Jennifer, listen…”
Before he could finish his sentence, the blonde assistant walked up and interrupted. “Mr. Parker? I’ve got Pauline Schultz holding for you?” He took the phone and walked away, leaving Ashley and I standing together in awkward silence.
“Have you been working for Mr. Parker very long?” I couldn’t help but dig for more information.
“Full-time for a few years, although I’ve known him for much longer than that.” Her sweet, syrupy smile was proof that she was enjoying this little interaction. “And you?”
“Actually, today is the first time I’ve formally met ‘Trey,’—or Mr. Parker. I suspect we will be spending quite a bit of time together, all of us, before this over.” I held my stare into her eyes, selling the lie I had just told her. I tried to change the subject, immediately regretting my leading question.
