Percy POV
I whistled a tune while baking some cookies. My mom used to have a secret recipe for making blue chocolate chip cookies. She taught me how to make them when I was a child.
When I was younger, Gabe used to beat me all the time. He would also criticize everything that my mom used to do. My favorite color in the whole world is blue. One day, I picked out all the blue jellybeans from a candy box, and only ate those. Gabe called me and my mom stupid for doing that. Ever since then, we made it a personal goal to always try to create blue food.
That's how blue food became a family tradition.
I'm in a very good mood today. The hard drive with Titan's illegal secrets was safely stashed in my back pocket.
Furthermore, Annabeth spent the night here. She had dinner with the family, and we hung out all night. I was so happy that we were back together again.
Poseidon and Athena noticed thanks to Octavian's spy skills. I avoided meeting with either of them for the past few days. I wanted to find the right time to use my leverage.
Just as I put the fresh cookies into the oven, my phone rang loudly.
"Hey, Wise Girl. We just saw each other a few hours ago. Did you miss me already?" I smirked. "I know you can't be apart from me, but this is a little much, isn't it?"
Annabeth chuckled from the other end. "No offense, Seaweed Brain, but clinginess is your quality. Not mine."
"Ouch, Wise Girl. That hurt my heart," I faked sadness.
"I doubt that," Annabeth paused. "If your heart was hurt, then I'd be hurt. Since I'm not hurt, I know that you're 100% still your annoying self."
I chuckled while my mind started racing. I had to repeat her words in my head again. It was very romantic if I say so myself. I pushed the timer on the oven before walking toward the living room. Tyson and Estelle were watching a Disney movie. Guess which one?
"Anyway, you have to come to the company," Annabeth instructed. "My mother isn't taking no for an answer. Also, Poseidon and Dare industries will be here."
I sighed. "It's about us, right?"
"What else would it be about?" Annabeth asked. "Their only business these days is to make our lives worse."
"All right. I'll be there within the hour. I love you," I whispered.
"I know, Seaweed Brain. I'll see you soon. Also, don't forget to bring the hard drive. I believe today's the day to use it."
I smiled before hanging up the phone. I went to my room and changed into more professional clothing. One positive thing about quitting my job at Olympus Architecture is that I don't need to dress up all the time.
I'm an author. One perk of being an author is a casual workday. I write when I feel like it, and I usually write something every day.
I'm making good progress on my new book, The Monsters in Me.
I told Hestia that I have a meeting. She told me not to be too long. It was summertime, and I promised Tyson and Estelle that I'd take them out for ice cream. I'm not going to break that promise because I want ice cream too. Priorities.
The drive to Olympus Architecture was peaceful. I let my mind wander.
My statement from the Muses got published two days ago. The statement made headlines in the literary community. Plus, it became a centerpiece in the New York Times and the Muses' websites.
I received calls all week with congratulations. Even authors like Rick Riordan and Cassandra Clare (whom I love) reached out to me. They appreciated my book, and they congratulated me on becoming a best-selling author. It was amazing to talk to them.
My statement of truth probably lit a fire.
I pretty much called out Poseidon for leaving me and my family. Furthermore, I confirmed that I'm in love with Annabeth, and there was no one else in my life. I did it on purpose, and it was having the intended effect.
Every time I walk into the Olympus Architecture building, I'm astonished by the design. Annabeth is a remarkable architect.
Martha was waiting for me in the lobby. She was standing next to another man. He was tall and lean. Surprisingly, he was sweating a lot, which made his face slippery. His nametag read George. I met George once before. He works as a receptionist at Olympus Sails, and he has the same job description as Martha.
"Hello, George and Martha. I'm surprised to see you, George," I replied politely. They smiled at me while George wiped his forehead.
"Poseidon needed a driver today because his driver called in sick. He called me to become his driver for the day. I didn't even know that Poseidon had a meeting with Ms. Chase," George explained.
"Yeah. That's probably my fault," I responded.
I started walking toward the elevators. The meeting was in Annabeth's office. Only private meetings occur in her office. Otherwise, she always schedules meetings in the board rooms on the floor below hers.
Silena, Katie, and Malcolm hugged me as soon as I came out of the elevator. I groaned as she squeezed my rib cage.
"Wow, you all missed me this much?" I chuckled.
"The office isn't the same without you. However, since you're an international author now, we should probably get used to it," Malcolm exclaimed. I shook away the compliment while making light conversation for a few minutes.
Finally, it was time to leave them and go to the meeting.
As soon as I walked into Annabeth's office, my eyes wandered to everyone in the room. I hate that Octavian is here, but whatever. I don't care for him.
Damien Dare and Rachel were sitting in the chairs across from Annabeth's desk. She was sitting in her usual leather seat like the boss she is. She didn't waver in confidence because of the other people in the room.
Poseidon and Athena were standing next to the desk and arguing.
"Hello, everyone. I wish that I could say that it's good to see you all again. However, I'm only happy to see my girlfriend, Annabeth, and friend, Rachel." I emphasized the latter part of the sentence.
I strutted towards Annabeth and planted a kiss on her lips. It surprised her, but she accepted the gesture anyway.
Everyone's eyes bugged out of their heads. Athena's glare intensified while Poseidon shook his head in anger. Mr. Dare stood up in surprise while Rachel smirked. She nodded at me in approval while covering her smile with her hand.
"WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS?" Poseidon snapped. "HOW DARE YOU?"
My statement of truth was open on the desktop. I stared at the statement and smiled. This was perfect. They were mad, and I loved it.
"I'm only being honest. My mom always told me to live life genuinely. That's exactly what I'm doing right now," I replied. My arm rested on Annabeth's chair. She smiled up at me with pride shining in her eyes.
"I'm an honest pringle who's not single," I continued. Annabeth and Rachel both sniffled a laugh before straightening up.
"YOU MADE THIS STATEMENT PUBLIC," Poseidon fumed.
"Percy did, and he didn't do it alone," Annabeth stood up. She stood next to me as if she belonged there, which she did. We belong together.
"Have you forgotten about our pictures?" Athena asked.
"No, mother. I know all about your plan to ruin my reputation," Annabeht snapped. Athena's glare softened while staring at Annabeth.
"I don't have a choice, Annabeth. If you decide to associate with Percy, these are the heavy consequences that follow. I have to-"
"NO," Annabeth exclaimed.
All the eyes fell on Annabeth. Her raised voice permeated silence through the room. She was in command. She is the boss in the room, and this is her company and reputation. No one, not even her mother, can take them away from Annabeth.
"You won't release the pictures because it will be useless. This entire company will follow me over you because (frankly) I have become a much kinder and more effective boss than you. Percy helped me with that," Annabeth affirmed.
Athena didn't respond. She didn't have anything to say.
"WHAT ABOUT ME? I have every liberty to release the pictures," Poseidon said angrily. "You have to sign this deal with Dare Industries. I refuse any other option."
"I am NOT signing the union contract," I expressed. My gaze wandered to Annabeth as she reached a contract from her desk.
She tossed the folder toward Poseidon.
"It's you that will sign this contract, Poseidon. This officially relinquishes your dominion over me. You will have to delete the pictures, and no one will speak of them again. No one will threaten me and Annabeth again," I explained.
Poseidon chuckled. "You think that you can dictate terms. You're just a boy, who knows nothing of business. Why would I sign this?"
"You'll sign it if you want this," I said while pulling out the hard drive.
I plugged the hard drive into Annabeth's desktop and scrolled through the folders. I opened a few of them, and the evidence flashed onto the screen. Damien Dare, Poseidon, and Athena intensely watched the details on the screen. There was more than enough to cripple Titan Industries, which is Olympus's main competitor.
"Titan Industries is why you want a union between Dare and Olympus. With this evidence, you knock Titan Industries out of the picture," Annabeth explained.
"The choice is yours now," I emphasized.
Silence followed. Poseidon and Dare were gazing at the computer screen in awe. They were hardcore businessmen, and they wanted the opportunity to knock down their competitors. That's the whole point of this situation.
Rachel smiled and nodded at me. She wasn't in on my plan, but she was grateful that I succeeded in my mission.
Annabeth's hand found mine, and we held each other tightly.
We were confident, but there were a lot of loopholes to this deal. We were proposing a contract under the presumption that taking down the Titans is more important than keeping us separate. However, saving the world from Titans is more important than separating us.
Nothing could separate us because we'll always find a way to be together. The faster everyone realizes this, the better.
"What exactly are you proposing?" Poseidon finally asked.
I smiled while nodding.
"I have been in the business world for many months now. I have learned a thing or two. Annabeth and I drafted a contract with all the information you need. Essentially, we will give you evidence of Titan's illegal affairs. In return, Poseidon, Mr. Dare, Octavian, and Athena have to sign a confidentiality agreement."
"The blackmail pictures will be deleted, and none of you will ever speak of Annabeth's and my relationship in a degrading way ever again. Breaking this contract at any point will result in companies being sued."
Annabeth tossed a few pens onto her desk.
"I'm a businesswoman. I'm a boss," Annabeth expressed boldly. "I know about contracts, so I wouldn't break this one if I were you. But, I would sign."
I reclaimed the hard drive and stashed it again. The evidence disappeared from the screen, and the blackmail pictures were deleted from Poseidon's, Octavian's, and Athena's accounts.
After they permanently deleted them, Annabeth checked their accounts. She filtered dates, timestamps, and facial recognition as a backup.
After the all-clear, we made them sign the contracts.
As soon as the last person signed, Annabeth snatched the contract. I told them that they'd receive a fresh copy of my hard drive tomorrow.
They were in no position for debate or discussion. They lost their leverage, and Annabeth and I obtained the power. We have something they want, so they had to follow our instructions and sign our contract.
"Thanks, Percy, for getting us out of this," Rachel whispered. The others had already left, and she was in the doorway.
"Absolutely. Thanks for the information, Rachel."
She nodded before disappearing from Annabeth's office. Annabeth and I stood hand-in-hand while staring at the fresh contract on the desk. If you want to take down businessmen, you have to think like one.
That's what I did with Annabeth's aid.
I smiled while gazing into Annabeth's eyes. They were sparkling with passion. We were finally free to be happy and in love. I reached out and cupped her chin. I tilted her head up and pressed my lips to hers.
It was a sweet, long, and deep kiss. And, It was perfect.
We did it.
