Chapter 3

EPOV

I was furious when I left the restaurant. Mrs. Sinclair had demanded that I personally take this meeting and then she doesn't even show up. It made me wonder if it had been Mrs. Sinclair demanding or Bella that I do this. It should have been Emmett McCarty as the President of Cullen Construction who took the meeting in the first place. I wondered what Bella's ulterior motives were. Was she looking for advancement in the business world? Climbing the social ladder? After the way I treated her the first time I saw her I can't believe she thought anything would happen between the two of us. Was she hoping that through me she would meet someone in my social circle? The more I thought about her using me the angrier I became. I was not going to fall for her Little Miss Innocent act and I wouldn't let anyone else either.

Sometime on the drive to my parents my thoughts on Bella using me to get to someone else shifted. I was still furious and worried that that was what she was doing but now I was pissed because I didn't think I could stand to see her with another man. Whoa where did that thought come from? Why would I have a problem seeing her with another man - I didn't want her - did I?

As I thought back on the two times I had seen her I tried to look past my anger to what else I had felt. I was instantly attracted to her and that had pissed me off. She was beautiful in an old world Audrey Hepburn kind of way, the type of beauty that you just knew would be enhanced by her personality. When she threw her head back and laughed so care freely it had felt like being bathed in sunshine and wrapped in warmth. When I had looked at her with disdain she had blanched but ultimately held her ground as I walked away with Esme. When I arrived for lunch she at first looked - hopeful? Until I opened my mouth and caused a scene, she sat there looking at me expectantly and then I saw the anger in her eyes. She had no right to be angry with me, she had sat there as if she belonged in this world and was placating a child having a tantrum. That was the last straw, I threw down the contracts and stormed out only then noticing that the restaurant was quiet and watching us.

Why was I reacting this strongly to her? I had met lots of women like her and always managed to remain civil. Was it because she was with my mother the first time? Esme had a soft spot for less fortunate people maybe that was it; she was forcing herself onto my mother. No, to be honest that line of thinking just didn't feel right to me. As I pulled up to my parents' house I was relieved that it looked as if most of the ladies had left. That relief was short lived when I realized Tanya was one of the ones remaining - just shoot me now!

I greeted my mother and some of the other ladies before Tanya managed to latch onto me. I saw the looks Esme was giving her and knew she had done something at the luncheon. Tanya asked me to walk her out so she could talk to me.

"Edward I wasn't expecting to see you today but I am glad I did. Kate told me about that Bella at Hope House and how she was trying to get in good with Esme. I was hoping she would be here today but she wasn't. Some of the other Sinclair Executives wives were here though."

"She wasn't here? Was she invited?"

"I assume she was invited. From what I gathered from the wives she is Mrs. Sinclair's PA, they are rarely apart from each other. Didn't you have a meeting with Mrs. Sinclair today, wasn't she there for it?"

"Yes she was there but Mrs. Sinclair didn't show up. I was furious and left the meeting. I will not allow her to bother my family."

"I'm not sure you can stop it Edward. The wives who attended are obviously reaching to try to fit in here and with us but they did talk quite a bit about Bella. The grapevine says she is very interested not just in The Cullen Group but in you also. I would watch out for her Eddie she is fooling a lot of people. The Old Matrons who have met her couldn't stop talking about how nice she is blah, blah, blah - it was enough to turn my stomach."

"Thank you for warning me Tanya. After the meeting today I expect her to not want to see me or my family any time soon. I appreciate you watching out for us, you're a good friend to me."

Tanya had moved to put her hands on my chest. I knew her reasons for snooping and telling me was so she could try to further our friendship. In reality I had never considered Tanya even a friend, if not for the fact that our families were so close I wouldn't be nice to her. She was one to talk about being a social climber.

"Edward you do know if you would just give in and go out with me we could have something very good. We come from the same place and want the same things; it would get rid of the gold diggers for good. We could have a good life together. I love you Eddie and I know you could love to learn me."

How do you love someone who can't even get your name right? "Tanya, we have been through this before. I don't want to ruin our friendship. Our families are too close if it didn't work out. It would be awkward and you know it. However I would appreciate your help in keeping Bella away from my family if possible."

"I won't give up on you Eddie I know we could be great together. I'll keep the little imposter away from your family. You do know she'll be at the fundraiser on Saturday, don't you? See you then and don't worry I'll take care of Bella."

I was shocked as Tanya pulled away. One, by her thoughts on the two us, it looked as if I would have to get rude about things with her. For that I have to warn my mother first. Two, was that Bella would be at the fundraiser, I shouldn't have been. She worked with The Sinclair Foundation and they were one of the founders of Hope House, of course she would be there. I went inside said goodbye to my mother and went home. I just wanted to forget this day.

Friday was busy at work. I was trying to get everything done so I wouldn't have to come in over the weekend. With the thing on Saturday I wouldn't really have time to anyway. I was surprised after lunch to see Bella walking away from the reception desk and on to the elevator on my floor. What was she up to?

"Jessica, what was she doing here?"

"Good afternoon Mr. Cullen she was dropping off some paperwork for Mr. McCarty." Jessica was holding up a large manila file.

"I'll take that. I will be sure Emmett gets it after I look over it."

"OK Mr. Cullen."

I opened it on the way to my office. It was the contracts I had given to Bella to have someone look over. Some of the changes they wanted made were ludicrous but what intrigued me the most was the note attached for Emmett. It made it sound as if Seattle was not a viable option for their offices anymore. That was odd. As of last week rumor was Seattle was the top pick with Philadelphia a close second. What had changed? I made a copy of the file to look over at home, gave it to Emmett and put it out of my mind.

Saturday I slept in. Tonight would be stressful and I was expected to be on my best behavior. I wasn't taking a date so that would draw all the single ladies out, I wish I could bow out of thing but my mother would kill me. She was very involved in Hope House and expected all of us there. As I worked out I wondered how I would deal with Bella tonight. If I was openly rude or hostile Esme would never let me live it down. I suppose avoidance is in the cards tonight. I would avoid her. If she was clinging to any of my family tonight I would deal with it on Monday. I would also tell Mrs. Sinclair she needed to control her employees. Yes, it was a sound plan, avoid her tonight and deal with the problem on Monday.

With that decided I would look over the Sinclair contracts before hitting the shower. Everyone was gathering at my parents' house for a light supper before heading to the Fundraiser. Dinner was a laid back affair with everyone looking forward to the night. Alice and Jasper along with Emmett and his wife Rose would be accompanying my parents and I in the Cullen limo to the Fairmont Hotel where the event was being held. While everyone was getting ready to go I asked Emmett if he had a chance to look over the Sinclair contracts and what did he think of everything?

"I did Edward and I was surprised by some of the changes they want. Mostly I got the impression that Seattle is being taken off the table as a city for their move."

"I thought that too. Do you have any idea what has changed? Last I heard Seattle was the top pick so far."

"No I don't have a clue as to what changed. I did make some calls to try to find out but so far all of my contacts say nothing has changed on their end. If things are changing it has not gotten out to their organization yet."

"I met Mrs. Sinclair on Thursday and she seemed a little shaken. How was she at your meeting Edward?" Carlisle asked.

"She wasn't at the meeting. She sent her PA to it and I admit I was so mad I didn't stay. I dropped the contracts and left before causing more of a scene than had already happened."

"She told me she had met with you?"

"What? No she wasn't there. What did she say about it?"

"She said the meeting was surprising but that she left it knowing exactly what you thought about things and in business that was a rarity."

OMG - no it couldn't be. She had to be pretending to be Mrs. Sinclair. What would that accomplish though? "What did she look like?"

"She is in her late 20's, petite, dark hair, and brown eyes. I would call her a classic beauty. She told me to call her Bella."

No fucking way - this had to be a cruel joke.

"You told me you knew who she was at Hope House Edward. I tried to properly introduce you but you kept cutting me off." Esme said.

I scrubbed my hands over my face and laid my head on the back of the seat. I was fucked in so many ways. How do I explain this and knowing what I now know how do I face her.

"Are you alright?" Alice asked me. "You are getting really pale Edward. Are you going to be sick?"

I looked at Esme & Carlisle, "Are you 100% sure that Bella is Mrs. Sinclair?"

They both nodded at me. "I remember when they were married. It caused quite a stir because of the age difference. She and I both found it funny when everyone started calling her 'Old Widow Sinclair'. I thought it was a joke at first until she explained at the house how serious people were." Esme said, "Does this create a problem for you? She was asking me questions about the company so she could be better prepared for her meeting now that all the companies are under one umbrella."

This could not be happening to me, not only is my personal life a mess but this could deal a serious blow to the company's and my business reputation. I must have taken too long to answer because the next thing I heard was my father's question.

"What did you do? I can tell by the look on your face that it may not be an easy fix. I demand you tell me before we get to the hotel. As Chairman of the Board for The Cullen Group I can not step out of this limousine unprepared. What exactly are we going to be facing in there?"

"Let me tell you what has happened so far and then we can figure out how to proceed. When I arrived at Hope House the other day Kate approached telling me about Bella and how she overheard her asking Esme questions about the company and me. I thought Bella was a resident so I was rude and glared at her when I met her. I was pissed at the meeting on Thursday I thought I was meeting with an underling and a gold digging, social climbing one at that. I told her what I thought of her and that at my level I didn't take meetings with underlings and then I may have told her to stay away from the family and asked if I made myself crystal clear. She replied she understood completely."

Carlisle was staring at me with his mouth opening and closing like a fish. "I have no idea how to respond to that Edward."

"Well just wait there's more. I talked to Tanya at the house after the luncheon on Thursday and she was proud of how rude they were to the Sinclair wives and managed to put them in their place. I ask her to help me keep Bella away from the family and she said she would especially tonight. That's it - everything."

I waited for the fall out. "That's everything." Esme said stunned, "I think that is more than enough. I am not sure if I am more embarrassed by your arrogance or ashamed of the way you treated a woman. I didn't raise you to feel as if you are better than anyone. You never know someone's circumstances and I thought I had taught you to be respectful to any woman regardless of their standing. I understand you have relationship issues and your need to be careful but those issues should never overflow onto other people, especially someone you have never met. I have no idea what to say to you. I will need time Edward. This is something I never expected of you."

"We are almost to the hotel" Carlisle started. "We go on tonight as if we know nothing about this. Edward you will avoid her at all costs. Do not seek her out, look at her or engage her in anyway - I mean it. If the chance presents itself Esme & I will talk to her about coming out to the house tomorrow to discuss this, all we can do is hope she says yes. Either way you have a lot to answer for Edward, I suggest you spend your time thinking about that."

As we pulled up to the Fairmont Tanya, Irina & Kate as well as Charlotte and Victoria were out front laughing and high fiving each other. As I stepped from the limo Tanya came to me. "Edward you just missed it. I don't think you will have to worry about Bella tonight. I can't believe she would show her face after what just happened. Let me explain." I was dreading the story she was about to tell.

Tanya POV

I was waiting in the lobby for Bella to arrive. The hotel looked nice and the casino theme would raise a lot of money. But inside the "casino" was loud and to get the results I wanted this confrontation needed to be seen and heard. I was going to make sure she never returned to Seattle. After talking to Edward I was more determined than ever to get rid of her. I have watched and waited for him for too many years to let her take him from me. Edward didn't understand his feelings for her yet but I did, I had seen them before just never this strong. Isabella Sinclair had the potential to fix him and that was my job, I just needed more time to convince Edward of that. The girls were at the bar waiting for things to start and then they would join in with me. The lobby was filling up with people coming to the fundraiser then I saw Bella enter. It was perfect Mrs. Malloy and Mrs. Yorkie were in the lobby, the 2 biggest gossips in Seattle the word would spread by morning.

"Excuse me" I said bumping into her, "you're Bella right?"

"Yes, I'm sorry do I know you?"

"No, we haven't met but I have heard all about you. Edward Cullen is mine and you need to stay away from him."

Now the girls were making their way into the lobby. "Oh, I have no interest in Mr. Cullen. It is strictly a business relationship."

"Listen Bella, I have heard all about you and you have no relationship with Edward. He does not want you around him or his family. I am not sure what you are trying to accomplish by coming here tonight but you are not welcome."

The girls had reached me and we were starting to attract attention. "There has been some type of misunderstanding Miss...?"

"Denali, Tanya Denali. The only misunderstanding tonight is you thinking that by cleaning your self up you would fit in with this crowd. You need to go to wherever you came from and stay there. Edward informed us that you are a gold digging, social climber trying to latch onto the Cullen Family. You need to know that will not be allowed. Go back to your side of the tracks Bella."

"Miss Denali I don't know where you are getting your information but I assure you I belong here. I am very involved in Hope House, now if you will excuse me I need to go in."

Victoria took a step closer to her, "Are you calling the Cullen's liars?" she said with venom. As she stepped back she 'accidentally' bumped into me causing my red wine to spill on Bella's dress, her lovely light blue dress. As I stumbled I fell into the others causing them to spill their drinks also.

"I am so sorry. Are you alright? Let me get you some club soda for your dress?"

As Bella was looking at her dress I noticed hotel security approaching. "Is there a problem here ladies? You are causing quite the scene."

"Yes sir. It seems Bella has been stalking the Cullen Family and doesn't have an invite for tonight's event. Edward Cullen asked me to be sure she was escorted off the property."

The security officer took her arm and led her out of the hotel with us hot on his heels as Bella tried to talk to him. "No, you don't understand. I have an invite, let me show you."

"I'm sorry ma'am but if the Cullen's don't want you here then I can't let you in, invite or not. Please just leave." He stood there looking at her until she gave the valet the ticket for her car. Once she was leaving we all started laughing, that was easier than I thought it would be and just in the nick of time too the Cullen limo was pulling up.

BPOV

What the hell just happened? Of course once again it had to do with Edward Cullen. As the car pulled away from the hotel I told my driver to just go around the corner and park. I really liked Esme but enough was enough, it was time Seattle found out who they were dealing with. I took out my phone and called the hotel. "Hello, may I please speak with Mr. Smyth? Hello, Bruce? It's Bella Sinclair. I had a bit of a problem in the lobby and I was wondering if you could sneak me through the back. Thanks Bruce I will see you in 5 minutes."

"Joseph please pull the car around to the kitchen entrance. Then go back around front and try to find parking on the street I don't anticipate being inside more than 30 or 40 minutes then I will be returning to Sinclair House on the island."

"Yes Ma'am."

Bruce was waiting as I exited the car. "Thank you Joseph."

"What the hell happened to you?"

"I really don't want to talk about it. Do you have a private bathroom I can use to clean up some? Then I want to immediately take the podium to make an announcement. I know the speeches aren't supposed to be for a while but I want to get this over with and go home. I am traveling to San Diego tomorrow."

"OK Bella let's get you cleaned up first."

As I used his bathroom I still couldn't fathom what had happened or why. This whole damn town was so judgmental, it was the main reason Edgar and I decided to make our permanent residence in Chicago. Well after tonight good riddance I could send someone else to finish up the open projects. I looked in the mirror and this was as good as it was going to get, now to go and set this town on its ear.

"Ok Bruce. Let's go to the podium and I don't want you to introduce me or anything just bring the lights up to get everyone's attention. Thank you for this Bruce."

"No problem Bella, after everything you and Edgar did for me this is the least I can do."

As I stood behind the podium and the lights came up I noticed the Cullen's enter the room as the other guests looked around in surprise. Here goes nothing.

"Excuse me if I could have your attention for a moment I have a brief announcement to make and then everyone can get back to gambling. Some of you know me but most of you don't. I am Bella with The Sinclair Foundation. Most of you know that the Foundation has been visiting select cities looking for a place for another office. When Sinclair House was opened for our visit I admit it was with humor that I listened to the stories about 'Old Widow Sinclair'. It took a week and my meeting with Banner Construction to realize it wasn't a joke people believed there was an old widow. I suppose I hadn't expected things to be forgotten so quickly. I must say I was surprised by the attitudes that I started encountering around town and by businessmen I met with. People seemed to think I am Mrs. Sinclair's PA and nothing but a gold digging, social climbing bitch and I started to be treated like a pariah. My female executives and the wives of Sinclair's male executives have been met with hostility and treated with disdain. How do you hope to ever entice a corporation like Sinclair when you treat it's people like dirt? You can't."

I scanned the crowd and it seemed as if most people still hadn't put together who I was. "I will say that for the most part in business meetings I was allowed to explain things. However socially once a charge had been laid against me it was quoted around as the gospel and judgment was swift and non-reversible. I would like to say that Esme Cullen and Angela Weber have been very warm and welcoming and I thank them for that."

I looked to Esme and Angela and they were smiling, I almost felt bad about what I was going to do - almost. "I apologize beforehand to Esme but this needs to be said. There was one person who has made my short time here hell. Edward Cullen if you had at any time just shut up and let me explain or listened when Esme tried to introduce me we would not be at the place we are now. I find you to be a self righteous, arrogant, narrow minded, misogynistic, self centered jackass. Even if I was what you thought I can't believe you treated a potential client the way you treated me. Then on top of that to have Tanya Denali warning me off of you, it takes a special kind of asshole to believe that after being treated that way I would want to even do business with you let alone anything else. Tanya as I said in the lobby I don't want him and I actually think you two deserve each other. So I wish you luck with that."

"For those of you haven't figured it out yet, I am Mrs. Isabella Sinclair, the old widow. My late husband Edgar left me a task on visiting 6 cities to visit for the second office before tonight Miami was the only city off the list. As of right now Seattle is also out. You can not expect and I would never ask my team to move their families into an openly hostile environment. The Sinclair Foundation will complete all open projects but we will not be locating an office here or starting any new projects. I wish things could have worked out differently but given my initial taste of Seattle social life I must say I am not at all surprised. Lastly, Mr. Cullen public humiliation never asks for or deserves a private apology so don't bother. Please return to gambling and enjoy your night it really is for a good cause. Thank you."

With that I took one more look around the room at their stunned faces and stepped down. Bruce escorted me out front where Joseph was waiting to take me home. As the car pulled away I saw Edward and his family in front of the hotel watching me leave.

Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or its characters

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