A/N:
Soooo I started writing a new story "Her man" and the response was so good, at least for a newbie like me, when I wrote Million dollar man I'd get like 2 to 3 reviews per chapter so now that I am getting like 12-13 per chap, that is pretty awesome. BUT that doesn't mean that I'll ignore my original "night and day." so maybe I'll update this before it or not, don't really know. I do a happy dance for each review legit, so do review if you want to make a 19-year-old introvert happy.
Now to the story.
CHAPTER:5
Elena ran a hand through her wavy brunette hair as she searched for more info on her given task, which was finding competitive strategies. She was given a small room on the third floor, which was still very high, she was strangely scared of heights. Katherine wasn't still in town to direct her but her working here did mean she was one step further than the enemy right now, any clues were going to help if she managed to get her hands on them, from what she noticed , Giuseppe rarely showed up in a day, but he'd show up every other day for long hours, the man who was in most control of things was Enzo, who acted like an assistant to Giuseppe, but she had noticed that the man would hang around with Damon a lot. Damon travelled most of the times on Giuseppe orders, but Elena knew he was watching her every step. Three out of five working days he'd be at the office. One thing that really was suffering was school and her time with her family, her Parents were mad at her, her performance at school was suffering because she was putting way too much effort to the work Giuseppe assigned.
She packed up her stuff at about 8'o clock and went out the door, the corridor seemed quiet today and it was causing shivers to run down her spine. She picked out her phone and dialed Caroline's number to distract herself, "Hello Care."
"Hey Lena, what's up?"
"I am just going back home , this office looks like a horror house today." She huffed, her shoulders eased from there previous clenched position, "Elena , you missed girls day out again, Bonnie and I went shopping today and we already decided our decade dance outfits."
"Man I know how bad that sucks but these dried dead flies are just waiting for me to mess up. I am not going to give them a chance." She rolled a stand of her hair between her fingers as she walked downstairs.
"so did you find anything yet?" Caroline asked her. "Nope. I am waiting for them to just relax you know, that's when I'll strike , when they least expect."
"Stay safe Elena."
"I am safe."
A sudden sound startled her and she turned around , looking back to check, "Someone's still here."
"Elena, you're okay right."
"Yeah I am fine but uhh Mr. Salvatore." she swallowed thick , then spoke hurriedly into the phone, "I gotta go , later."
"but-"
She hung up and stood straight in front of Giuseppe, "I wasn't expecting you here."
"Neither was i." he cleared his throat, "But it's convenient , I wanted to speak to you."
Elena nodded as he directed her to an empty cabin, a door was opened behind her and she saw Damon before she entered followed by Giuseppe, un-usual how both of them were here today.
"We will be expecting our very important investors by tomorrow, I want you to assist them, explain our intentions and our building plan for their brewery industry which you might be familiar with after some little research." He sat on the chair behind the table, Elena nodded, "Sure."
He opened up the case he was carrying and took out a file, "We have been partners with these investors too, they hold a good 40 percent, and to earn their trust , I have decided on some things , things that you will make sure are carried out efficiently."
She held the file from his hand and winced as he grabbed her wrist suddenly, "Elena."
Her teeth gritted and she cringed inwardly, he didn't let her hand go, getting up from the chair, "It's nice to feel a breath of fresh air, I haven't encountered challenges in a long time."
"Pardon." She tried to pull her wrist but the man was stronger some how despite his old age, "I know why you are here, I know what's going on in your head, despite what you say or do but this is me giving you a full chance Elena , try."
"Try what?" she asked acting clueless of what Giuseppe was hinting at.
"Try to destroy me, find a scandal, do your best Elena, and when you fail- because there is going to be no incy wincy spider conclusion here Elena , you will be forced , oppressed beyond anyone in Mystic Falls to practice what i command." He spoke firmly, "Just like your father does, just like anyone in this town does, honestly no one's to blame, I am a cruel asshole, what?"
"Sir." She clenched her free hand at her side.
He walked across the table and pushed her down to lean against the table holding her wrist in a tight grip, "I am and don't for a second mistake me for a man with remorse, my own two sons struggled to adjust with me , but did I change? No, just because Stefan is deluded right now, doesn't mean he wont come back. You have no points gained for turning him against me, Understand?"
"I-uh , I don't have any idea-"
"You have , go ahead – do what you want." He left her hand and went out of the cabin, Elena pressed her sore wrist, "Asshole." She turned to the file , her hand had dropped after he suddenly cornered her , she read through the instructions, the appointment letter.
She held her hurt wrist and held everything tucked under her other arm as she walked outside, she saw Damon standing in the corridor, "Really? I had a really great day and now I am just bumping into assholes."
He looked down at her sore hand , the way she was holding it, he cocked his head to a side, "You look ready to give up."
"You'd wish." She shrugged as she started walking, he blocked her way, "So I assume Father gave you responsibility regarding the Michaelsons, because no one else seems to have a clue."
She nodded, "I am just so lucky."
"You didn't have that before going in." He snatched the file from under her arm and she hissed, "Owh."
He opened the file and read through the pages while she waited for him to finish so she could go home. "Let's go." He turned around still reading, she gave her hands up in air in surprise , "Seriously."
He walked outside and she followed him, "Where's your Father?"
"He left."
"I thought you came together." She asked standing infront of him , but he went the other way, picking out the appointment letter, "yeah he never taught me how to ride a bike." He stood in front of his black Mercedes, "I cant believe."
"What?" she raised a brow.
"Klaus fucking Michaelson , that's what." he held the appointment letter, "Father is playing some game , Klaus is the new managing director."
Elena faked a pout, "Aww did Daddy take your candy Damon? You deserve it."
"I deserve that post, just like you deserve working on the project that took your land away and caused your brother all that trauma." He held her other hand and kept the file on it, She bit her lip, "Well it drove your brother away from you too."
"You seriously have an issue if you think my brother is going to live in that rat hole for the rest of his life." He snarled. She shook her head at him and started walking the other way when he called her, "Elena wait."
She narrowed her eyes, his voice sounded some what respectful, she had to laugh, was he going to ask for a favor?
She turned around and walked back the few steps, "What?"
"Torturing me couldn't be the top of your priority list." He stated, then gestured to her hand, "You wouldn't take that much shit for it."
"What if I would?" she said in a teasing tone.
"You're not that petty." He shrugged, "Tell me what you want- other than driving my family away from the map of the earth."
"I want my property back." She said with her chin up and confident. He bit the inside of his cheek and nodded, "That can eventually happen."
"If there's going to be a deal, give me a deal right now." she said shaking her head.
"What can you do anyway?" he smirked, she rolled her eyes, "I can get rid of the Michaelson's , they may be potential clients and existing partners, but we all know what that is going to do, reduce your importance by a huge percentage Damon, now if I were you and had spent twenty four years in slavery of my own Father, I would be pretty pissed that he's an asshole who doesn't give a shit about me, in fact Stefan stopped giving a shit, you're all alone and the only thing that keeps you going is business , so I don't think you'd wanna lose it to some British dude."
His face became stiff and Elena for a second thought he'd go ballistic on her now, but he didn't, he nodded, "What are you going to do?"
"I will figure it out, but you will go against your father's orders for once and return me my ancestral property." She licked at her lips and stated firmly, the sudden smile playing on her lips bothered him, what was she going to do to ruin Giuseppe's plan, and how on earth could he trust this teenager whom he already knew , hated him. "How can I trust you?"
"You just have to, nothing to lose." She tilted her head to a side. "So, deal?"
"Deal."
(-NNDNNDNND-)
"You did what?" Stefan said loudly hurting her ear drums as he drove this car, "Elena everyday you get yourself into a new mess."
"What? this might be a good move Stefan, your brother has made me a deal." She reasoned with him, trying to gain his support on her plan, he shook his head, "Elena you can not expect anything for my brother, let's get that straight , he's a stubborn man just like you are a stub born lady- and if some how , the earth is off it's axis and Damon plans to go through with his end of the deal- how in the hell are you going to get rid of the Michaelsons. Like you promised."
She bit her lip, "I am working on that, but you know I did search up these people a lot in the last few weeks and they haven't been doing too great, they had two massive deals in Germany, where they failed to deliver their product and stopped any transaction for return of the money, mostly that's what they do- they plant companies here and there , get a bunch of money hungry investors and then they fail their project, don't give investors their money back and woosh."
"But Dad has known them for years Elena, you know , now that I know my father he might be even partnered in it."
"I didn't say it was confirmed , it's alleged- but if we get some proof , show it to Giuseppe that these people would screw with him, he'll give them up and second best to Klaus should be Damon for him." She sighed.
Stefan stopped the car in the parking, "And what about making them realize of their mistakes, is taking the property totally your focus."
She turned to him, taking off her seat belt, "No Stefan absolutely not. That's going to happen." They both walked inside the airport and he offered to get them drinks while she stood in the waiting area, the flight had probably landed and she would be here soon. Elena checked her phone to see the woman's picture, and a minute or two later saw a slender brunette , wearing a black suit with a white shirt under her coat, her hair up in a French bun, wearing cat eyed glasses walk out from the security gates, she waved at her, "Miss Peirce, Here!"
The woman nodded and smiled , she took off her glasses and walked towards Elena, after a formal hug she parted and greeted her, "You must be Elena."
"Yes ma'am I am so grateful for you to be here and help me."
"Don't mention it, it's my job." She patted her shoulder, "You're a very brave girl to be standing up against these people, normally no one wanted to be a witness."
Before Elena could talk further, she heard Stefan's voice, "I got you a soft drink, is that your friend?"
He gazed the woman from her toes to her head, "I am Stefan Salvatore."
Katherine frowned, then looked at Elena, "I know that- um Elena."
"He's my friend." She added sheepishly, "Stefan this is Miss Katherine Peirce., Chief Executive HRW , based in New York."
"So you're telling me he's cool about-" Katherine was talking but Elena pressed her hand , shaking her head slightly, which went un-noticed to Stefan.
"Cool about?" Stefan raised a brow. "About you driving us to town." Elena added. Stefan frowned but let it slide as Elena handed him Katherine's luggage, "Less talk more work."
The car ride was awfully quiet, Stefan knew something was up, this woman cannot be Elena's friend visiting town, she was easily older, about his brother's age, she looked mature and professional, he found himself peeking at her once or twice, her hair were so shiny, her attire was so decent- he didn't see many girls look this put together. Elena coughed loudly seeing his green eyes wander on Katherine's face.
"So um Miss Peirce , why are you in town?" Stefan asked looking in the back view mirror.
"Uh um nothing much, I had some pending business and I knew Elena- so I thought I'd meet her too." She bit her lip in confusion, Stefan grinned, "How are you and Elena friends? Don't mind me asking, I mean- you are a little , though you are a very beautiful woman but um a little older than Elena."
"Stefan." Elena blushed, "You shouldn't ask women about their age."
He shrugged, "I know , I didn't mean it that way, no offense Miss Peirce you are very attractive , just a little mature to hang around Elena."
Katherine giggled, "Thanks for the inappropriate compliment but Elena and I are quite the similar humanitarian type, I don't really mind if she's seven years younger than me."
"So you don't have any age irks, by the way I turned eighteen like five months ago." He said cheekily. Elena palmed her face, "You're embarrassing me Stef! "
"Don't be embarrassed Elena I get hit on a lot." Katherine sat back in the back seat, "It doesn't work on me anymore."
Elena looked at Stefan and he had a playful smirk on his face, "Damn it , I have to bring on the spray on deodorants , the ladies go crazy for that."
"I wouldn't depend on it." Elena chuckled, "Just take the car to Tyler's place."
"She's staying at the Lockwood's?"
"Yup." Elena said with a popping 'p'. "Please don't stalk her." She added quickly.
"Pop culture says it's attractive.' He shrugged. Katherine shook her head, "So is a restraining order. All the celebs get it, super trendy!" she said with fake enthusiasm, Elena laughed at his poker face.
(-NNDNNDNND-)
"Why are you here?" Enzo asked Damon as he came walking into the office as if he had someone to kill, "I heard Klaus is taking charge today."
"Yes but-"
"I wanted to see it, are they here yet." He said taking the stairs up instead of waiting for the Elevator, "Yes but if your Father wanted you here, he would have invited you for the meeting."
"But he didn't, he knew I'd make an issue, he didn't know that I was already aware of this bullshit that's been cooking here, honestly Enzo, I wouldn't expect you to not tell me. You're siding with father slowly, knowing how desperate-"
"Siding? The fuck does that mean? I am not siding with anyone, you know he'd kill me if I go against his orders and he said to not tell you."
"This is betrayelbetrayal you know." He turned back to look at Enzo, "And you my friend have taken on it."
"Stop being so dramatic dude." Enzo followed him as he passed the conference room to the cabin area ahead, he could hear a feminine voice speaking as if giving instructions, he knew that voice , Elena gilbert- there were very few and far woman in this company anyway.
"This is where Mr. Salvatore had set the plan to be Sir, we sent the architects before the weekend and the prints that we received from Mr. Elijah Michaelson , we did some alterations and work on site is-"
Damon went ahead and opened the door, he knocked on the glass window fitted in the door, "Good morning."
"Mr. Salvatore ! I was just explaining some progress with our mutual project. Do you mind?" she said in a made up soft tone, Damon shrugged and entered , closing the door on Enzo's face behind him, "Not at all. Continue by all means after I say my Congratulations to the new MD."
Klaus stood up from his chair, he looked royal in his gray sit , with a pale in contrast shirt, a dark tie, his blond hair falling on his forehead which added a little casualness to the otherwise formal look he had, "Damon, haven't seen you in a long time."
"Yes four years ago, presumably before your pharmaceutical scandal took you to jail in Berlin." Damon said plainly and sat on one of the chairs infront of klaus's desk, Elena snickered , then covered her mouth with her palm, Klaus sat back on his seat and rolled his eyes, "Lawsuits come and go, maybe you aren't aware of that, then I cant blame you, you haven't worked outside your father's business, and here to you're not a top notch, I get your bitterness." He gestured Elena to hand him the blue prints, Elena handed the file, leaning down to explain it to him, "The alterations that we did aren't approved by . Elijah Michaelson yet-"
Damon interrupted them, "I know Father has hired you because there is something he wants to keep away from me, hiring you means- he just wanted to win a brownie point from you, I don't care about that, I know that you are aware what it is that I am being kept in the dark about Klaus, I am not going to ask you because you are not stupid enough to tell me." he said picking up the crystal décor ball from the table and moving it around in his hands. "I don't give two fucks about this cabin."
Klaus smirked, "And it shows, the agony that you are going through, I definitely don't see you more than a whining child, it's obvious- right Miss Gilbert?"
Elena pursed her lips as Damon's eye shifted to hers, his intense blue eyes piercing into her brown orbs, she tucked her brown wavy strands behind her ear, " Mr. Michaelson I can come in later?"
"No it's perfectly fine, I am leaving.:" Damon announced getting up, "I am leaving but soon you will be leaving." He pointed Klaus's way.
(-NNDNNDNND-)
It was almost time to leave, she had missed school today for the great MichealsonMichaelson visit and it hadn't went totally to waste, it looked like since they came into picture collecting proof was going to be much easy, Damon hated them and the feelings were mutalmutual on both sides, she could definitely benefit from their rivalry, she sat at her table for some rest when her phone beeped loudly and she picked it up exhausted, she didn't have this number saved, yet she picked it up, "Hello?"
"Elena come downstairs, we need to talk." His voice was grave but smooth at the same time, she frowned, "Damon?"
"No! it's Santa Claus." He said annoyed, then she heard him groan., "Cant even say that anymore."
"Wait, I'll be there."
She went downstairs through the almost empty corridors into the parking, she could see the black car walked up the distance, she knocked on the window, the window lowered down and she leaned lower into it, "What?"
"Get in the car."
"I am not getting in the car, you get out." She said taking offense on his orders, he narrowed his eyes, "What are you? Twelve?"
"One of us is." She said in a lower voice, he rolled his eyes as he got out of the car, "You could have just gotten in the car and made this easy."
She shrugged, "Excuse me for not believing in kidnappers."
He chuckled as he walked across the car towards her, "You're afraid of me aren't you?"
"I thought you'd get a hint by now Damon, just because I am negotiating with you, doesn't mean I am scared of you." She spat, he took a step back pretending to be threatened , he raised his hands in surrender, 'Okay buffy , bring it down, good girl."
"What do you want?" she asked folding her arms across her chest, he grinned, "I want you to work on your side of the deal."
"I am."
"And there is more- hear me out." He said , "But I don't think we should talk here."
"I am not going anywhere with you." She stated clearly. "fine- fine, how about you take me somewhere where we have the privacy to discuss plan demolish Michaelson."
She looked at him for a good minute , he wasn't going to put her in danger of any sorts, could he? But he was in desperate need of revenge from Klaus, from what she saw, how his eyes blazed with hatred looking at Klaus. Well he looked at her the same way exactly.
"Fine. Follow me." she said in a made up 'tough voice' as she took him towards her Car, a warm red Chevy sonic, She gestured him to sit in the passenger's seat as she sat in the driver's seat, driving out of the parking space, she could feel his eyes were constantly on her, as if he was focusing on a specific facial expression, his body facing forward but he was looking her away by turning his head to her, grinning for no reason at times, she shifted in her seat, "What's so funny?"
"You look uncomfortable." He pointed out , "Do you have a safety weapon on you?"
"Why? Why would I need one?" her voice shook a little and chuckled turning his head away from her, "Ha mission accomplished."
"Really? That was your stupid plan? Freaking me out?" Elena asked glaring at him.
"Relax Buffy I was having fun, you said you weren't scared of me, and now your legs are shivering." He gestured to her quivering legs underneath her knee length skirt, "You are an asshole." She said, he ran a hand through his hair laughing lightly, "Takes one to know one sweetie."
"Are we ever going to talk about why you are giving me your precious time." She clenched the steering wheel, suddenly applied the braked and the car stopped near the Wickery bridge, he nodded, "It's about a woman associated with the Michaelson brothers, Katherine."
(-NNDNND-)
IMPORTANT NOTE:
One of the recent friends I made on Fanfic, MariahAprilMay after reading one of my stories wants me to adopt her story "forget me not." As she is getting hate for abandoning it, I don't know much but I read the story and I thought maybe I'd be able to give it an ending, I'll upload whatever she sent me (the past chaps) and work on it when I get the chance and good inspo, which would be soon don't worry.
I am on such a big writer's block that it was difficult af to write this, I tried my best tho and it's kind of a filler, who wants DELENA bonding in the next chap?
Check out Her man if you haven't
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