Nate didn’t know if that was a good or bad idea but decided to do as he was asked. However, before he left, he made a request. “Braylee, keep your composure.”
While her smile was easy, he knew better. Braylee would play it cool, but she was anything but. That one unguarded moment of her eyes told another story. The warrior in her had shown up, and he’d seen it. Smoothly she insisted, “When have you ever known me not to be cool during battle?”
He pointed a finger at her. “See, that’s what I’m talking about. You have no idea why she’s here, and you’re already preparing for war.”
She turned her cat-like gaze directly on him. “She already started the war. I just plan to win it. So, Nate, please send her in. I’ve got this I promise.”
Nate paused for another moment before leaving to bring in Ms. Lee Xiou. This was one meeting he’d love to be a fly on the wall to see. There was a connection between that woman and Alex. Nate would bet money that it was more than that attempted takeover of his company. He didn’t think Braylee knew exactly what the connection was either and was too curious for her own damn good. Apparently, so was Ms. Lee Xiou. He stepped out into the lobby where she sat expressionless wearing almost the same expression as Braylee.
“Miss Lee Xiou? Ms. Hinsdale will see you now.” Gina stood in her all black designer pantsuit. It fit her like a glove hugging her slim waist and rounded hips. She had a cinnamon complexion and eyes the color of dark chocolate, maybe even black, it was clear she was bi-racial—part Chinese. As she walked past him, Nate also realized how tall she was. Her head probably came to his chin. Beautiful, powerful, and apparently ridiculously wealthy. If nothing else, Alex had excellent taste in women.
The door crept open, and as Braylee stood, she smoothed down her skirt. A moment later, she was face to face with Gina Lee Xiou.
She moved from around her desk and walked toward her with the grace of a panther as she pasted on that smile. Braylee extended her hand, and Gina shook it. “Ms. Lee Xiou please have a seat.”
Gina couldn’t help but assess the woman who was keeping Alexandro’s bed warm at night. She looked a bit different from her pictures. It must be the hair. She’d cut it. The short hair drew attention to her high cheekbones, rounded eyes, and full lips. She guessed some people might even call her beautiful.
“Thank you, Ms. Hinsdale. I wasn’t sure we’d have an opportunity to meet during my brief visit to the States.” Gina had done her homework on Braylee Hinsdale, and she would make a formidable opponent.
Braylee went to sit back down behind her desk. “You have me at somewhat of a disadvantage. I didn’t know you would be on my calendar today.”
“My apologies but a woman in my position can’t be too careful. I like to move discreetly you understand. Surprises are sometimes necessary.”
The Mask was firmly in place. “I’m not surprised to see you. I just didn’t know it would be today. Sooner or later, I knew we would meet.”
As if she didn’t have a care in the world, Gina responded. Her voice was airy. “Yes, I’m sure you did.” She looked around. “You have a beautiful office.” She picked at an imaginary piece of lint on one of Braylee’s custom upholstered chairs pretending to flick it. “A little cold but beautiful.”
Braylee exaggeratedly extended her arm to look at her watch. “Ms. Lee Xiou what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?”
Gina turned her full gaze on to Braylee. “Alexandro.”
The blank facial expression did not change as Braylee continued to hold her gaze. “Interesting. Care to elaborate?” She wouldn’t give her any inkling of what she was thinking. Her mind was anything but blank.
Gina greeted Braylee’s expressionless face with a sinister smile. “It is interesting isn’t it? So, now that we’re finished with the bullshit pleasantries let’s cut to the chase. Since you’re one of Alexandro’s many lawyers,” her voice dipped, “among other things, you should be aware that I have certain plans. Over the last couple of months, they’ve been a bit delayed but not derailed. You’re a smart woman, so I hope you understand when I say, I won’t let anything or anyone get in the way of me executing them…again.”
Gina paused as if waiting for Braylee to respond. She didn’t. So, Gina continued. “Unfortunately, sometimes things can get a little messy when they don’t go as intended.”
Braylee didn’t bat an eye. “Luciano Manchetti kind of messy?” She’d been threatened by the best. Her attempt at intimidation wasn’t going to work.
“Now that was messy. But, not my handy-work. However, I do have a lot of weapons at my disposal. Not all of them are as barbaric as that. Sometimes having certain information can be just as effective. That’s why I’m here. I thought the direct approach would be best. You know woman to woman.”
Braylee tilted her head slightly. “By all means, please continue.”
“I do have to admit. Alexandro is like a drug. He’s very hard to get over.”
Braylee leaned forward in her chair. She sat ram-rod straight as if there was steel in her spine. “I can see where this conversation is going, so I’m going to end it right here. Woman to woman, I expected so much more from our first meeting. However, I can’t say this wasn’t interesting even if it was a waste of time.”
“Really? You think
