The Trap Of Ace

Read The Trap Of Ace [by Eva Zahan] Chapter 11 – A knock on the door put a break on my non-stop rejecting and selecting the designs from the heap of catalogues. I needed to deliver the final samples to the head designers for the new collection of OC Textiles.

Liza’s blonde head poked through the door.

“Sorry to disturb you, but the meeting is just about to begin. And your presence is required there.”

My brows furrowed. “But I’m just an employee. What’d I do in a board meeting?”

His shoulders lifted. “No idea. The boss’s order.”

Why’d Caleb need me in a board meeting?

Sighing, I nodded. “Alright! I’ll be there in a few.”

“Great! See you there!” With that, she closed the door behind her and left.

I didn’t even have any idea what the meeting was about. Nor did I know what to do there or say. Whatever happens, I just hoped he wouldn’t be there. After yesterday’s confrontation, I’d tried my best to avoid him. But his being the freaking owner of this company didn’t make it easy.

Since Tobis’s revelation about it, I still couldn’t get over the shock. The irony! I’d to work in his company under his orders. And here I was trying to escape him at any cost!

Now i’d this doubt that whatever happened to my job and transfer, he had something to do with it. Maybe it was his influence that Caleb put me in here?

I let out a huff.

I just couldn’t make out what was brewing in his head. It was all so inarticulate.

When I entered the conference room, all entities in three piece suits’ eyes trained on me. The head chair was still vacant and there was no trance of Caleb yet. Flashing a professional smile towards those mostly unfamiliar faces, I found an empty chair right next to the head of the table.

All the other seats were occupied other than the one I took and the one at the other end of the table. And the big bald man seated beside it with a creepy face didn’t encourage me to go there.

Once I took my place, my eyes kept flickering to the door, waiting for the boss to arrive. Because the curious glances those people inside the room sent, made me fidget and uncomfortable.

Though their reactions were legit as it wasn’t a regular thing someone who’s not one of the board members joining the board meeting.

When the door opened, only then did everyone take their interest off of me and stood up as someone…

Achilles Valencian walked in, followed by Caleb and Liza.

I sucked in my breath when his gaze landed on me immediately. Those powerful dominating stormy eyes. The whole room went silent: an effect of the commanding aura he carried with him.

Averting my eyes from him, just as I expected Caleb to come and sit at the head of the table, he changed direction and went to the chair beside that creepy big man. And thus, the head of the table was occupied by the devil himself.

Of course! He was the king of this kingdom. What was I thinking? Now I was regretting not sitting beside that bald man.

Caleb sent his regular sunny smile from across the table which I couldn’t return. I’d just ask him later why he called me here.

At the king’s curt nod, everyone sat down.

“Everyone, I’d like to introduce you to someone who’d be joining in our every board meeting from now on,” spoke his deep voice, when I played with the emeralds of my bracelet. A way to ignore him and the irrational fast beats of my heart due to his close presence. “Meet, Miss. Emerald Hutton, a very special friend of mine. I’d like you all to welcome her in our company.”

My gaze snapped up to him, eyes wide open. What the h**l? I’d be joining board meetings with them? I was just a newcomer employee!

Ms. Hutton! It’ll be a pleasure to get to work with you!” I turned to the woman next to me who

enthusiasm in return. I was too perplexed for that. What the h**l was

with professionalism, most of them remained quiet. They seemed

displeasure etched onto their faces,

everyone’s

objections, Mr. Valencian. I’m sure there must be some reason behind the decision you took and we respect it. We’re just… a little surprised, that’s it,” said the man opposite of me, on

nodded. “Good. The sooner you’ll get over your surprise,

chair, listening to whatever the members were saying one by one. And when his hand slowly slid to where mine

between his

my hand in front of everyone? The

features formed into a

met me for a second. And then the twitch at the corner of his lips

I was too busy showing my displeasure. But

presentation we’re making in our recent deals. It seems like they exactly know what will be our deficiency and they will work right on there,” stated the bald man beside Caleb, a frown set between

were talking about a rival company of ours, some AR industries who were

cocked his head at the side. “What do you have

man shifted in his chair, clearing his throat.

finished for him. It wasn’t more like a statement than a question. His jaw ticked as the bald man nodded his head. “Did you try

visibly gulped. “Uh, we thought to discuss it with you first. And we

you all have been running this company with Mr. Cooper?

members’ avoided his furious eyes,

you all don’t mind, I’d like to suggest

my tummy when everyone’s gaze turned to me once again. I’d given interviews and presented presentations before the teachers and students back in the college, but talking

sharp glare softened as he gave me his

permission to speak up, Em. Say whatever you want to say,”

directly with these projects? Because irrelevant stuff won’t be able to know much of the presentations to disclose.” When no one said anything and listened to whatever I’d to say, I continued. “That way, if we find someone suspicious, we could easily replace them with

we can’t just go and start searching everyone’s full history and recent activities. It’ll be too time consuming. And whoever is doing it isn’t a fool, once they’ll find out about the investigation,

said the word ‘discreet’. Yes, it might be time consuming, but it’ll be for the well-being of the company. Otherwise, I don’t think there’s any way to find

a way,” he argued. “We could just change the whole team instead and appoint only

for us right now. Because if we let it go and don’t do anything about it, it won’t be difficult for the rival company

right now in this situation. You don’t need to point out anything. You’re just a newcomer

said, Mr. Brooks?” snapped Ace. “I’d like you

“But, Mr. Valencian…”

with his icy gaze. “And

nodded his head,

supported me, but what’s

needed. Even that was difficult with his intense gaze on me most of the time. As if he didn’t come to join

finally a clerk interrupted the long a*s

tray of mugs, he started distributing them around the table. And when my turn came, I shook my head at him with a polite

thanks! I don’t

Miss! I got some tea for you,” he replied,

look. How did he even know

you know that I like tea?” I

to fall as his

go, Gabe. Thank you for these drinks,” Ace said, cutting him off; his eyes not moving from me. And Gabe didn’t waste a second