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Chapter 48: Secret Agent Man
Victoria stood in the restroom before a vanity mirror. She adjusted the black Hermès Scarf round her neck, shifting the French knot to the right, assuring it covered that area of her neck. The Queen approved of her reflection. A white, silk button down, black jeans and heeled boots with hair styled to the side in a ponytail. She looked stylish, confident and powerful. But she felt didn't feel it. She felt tired, exhausted, annoyed.
She glared at the ring on her finger. The only part of her look she didn't approve of. Nevertheless, she had to wear it. Conrad was making a big show of their 'relationship' now that she'd agreed to play her role as 'devoted wife'. Just this week, she'd hosted a Grayson dinner party at the manor the day prior. Everyone from the Senator to Broadway actresses attended. She spent the next morning, reading to a class of elementary school children, and speaking at a VA gala, before being whisked off on a private jet, the next day to Massachusetts for Conrad's commencement speech at Harvard.
After three days of activity and Victoria was exhausted, completely drained from all the planning and preparing and traveling.
Rain pelted down on Victoria as she stood near the Grayson jet at JFK. Pulling her coat closer to herself, preserving her body heat, she let out a tense puff of air. Headlights shone through the rai. Finally, the limo arrived. Desperate to get out of the rain, she didn't wait for the driver to open the door, and did so herself. She slid into the backseat, grateful for the heat and warmth inside. Autumn was here and she hated it. Putting on her seatbelt, a streak of lightning lit up the horizon, painting the grey night sky with streaks of white. A pit of dread formed in her stomach. Conrad sat beside her. The driver closed his door then got in the front seat and asked them:
"Where to, sir?"
"Please, drop me off at the Ritz," Victoria told the driver.
"It's unlikely you'll find a room this late in the evening." Conrad said.
"Then I'll stay in a motel. I'll manage. I just want to sleep. I'm exhausted."
He was right, it would be difficult to find a room and she didn't have the energy to deal with incompetent people. She desperately wanted to go back to the Manor. Her sanctuary. But she couldn't. She was needed in the city in the morning and the commute from the Hamptons to Manhattan was insanity in this kind of weather. Even if she decided to go to the Manor, she didn't want to sleep in an empty home. Charlotte moved to Massachusetts for Harvard and Daniel lived out of a penthouse in Manhattan to be close to Grayson Global.
A rumble from outside shook the windows. Thunder. Victoria gasped, jumped in her seat, knocking her knee into Conrad's thigh. Conrad's eyes softened seeing her exhausted and unsettled. She was fearless against most anything, but thunderstorms were the one thing that struck fear into her.
"You're welcomed to stay at my penthouse."
"I…." Victoria stopped herself before she could argue.
Conrad's penthouse was in the city. No commute. More importantly she wouldn't be alone. He was the last person on her list of people she'd consider familiar and comforting, but she'd rather be in his company instead of sleeping in some cheap motel, alone in a thunderstorm.
"Thank you, Conrad."
The moment Victoria stepped into Conrad's penthouse all she wanted to do was lay her head down on a pillow and fall asleep. She'd changed into her silk nightgown and walking out of the bathroom realized there was only one bedroom. She resolved to taking the couch, not wanting to encroach on Conrad's space. Grabbing a spare pillow and blanket from the linen closet and took the sofa and fell asleep.
Thunder boomed outside the patio doors like a bomb. Victoria awoke in a cold sweat. Heart racing, she darted down the hall to Conrad's bedroom.
"Conrad," Victoria whispered. "Conrad are you —."
Thunder cracked like a whip, striking her silent, except for one throat straining cry that escaped.
"Conrad!"
"Victoria, what's wrong?!"
Roused from his sleep, he sat up, eyes darting to her in the doorway. In the pale light of the room, Victoria looked like a frightened woman, a former version of herself. Her dark hair tousled around her shoulders. Shaking, she pulled her robe close to herself as if the storm outside was coming to take her.
"Darling, come here."
Lighting struck. Victoria darted into his bed and sat beside him in a quivering mess. Conrad took her by her tired shoulders pulling her into his arms. She pressed her head into his night shirt, crying, letting all the exhaustion and fear she felt stain his shirt.
"I'm here," he kissed the crown of her head. "Everything will be alright."
Tonight, Victoria wouldn't be alone. Conrad would protect her from the storm. She wouldn't be alone.
Victoria awoke the next morning to clear skies. Sunshine streamed through the curtains of the foggy Manhattan sky. Shifting in bed, she almost forgot how she'd gotten into bed in the first place. Conrad slept protectively holding her in his arms, her head on his chest, both wrapped in warm sheets. This was a rare moment to see him so peaceful, so calm. Victoria reached out a hand to stroke his jaw. She remember, early in their marriage, how Conrad had held her like this, for the exact same reason. As a newlywed, Victoria thought it silly to mention to Conrad she was afraid of thunderstorms. She thought he'd find her ridiculous. How could a woman so strong, powerful, and charming, be afraid of a little rain? Instead of baring it alone, Conrad had offered to stay by her side till the storm passed.
All the years Victoria had spent catching Conrad, luring him into her hands, all so she could have the privileges marrying into his family could provide: money, stability, power, that moment with the thunderstorm was the Crown Jewel. It was the first time since she'd laid eyes on him, that Victoria allowed herself to drop her mask and open herself to give genuine affection and love to Conrad. Not for his money or name but for him.
She never thought she could love the man for himself. But in that moment of weakness and vulnerability, she figured she could learn to love him for who he was.
Stroking his head, Victoria smiled as Conrad opened his eyes, before he could say anything she kissed him. He reached a hand out to move a strand of hair from her face. He smiled loving and said:
"You're as beautiful as Aphrodite."
"You stupid, girl. There you go again, falling back into his hands." Victoria spat, glaring at herself in the mirror.
She tugged on her scarf. The love bite peeked out, fresh from their love making earlier that morning. Eating brunch on the patio together, kissing him goodbye as they parted ways in their limos.
This morning was a momentary lapse of impulse control. It was a mistake.
On the way over, she felt irritated. Irritated that she let Conrad see her so vulnerable and weak. Irritated that she needed comfort last night gone to him for it. And irritated that last night brought back memories of the happier times earlier in their marriage, and she wanted to relieve them. That love bite was proof of her self-fulfilling desire to stay trapped in the past. To stay where it was safe. Where she could exist.
Yet, Victoria Grayson was a tenacious woman. No matter how much the past beat her down, lulling her into complacency, she couldn't let it win. She had to fight, destroy the old life she'd staked her whole being on, to create the new future she envisioned for herself and her children. A future that did not include Conrad or anything Grayson.
A woman walked into the bathroom and stepped up to the sink. She glanced into the mirror and said with a smile to the Queen:
"I love your scarf."
Victoria adjust the scarf, making sure her mistake was concealed.
"Thank you."
She grabbed her purse and strolled out the bathroom.
Walking down the hall, she spotted the meeting room and with a calming breath in, strolled inside. Groups of people sat around a conference table chatting, while others were scattered on the other side of the room, sipping wine and snacking at the buffet table. Victoria did a double take at Emily talking with the committee members.
Another person from Victoria's past she didn't want in her future. One way or another Emily Thorne found a way to involve herself in Victoria's life. But Daniel was nowhere to be found. So how was she here?
Victoria approached her.
"Emily, what are you doing here?" she wasn't trying to be kind.
"Well, Victoria, when I heard you were head of the committee I was thrilled. You know causes like these hold a dear place in my heart. Having grown up in the foster system, I figured I could add share my insights. Of course, it must have slipped your mind to invite me. You're so busy working on Conrad's campaign."
"To be honest, Emily I didn't invite you."
Victoria wasn't in the mood for exchanging formalities. They knew each other well enough to know it was pointless. Emily smiled, a hint of disappointment.
"I see."
"But here you are. I have no doubt you'll find a place amongst the others."
"Ems."
Nolan appeared by Emily's side, sipping a drink. Even from across the room he could feel the electric energy between them. He'd dashed over to be in the middle of the action. He couldn't miss another episode of Tiger vs Dragon.
"Hello, Nolan." Victoria greeted.
Victoria should have guessed, he was the one to invite her.
"Nolan, it's a pleasure to have you on the committee. I'd love to have your input, with Rebecca having grown up in an impoverished background, I'm certain you can lend us some pointers on how to inspire these kids to get excited about their education and future. In fact, I have a group of young ladies from Queen visiting. They're a gifted group of coders and huge fans of you. I mentioned the possibility of making a meeting happen. Would you be interested in meeting them?"
"Sure, I'd love to meet them."
"Wonderful. I'll see you in the meeting room."
Victoria didn't acknowledge Emily as she passed her to the meeting room. Emily eyed her suspiciously then turned to Nolan with a frown.
"What was that?"
"What was what?" Nolan questioned.
"You know this whole benefit is just Conrad's way of buying votes. He's buying his seat to the governor's mansion."
"Oy, vey." Nolan sighed exasperated. Just because this was a Grayson event, Emily had to be on the offense. Well not him.
"Ems, despite this being Grayson territory, don't forget this event is helping real kids with real problems. I'm excited to be on this committee. There's a lot of kids falling through the cracks of the education system. No thanks to the shit these kids face from teachers. The ones that speed through an Algebra class, brushing over the slower kids. The ones that single kids out, make prejudice remarks teaching Black History. Because of them, these kids are labeled as 'ADHD'/ADD, 'aggressive', 'stupid' and thrown in some special ed class for a year. I was there. Rebecca was there. We weren't aggressive or stupid – we were bored. We craved an intellectual challenge. Here, I have a chance to work with some awesome people to impact another kid's life and help them succeed."
Nolan was serious. Emily stood speechless. She was selfish. She never gave a thought to how important this event was to him.
"I know this benefit is Conrad's Trojan Horse, and you're only here today for your mission, but, I'd be nice, if you could also pretend to be a supportive partner."
Nolan strolled away. Emily wanted to go after him, say her usual bit 'you're right, I'm sorry,' but she knew it was a lost cause.
From Victoria's spot in the meeting room, Victoria register the look on Emily's face as Nolan strolled off with a frown. Their exchange put unexpected smile on her face. She knew they were acquaintances, yet since this summer, Emily was spending a lot of time around Nolan ever since his daughter came into the picture.
So, Emily had a new man toy to play with this year. Victoria had to give her points for taste. Nolan Ross was much more interesting than that Jack Porter.
Once the meeting ended, Nolan and Emily went out for lunch. As they walked out to leave Nolan spotted Sophie Bonnard walk in. She looked like she'd walked out of Fashion Week in her fitted coat, black skirt and stilettos. Nolan eyed her like a hawk, as she took a table near the window.
Nolan balled his fist in his pocket. He'd had spent a better part of his morning advocating for the right of other kids. After Emily explained the recent incident between Genevieve and Rebecca he figured it was damn near time to take a stand and fight for his own daughter.
He walked to her table, determined.
"Nolan, where are you going?"
"Ems, give me a second."
She waited by the entrance, watching confused as he strode across the restaurant and stopped at a woman's table. On further inspection, she recognized the woman was Sophie Bonnard. The fashion designer removed her glasses and glanced up at the billionaire with a grin.
"Nolan Ross, what a pleasant surprise, what brings you here?"
Nolan let out a stifled breath at that. This was anything but pleasant.
"The Cioppino. Do you have a moment?"
"Of course, please have a seat."
Awkwardly taking a seat, Nolan let out a tense breath. He knew that Sophie Bonnard was a saint. That Genevieve's aggressive, narcissistic behavior stemmed from her father. If he had any chance of putting this issue to rest, Sophie was his best bet.
"There's something I've been meaning to talk with you about, regrading Rebecca and Genevieve..."
No parent wanted to be the one to tell another that their child was a bully. It was awkward for everyone involved. Especially the parents of the bully.
"What are you saying, Mr. Ross?" Sophie questioned, voice tense. Her bright smile turned into an accusing frown. "Are you saying my Genevieve is a bully?"
"You don't have to take my word for it, look for yourself." He grabbed his Nolpad mini from his blazer, brought up the file and shoved it in her face.
Images of Becca's swollen ankle, damage to the smart watch, her x-rays, skid marks from Genevieve's buggy.
"These are the medical bills and procedure from Rebecca's hospital stay. And that's just the psychical abuse. The folder of yearlong emotional, and verbal is just as staggering."
He'd been compiling that folder since early summer. Now he could finally use this ammo to drop the bomb. The color from Sophie's face drained. She was mortified, staring blankly at the Nolpad.
"This…this can't be. M-my Genevieve isn't like this."
Nolan reeled his hand back, Sophie snapped to meet his gaze, eyes watering, nose red. She was distraught, shocked.
"Sophie, let me be clear: if your daughter comes near my daughter again I will press legal charges against her. And who'll win, the A-plus MIT student without a record or a party girl with a record of drugs and minor offenses?"
Her phone pinged. She jumped as if the slightest sounds would attack her.
"You'll be hearing from my lawyer."
The server appeared with her meal. Satisfied with his work, Nolan stood, leaving the mother to collect herself.
"Enjoy your lunch."
"Mom, honestly how much longer are you going to sit here seething at him?" Charlotte questioned.
"Sweetheart, I'm not seething."
The youth benefit was half way through and all Victoria wanted to do after she'd presented the scholarships to the qualifying candidates, was go home. She had no desire to sit here and watch Conrad turn this benefit into his own campaign forum with Charles at his side, complete with Miss Ashley leading the discussion. Maybe she was seething: rolling her eyes at his jokes and not hiding her disinterest in his self-interest talk. She had to be here but that didn't mean she had to enjoy it.
"We could just leave. It's not like he'll care."
"He will."
Conrad wanted all the Grayson's together as one big, supportive family. Charlotte looked down at her lap, texting on her phone. Victoria wished she'd have some form of escape like her.
Instead, she distracted herself from Conrad's speech by surveying the grand hall. Victoria spotted Edward and Daniel, sitting at the bar, both talking to clients over drinks. Daniel shook hands with one of the men, and they exchanged business cards. She was glad that Daniel was doing well for himself, he was smart, using Conrad's event to network and land clients for himself. She'd reminded Daniel that some of Conrad's biggest wins came from the galas and events she'd hosted over the years. Seemed he was taking the advice well.
"Vee, let's leave." Sophie explained from beside Victoria. "We've spent our entire marriages listening to our husbands talk about themselves."
"Aunt Fee, hi!" Charlotte hugged her and then scoffed at Victoria. "I was just telling mom the same thing."
"What are you talking about, you just got here." Victoria stood to hug Sophie and give her two kisses on the cheek, she pulled away with a smile. "Darling, you look gorgeous. Where's Genevieve?"
"She couldn't make it."
Victoria could sense something was off about Sophie. She was never late to events. But deeper than that, Victoria could see the usual spark in her eye was dulled down, replaced with a glaring hurt. Victoria knew that look of a mother in pain well.
"I see."
Sophie slid into the seat between Victoria and Charlotte. Charlotte sat off to the side, eyes glued to her phone, texting and giggling at the photos of her and Declan. Victoria simply let her be, glad she was here to sit through this with her.
"Is that your boyfriend?" Sophie inquired, voice liven with interest. Charlotte nodded.
"Yes."
"He's handsome."
"Thanks, I know."
That was the only words she said till she fell back into silence. Victoria tapped Sophie's shoulder.
"Something the matter? You seem like you're in another world."
"Vee, I feel like I'm in another world." She admitted voice soft and frail, the opposite of the fiery and opinionated woman she was. "I've had the worst day of my life today. All I want to do is go home, lock myself in my room and drown myself in wine and bonbons."
"What happened?"
"I don't want to speak about it right now."
Victoria could tell whatever happened to Sophie shattered her world and spirit. Sophie was always so fiery and bright. But tonight, it seemed like she was a former version of herself. All the women wore black dresses and the men tuxedos. Instead of being the shining star in the room, as she always was, Sophie looked dim and small, fading into the background with everyone else.
"Dear, you're more than welcome to spend the night at the Manor. I'll even arrange for the bonbons and wine, you like so much, how does that sound?"
She nodded. Not forcing a smile.
"Yes, I'd like that."
Victoria was glad that she could be there for Sophie, she hoped she could uncover what had happened, what matter right now was that she was here to support her friend in her time of need.
"Thank so much," Daniel shook hands with his potential investors. "We'll put something in the books tomorrow."
Daniel pocketed the business cards. He'd scored three new clients this evening who were interested in trusting their money with Grayson Global.
"Get me three shots of Johnny Walker." He drummed a beat on the countertop and smiled cheekily to the cute, blonde server. She winked and smirked.
"You got it, pal."
The server set his drinks on the table. He slapped a large bill on the counter then quickly downed his shots like a dying man drinking water.
He felt invincible. Powerful. Confident. How ironic that he was scoring clients at his father's event. Well he learned to play dirty, from the very best. Edward watched him in disappointment. The young Grayson men knew nothing of manners or decorum.
"Pace yourself, son. Humility isn't dated."
"I'm celebrating, grandpa. Nothing wrong with acknowledging your achievements."
Grandpa Edward's advice was too restrictive and old fashioned. Daniel wanted to keep up his momentum, he was going in for the kill tonight. Which was why when he saw Aiden walk up to the bar, he felt that much better.
"Aiden, it's good to see you. Glad you could make it."
"Likewise, Daniel. Evening, Mr. Grayson."
"Aiden Mathis, you're a sight for sore eyes. How's your mother doing, Daniel mentioned she was battling breast cancer."
All lies. But he needed a cover story. His mother was healthy and well.
"She's doing better, sir."
"Cancer is the Devil himself. My Eleanor gave it hell for six years."
Aiden sat at the bar, ordered a drink, then turned to Daniel and said in a hushed tone.
"I see the golden goose is nesting cozily."
They spotted Nolan and Emily seated side by side whispering to each other, Nolan on his Nolpad with Emily silently observing the room and its inhabitants. Secretive, stylish, suave. New York's new Power Couple and they didn't even know it. Aiden was looking forward to this reunion.
"Well, boss. I suppose I'll go ruffle the gooses' feathers, eh?"
"Go for it."
Drink in hand, Aiden approached their table, taking a seat across from the blonde duo.
"You both look as though you've taken over the castle."
Nolan and Emily exchanged surprised looks.
"What are you doing here?" Emily questioned.
"I'm here to discuss a business deal with you, Nolan. Mind if we discuss things in private?"
"Yeah, I do mind. Do you have any idea how long we've been trying to find you after you went Ghost Protocol?"
Aiden sat back in his chair, with a small frown. He'd expected a warmer welcome.
"After your handiwork, I had to lay low."
"Pretty sure Virginia's way north of San Juan." Nolan pointed out. Yes, he was surprised to see him here. And relieved. But mainly surprised. "Guess we should have checked Daniel's pockets first."
"Why are you here?" Emily questioned not hiding her hostility.
"Well, I'd like to be a part of your team… if you'll let me. I'd like to think I can be an asset to your plans. Daniel trusts me; the boy drinks enough and he'll spill his life story to the nearest shoulder."
"No thanks. We don't need your help."
Aiden let out a chuckle, annoyed. Emily was too stuck in her ways to see he could help her mission. He'd hoped that Nolan was easier to convince. It wasn't like he'd saved his daughter's life in a fire or anything.
"Nolan, mind if we discuss that business deal? I have Edward and Daniel Grayson watching me, and I'd like to keep my job, so if you please can we continue this conversation at the bar?"
Nolan sent Emily a look. Neither of them trusted Aiden, but Nolan was willing to hear what he had to say. He'd saved his daughter. The man couldn't have been all bad.
"I'll scream if something happens. Lead the way, Mr. Bond."
Aiden lead Nolan to a spot at the bar far enough from the Grayson's.
"What's this business deal?" Nolan questioned.
"Look, Emily she won't hear me out, but I'm hoping you will. Daniel is on a digging mission to uncover David Clarke's investment in your company. He believes Grayson Global owns a majority stake in NolCorp since Clarke was the first to invest with you when he worked for Grayson Global. He's been working with your CFO, Padma Lahari to uncover the connection between the accounts. She mentioned something about a cheque…"
The flash of anger and confusion in Nolan's eyes told Aiden that he wasn't aware.
"You didn't know?"
"No."
Nolan thought back to his framed cheque and Padma mentioning she did nothing with it. Why would she lie to him? And why would she go behind his back to uncover the origins of the company's financial start? Was this a mistake or something else?
"I'm worried about Emily. Daniel could expose the source of her wealth."
Collecting himself from the news, Nolan regained his calm.
"Emily drew funds from a buried account. She's been cashed out of NolCorp since I went public in 2006."
His lawyers had gone to extreme lengths to make sure that his professional association with David didn't exist on paper. Now he could say he was David's friend because of the prison logs he'd mistakenly ignored. There wasn't any point in denying it now.
With Emily's stock, he'd made sure everything was protected. Nolan was sure of himself. He'd made sure that account was legitimate. Aiden was not as convinced.
"You sure?"
"Mathis, I've been hacking since I was 13. I know what I'm doing."
Nolan was offended. Aiden lowered his shoulders, he'd been worried about Emily this whole time.
"Good, you have Emily protected."
"Damn right I do."
Nolan wondered who was protecting him.
"What did Aiden want?"
Nolan knew Emily had been watching his and Aiden's exchange from across the hall. He took his seat next to her, leaned back and said:
"To be part of Team Revenge. I told him if he'd wanted to join the crew, to pass initiation first. Aiden could be a great addition to the team. We've already got a mastermind, hackers, and a grifter. With some muscle, we'd be unstoppable."
"Aiden can't be trusted. He's Takada's spy."
"Well, now he's my spy. He told me that Danny boy is on a digging mission to uncover David's start up investment in NolCorp."
"I cashed my NolCorp stock in 2006. There wouldn't be any connection between Amanda Clarke and NolCorp. You made sure of that."
Nolan liked that Emily had that much faith in him. That all their tracks were covered and everything was tied in a nice bow.
"Yes, legally the stock you cashed has no record of you having accessed it. Still, no matter how skilled my legal team was, going to great lengths to conceal my professional relationship with your dad. It wasn't enough to cover up the cheque he'd gave me to start up NolCorp. Which we both know if Daniel got his hands on..."
"Would mean Grayson Global has a stake in the company, because my father was working for them when he invested with you."
"Bingo."
"This is bad for your company...how did Daniel even know about this cheque?"
"More like who told him. I have my suspicions."
"And you trust Aiden to help you?"
"I don't have a choice. He's the only lead I have to stay ahead of Daniel."
Nolan understood that Aiden's position in Grayson Global was useful to keep tabs on Daniel as this NolCorp/Grayson Global investigation went down. Padma was the one Nolan was questioning if he could trust. She'd been going behind his back this whole time, feeding information to Daniel. He'd have a hell of a day in the office tomorrow.
"Still, I don't trust him."
"Then trust me."
"I do."
She did. Really. It was Aiden she didn't trust. He only did things for others expecting something in return. She didn't know what Aiden wanted or how he'd interfere with her plans or family again. Nolan wasn't in the mood to sit here and plot. He had too much to deal with tomorrow. All he wanted to do was spend tonight drinking expensive champagne and cracking jokes.
"Come on, let's enjoy the champagne on the terrace and have ourselves a grand old time."
Emily agreed, following Nolan to the upper levels of the hall. From her spot Emily's attention was caught by the woman standing at the entrance to the grand hall.
"What's she doing here?" Emily questioned.
"Who?" Nolan followed her gaze.
Olivia stood in the queue beside a short man in a suit. She looked polished wearing a black and white pant suit and heels. A major upgrade from her reporter street clothes.
The security guard stopped her at the door. She didn't flash a reporter pass at the security, but an FBI badge.
"She interviewed Amanda and me." Emily said. "That FBI agent masqueraded as a reporter."
Despite realizing the severity of this situation, Nolan couldn't help but crack a joke.
"So, without the suit she's Olivia Ford and with the suit she's Olivia Walker? Think she's from Krypton?"
Author's Note |
Aiden's back! He better pass Nolan's initiation, the team will need his muscle for Olivia's takedown next chapter. And there's a nice ConVict scene in there because it all started with Victoria's scarf and went downhill (or uphill of you're digging those sweet ConVict vibes). Also Eleanor Grayson, is FH's character from her fanfic, Summer of 1993. Glad I could finally mention her in this chapter, but I have a few other scenes for her I'd love to write with her in upcoming chapters. Also yay for Nolan finally doing something about Genevieve, was my favorite scene to write :-)
Feel free to PM or comment and tell me what you think :-D I love interacting with my readers! Thank for all your support!
Until next time,
DDLJ
