Annabeth's POV

Did the last few days really just happen, or was it all just a heavenly dream? I pondered this question as I sipped my morning coffee and shuffled through partner notes and number quotas at my office desk. My time off was finally over. I felt energized and invigorated, and I was ready to attack my work. I logged in to my computer and began filtering through the overwhelming number of unread emails. But I was swiftly interrupted by a knock on the door. I looked up and saw Nico through the glass. I gestured him into the room and immediately noticed his grave expression.

"What's up?" I asked uncertainty.

Jesus.

Had he found out about me and Percy? Was he coming here to fire me? As his mouth opened, I braced for the worst.

"Fuck Octavian Augur," he said darkly.

I breathed the tiniest sigh of relief. Octavian was Nico's rival at the company. A ruthless businessman set on becoming a tycoon. Since I began working for Jackson Hotels Group, I'd heard rumblings about how he wanted to take over the company leadership. Due to his closeness with some other higher-ups, he had been able to rise in the ranks and pretty much operate here under the radar.

"What's going on?" I asked.

"While you and Percy were away in Tuscany, Reyna and I were dealing with pregnancy issues, so, for the most part, Octavian was in charge."

He paced around the room. "This morning I got an email from one of the shareholders about a meeting to reevaluate the leadership and direction of the company."

"Oh no," I muttered, beginning to share his anxiety.

"He forwarded an email Octavian had sent to multiple shareholders saying my brother and I are driving the company into the ground— that we're absent and generating too much bad press."

I processed the information, shocked. If Octavian Augur was really gunning for a coup, several jobs could be on the line— mine included.

"I can't allow this to happen," Nico said. "He knows Reyna and I are pregnant, and that ever since Percy lost his sight, we've been struggling to keep everything on track. That was one of the main reasons I hired you, Annabeth."

Octavian was trying to make a power play during the Jackson brother's weakest point in order to take over the company. And it dawned on me, he had a real chance of succeeding.

"Forgive me if I'm overstepping," I started, "but couldn't you just…well…?"

"Fire the bastard?" Nico finished. "I thought about it. But he has allies all throughout the company. Not to mention, he hasn't actually done anything wrong."

Nico gritted his teeth. "If we canned him, he could sue the company with a wrongful dismissal claim in a heartbeat. Questioning leadership is not a fire-able offense."

Shit.

Nico was right. Octavian Augur played his chess pieces perfectly and was preparing to checkmate the Jacksons. The entire company would be hurled into a power vacuum, and my future at the company would be jeopardized.

"So, what do we do?" I asked.

"I'm figuring that out," Nico said. "Stay alert. If you hear anything about this, let me know."

"Will do," I answered.

"Have you talked to Percy the last few days?" Nico asked, clearly doing his best to rid his mind of the aggravating topic.

"Not really…what's up?"

His dick was up last night.

I smirked to myself, casually sipping my tea.

"He sent me a strange text the other day. Very…" He paused and combed a hand through his hair. "Very considerate."

I laughed. "Well, he's your brother, Nico, not just a business partner."

Nico chuckled, too. "I know, I know. We just discuss personal matters so rarely now. He's been hard to reach on that level since the surgery. And the breakup. So this was nice."

I had always pictured the Jackson as born adults and sometimes forgot the two men had grown up together.

"How is Reyna?" I asked. I'd meant to meet her for coffee during my time off, but I was so busy with my mother and the green-eyed sex god I never got around to it.

"She's okay. Taking everything in stride. We had some more concerning issues while you were away in Tuscany, but I think things are all alright now. The doctors say she's healthy."

"What about you? Are you excited about being a dad?"

"Of course. That's what's been getting me through all of this, just knowing every bullshit challenge I overcome will help me be a better father."

I smiled. "You will be a great one, Nico. I know it."

He grinned back at me. I was happy I could alleviate his stress, even if it was only for a moment.

"Thought of any names yet?"

"For a boy, I was thinking…Octavian."

For a moment, he held a serious expression, but then broke into a laugh when I did.

"I'm just fucking with you. We have a couple ideas but nothing's set in stone."

Just then, my phone began to buzz. I checked the screen:

Percy: Annie. There is a car waiting for you outside.

Percy: You're coming for lunch with me.

Percy: I'm already at the eatery.

Percy: I want to talk to you about something. Come within the next half hour.

Annabeth: What do you want to talk about?

Percy: Half hour. No longer.

I sighed.

Apparently, being sexy means you don't have to answer questions.

Standing up, I fixed some files on my desk and cleared my throat.

"I'm off for lunch, Nico, I'll be back in a bit."

"Woah," he said, eyeing my phone. "I hope it's business related."

I hope it's not.

"Yup," is all I said, as I vanished from the room.

Percy was surprisingly calm when I told him the news about Octavian. I watched his sea green eyes carefully as he sipped his beer, processing the information.

"Textbook Octavian," he finally said. "That guy was always a power-hungry little prick."

"Nico's really worried about it," I said seriously, digging into my garden salad.

"Nico worries about most things." Percy snorted. "I appreciate the update, Annie but I'm not too worried."

I relaxed a little and picked up my wine glass.

"So, what did you want to talk to me about?" I asked, expecting him to make another sexy argument for my submission.

"My parents are having a little family reunion at our estate," Percy said calmly. "I'd like for you to attend with me, Bella."

I nearly dropped my glass in shock. He wants me to meet his parents? Percy Jackson wants to introduce me to his parents? Trying not to choke on my wine, I questioned him.

"Is that really a good idea, Percy? I mean, if it's a family reunion, obviously, Nico and Reyna will be there…If you bring me, it will be obvious you and I are…involved."

I spoke the last words softly, turning crimson as his stare intensified. I bit my lip, embarrassed, one again reminded myself the man was practically blind.

"I want them to know."

"Nico hired me, Percy. Don't the optics bother you?"

"They're all going to find out eventually. I don't see the problem with them finding out at the reunion. I don't want to attend it without you."

Fucking hell. Why does he have to say everything I want to hear?

I shuffled nervously in my seat, knowing deep down I'd already made my decision.

"I just don't want to risk losing my job, Percy. You need to promise me that won't happen."

Percy reached across the table, gesturing for my touch. I obeyed, putting my palm softly in his.

"I promise, you won't lose your job. I need you there with me."

He needs you, Annabeth.

He kissed my hand like the dashing prince he was. I sighed.

"When is it?"

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