Three Months Ago
Adrian's POV
"If you look over at page three…"
I scanned the document, each line blurring into the next. I fought the urge to roll my eyes and dropped the document on the table.
Silence filled the room, every wary gaze turned towards me.
I rubbed my temple. "Mr. Robinson."
I turned to him. His eyes went wide as he met my gaze.
"Yes, Mr. Cane." He wiped his palms on his suit.
"Did you think I wouldn't make conduct thorough research on the company I plan to invest in?" I asked.
His Adam's apple bobbed. "I-I don't understand what you mean."
I frowned. "During the past quarter, you've incurred a 68% loss on your investment."
"Public interest is against you. Reports are being filed to take down your company as we speak."
I stared at him. "Did you think I wouldn't know that?"
He loosened his tie, perching on the edge of his chair. His shirt was damp, his bushy brows furrowing.
I grabbed the document. "None of that is stated in here."
"I-I can explain—"
I inhaled sharply, cutting him off.
"Do you know why I'm considering investing in this dump?"
I paused, enjoying the sight of him flinching. Acorn's Tech was the product of his sweat in his youth. His sweat. His years.
A privacy data leak had hit the news, driving investors away and turned the public hostile.
He was done. All I needed was to pull out the carcass and start something new with it.
"I believe I can turn Acorn's Tech back to what it once was—and better." I leaned forward. "The cornerstone of advanced technology across America."
He hands clenched, breaths heavy. I tilted my head, watching him closely.
I'd insulted the company he worked hard to build for twenty-three years.
Anyone would be enraged. But that was the beauty. He couldn't do anything. I was the only one who could save his company. He knew that.
"Of course and I appreciate you—"
"Who wrote this report?" I cut him off.
He blew a hard breath. I could almost see the steam coming out his ears.
"I-I did."
I turned to the woman who gave the presentation. She cast a confused look at Mr. Robinson.
"I don't deal with incompetent people. You're fired," I said.
"W-What…"
Murmurs filled the room. I ignored them.
Robinson stared at me. "She didn't—"
I turned to look at him. "She provided an incomplete report to me regarding the company."
"She's fired or I walk. Your choice, Robinson."
He stayed silent.
I leaned forward, staring at the board of directors. "Unless she was working under someone's orders?"
They cleared their throats, looking away.
That's what I thought.
No one would dare put their neck out for their subordinates, knowing they could also get fired.
"I gave her the order," a voice said.
"What?"
I turned towards the voice. A woman with fiery red hair stood up. The papers slipped from my hands as I stared at her in shock.
"You."
The memories came flooding back. Those piercing green eyes staring at me as she laid a blanket over me.
Her little hand patting me gently to sleep.
"I wrote the report, not her," she said.
I'd recognize that voice anywhere.
I shot up, sending the chair crashing to the ground. I stalked towards her.
She stepped back, surprised at the close proximity.
"I apologize, Mr. Cane. I should have made sure the report was complete before turning it in." She met my gaze. "The fault is mine."
She didn't recognize me.
The memory of that night filled my head. Anger flooded my veins; I fisted my palm to stop my hands from shaking.
How dare she…
She looked at me like a stranger. Like I never existed in her memories.
"Mr. Cane…"
"Stop. Talking," I hissed.
She blinked, taken aback by the rage in my voice.
"If you want to blame anyone, blame me, not her."
I grabbed her jacket and pulled it down her shoulder. I didn't care about the witnesses. I had to see.
My breath stopped. That scar.
I remembered it. I was the reason she had the scar.
She gasped in horror and stepped back.
She…she was her. Amelia.
A sharp sting sent my face whipping to the left. I barely registered the loud gasps echoing in the room.
I held my jaw, my cheeks tingling.
Mr. Robison banged the table. "Miss White!"
I held up an arm. "It's okay."
I straightened and stared at her. Her cheeks were red, eyes wide.
"I was the one who wrote the report, not her," the lady I fired, said.
Amelia spared her a glance. "No, don't. I should be the one fired, not you."
Under her breath, she muttered, "I'm going to end up being fired after all."
I scoffed. "What an unending show of loyalty."
If only she'd shown me a shred of her loyalty then…
Mr. Robison walked over. "I apologize, Mr. Cane. Miss White is in charge of the account team and doesn't—"
"Why's she in this meeting?" I turned to her. "She's not a member of the board of directors."
"I was filling in for my superior." She pulled her ID badge over her head.
"I'm not going to apologize for speaking up for my subordinate," she said. "Nor will I apologize for slapping you."
She was exactly as I remembered.
"I don't care if you're the president himself. No man should touch a woman inappropriately like that."
She threw the badge on the table. "I quit."
She walked towards the door, holding her head high.
"Mr. Robinson," I called.
"Yes, sir?"
"The moment she leaves, your company is doomed."
Her hand froze on the doorknob. She turned slowly, her piercing green eyes meeting mine.
"W-what?"
I paid the man no heed and walked towards her.
"From now on, I'll deal only with Miss White."
She forgot who I was.
Her brows knitted. "What?"
I'll make sure she never repeats that mistake.
I stopped, barely inches away from her. "I'll say it again."
If she didn't remember the boy she broke…
"The only way I'll invest in your company is if Miss White stays."
I would remind her…slowly.