His Knees, His Pleas, But Our Son's in Peace

Chapter 69

As we stepped into the partner's office, I immediately felt a wave of discomfort. The older man I had come to meet was in the middle of something inappropriate with his secretary. Their bodies were pressed too close for it to be just a business conversation, and they didn't seem to care about maintaining any level of professionalism. Their hands lingered on each other as if we weren't standing right there.

I hesitated in the doorway, feeling a surge of disbelief. I had expected some tension, perhaps even a difficult negotiation, but this-this was far worse than I could have imagined. Carlos, standing behind me, remained silent and calm, hough I could feel his watchful presence. He wasn't one to react outwardly, but I knew he saw everything.

The moment the man noticed me, his secretary quickly disentangled herself, wkwardly straightening her blouse before hurrying out of the room. I could see he embarrassment on her face, but her eyes didn't meet mine. The man, however, ad no such shame. He leaned back in his chair with a disgusting smirk plastered cross his face, his gaze raking over me like I was another piece of property.

Ah, Doris," he drawled, his voice thick with mockery. "I was wondering when ou'd show up."

swallowed down the revulsion rising in my throat, trying to maintain some emblance of professionalism. This meeting was important. No matter how vile he as, I had to push through. "I'm here to discuss our agreement," I said, trying to eep my voice steady. "I understand you're considering another offer, but I'd like

mine. The touch nt a jolt of disgust through me, and I immediately yanked my hand away. "Don't uch

he made no effort to hide the way he was looking at me, his eyes lingering far too long. "You're wasting your time, sweetheart. I won't be working with you." I gritted my teeth, but before I could respond, he continued, his words dripping with malice. "In fact, you should prepare yourself for a nice little humiliation at the exhibition. Women like you-stupid, naive-never get anywhere in this business. No one will ever invest in you." The anger was bubbling up inside me, but I forced myself to keep calm. I could feel the heat rising in my face, my hands curling into fists at

calm, as if nothing had happened, his expression unreadable. I could feel the fury still boiling inside me, but I kept it in check. There was no point

still pumping through my veins. But Carlos never pushed for

worse than I imagined. He won't be working with us, and he practically told

news. "Well," he said after a beat, "good riddance. That's not someone we want to be in business with. You did the right thing, Doris. Don't worry

away. "But Blair, the

Chapter 69

We're running

"I know, Doris. I'll think of something.