Silence.
Braylee’s face remained unreadable and her voice even. “A game? You think this is all a game?”
Gina leaned forward too to make sure she was making herself clear. “I think I wanted to know what all the hype was about.” Studying Braylee intently. “Honestly, I’m still trying to figure it out.”
That remark caused Braylee to laugh a little. The green-eyed monster finally revealed herself. “You know what’s sad? That a woman with your wealth and power came to see me over a man and not business. An incredible man but a man nonetheless.” Braylee looked around her office. “As I’m sure you’re aware I’m a very busy woman who is all about my very successful business.” Her eyes narrowed only slightly. “Daddy and his connections didn’t build this for me. So, any distractions that might get in the way of me handling it is an utter and complete waste of time.”
Gina didn’t get the response she’d hoped for. Instead, her eyes turned cold—calculating. “See, that’s where you’re wrong. I came to see you about both.”
Braylee stood. “I do believe we’re finished here. In either case, business or Alex, it’s unfortunate for you because the TNG2 will get to market. I’ll personally make certain of that. It won’t be derailed no matter how many people you or your family attempt to harm in the process.” Then, Braylee purred his name. “And Alex—well…” she raised a perfectly sculpted eyebrow. “It’s apparent that you messed that up.” Braylee shook her head. “The love of a good man is so hard to find. It’s quite clear you’re still searching.” She snapped her finger as if she forgot something. “Oh, I do hope the next time we meet, it’s more constructive.”
Gina was steaming on the inside, but if Braylee wanted to play it cool, she would find it within herself to play it cool too. However, she wasn’t known for handling things calmly. She stood as well. “You can’t say I didn’t try to warn you, Ms. Hinsdale. If you’re as smart as my investigators indicate, then you’ll do well to get out of my way or at the very least proceed with caution. Otherwise, it might be unfortunate for you.” Gina started to walk out of the office but turned around as if remembering something. She snapped her finger too. “Oh…regarding the TNG2 as well as Alex, we’ll see how that turns out on both counts.” Slowly she looked Braylee up and down. Gina smirked. “Thank you for your time.”
Braylee went around to the front of her desk and leaned back against it. She crossed her arms and her legs at the ankle as she watched Gina walk out. As soon as she had gone, Nate returned. “That was fast. What did she want?”
“Control. And, would you believe to scope out the competition? Get her file and go through it again with a fine tooth comb. I want to know everything down to the name of her 4th-grade crush. When you’re done, put it on my desk.”
Nate started to scribble furiously notes on his notepad. “I’m on it. Should I call him?”
Braylee was slow to respond as she continued to stare after Gina long after she’d left her offices. “You know she had the nerve to have me investigated?”
“You had her investigated too. I mean, I’m just saying.”
“True.” Braylee laughed. Almost as if speaking to herself she responded, “There isn’t an investigation on earth that could prepare anyone for me. And, yes. Call him. ”
Chapter 5
Shortly after Alexandro arrived at his office, he met with his assistant, Kathy Stone and told her to clear his schedule for the rest of the day.
“But, Mr. Manchetti are you sure? You have that meeting with Elliott Young regarding the acquisition of his company. You’ve rescheduled it once already. He might get offended.”
“Right. I forgot about that. What time is it again?”
“It’s at noon.”
“Clear everything else but leave that meeting on my calendar for now. However, I may have something come up and if it does you’ll need to cancel it. And Kathy while you’re clearing my schedule, get Fabi up here. I don’t care what he’s doing; I need to see him immediately.”
Kathy could see whatever was going on with Alexandro was serious. She nodded. “I’ll get right on that Mr. Manchetti.” She left the room to do as she’d been instructed.
Alex sat down in his chair, picked up his stress ball, and swiveled around to take in the panoramic views of the city. Gina still hadn’t called him. She was going to try to make him squirm. To hell with that. It was taking everything within him not to pay her a visit now that he knew where she was staying. He’d give her a couple more hours before he took matters into his own hands. She was up to something. Gina was always up to something.
He shook his head as he remembered all those years ago when they met. Of course, the first time he laid eyes on her he couldn’t help but be attracted. He initially thought she was the whole package. Besides her undeniable beauty, he was also drawn to how driven and focused she had been.
It was like yesterday; he’d been standing in the lobby on his cell phone next to the doors of the hotel restaurant attempting to handle a potential emergency when Gina grabbed his attention. She was alone at the time she walked past him. She sauntered by very slowly
