Xavier's POV
"Elena," Matteo said. "You look familiar."
She turned to look at him, surprised. "I doubt," she answered.
She didn't look at him like she knew him.
Matteo had his finger out, pointing at her. "I could swear I have seen the face before. You give me the vibes of someone I used to know. An old friend."
That piqued my interest and Elena's. That was surprising because I didn't expect her to be.
Knowing my father, he was up to something and I was tired of his stupid games. I certainly didn't need anyone right now.
"That's enough, Matteo. Go back home," I said, cutting his chase.
"Hold on, son," Matteo said, and Elena turned to me.
I was at my last piece of cool. "Matteo," I called coldly.
"Now, son. Watch that tone," Matteo warned.
"I believe it's time for you to return home," I repeated. I hoped he got the message.
He smiled and didn't give up. As usual he wanted to act stubborn.
"We're done here, Father," I said flatly. "Please leave."
Matteo's head tilted. He looked at me, then back to her, then chuckled under his breath like this was all some amusement for him. He straightened his tie, smug. "Touchy, today. Aren't you?"
"Elena and I have work," I added, looking at the files Elena had dropped on the table.
"Fine. I'll leave. I'll meet you at home," Matteo replied.
I certainly hoped not. I hated to breathe the same air he did and I didn't want to see him.
He raised both hands, in a mock surrender, and glanced at Diego on his way out. "Take care of your friend. He needs to chill out."
I was happy when the door closed. I looked up from the file and turned my gaze to Diego.
He grinned, and took his coffee that was now warm and leaned closer to whisper in my ear.
"Talk to her. Before you lose what little soul you've got left. If you mess this up, I'll make sure you have a perfect spot in hell."
He winked at me, walked to the door and left.
The silence that followed was awkward. I forgot how to become composed. Luckily Elena was looking around avoiding my face.
I turned slowly, stealing glances at her and finally spoke softly.
"Elena."
She didn't look at me and answered briefly. "Mmm."
I was speechless and returned to my usual composure. I was still her boss and I wouldn't tolerate her ignoring me.
"Don't," I said.
She paused, moving her eyes from the walls of the room to the paper on my desk, then on my face. "Don't what…Sir?"
"Don't pretend," I finished.
"I'm not pretending anything," she said flatly. "I finished my work like you asked. Do you need my help with something, sir?"
I crossed my fingers, watching her before I commanded. "Sit."
Her gaze flicked to mine. She hesitated, then sat slowly. She crossed her legs and I felt her guard go up.
I hated that I couldn't read her anymore. That she was slipping behind walls I didn't know how to break through. I didn't even know why I wanted to.
The silence pressed in. I could hear the soft buzz of the AC. Her breathing. My own thoughts scattered in my mind.
I reached for the phone.
She blinked. "What are you doing?"
"Calling the lawyer."
Her eyebrows drew together. "Why?"
I didn't answer.
The dial tone clicked. I barked into the receiver. "Draft the NDA. Include an indemnity clause. I want it in my office in thirty minutes."
The lawyer answered. "Right away, sir."
And I hung up.
She didn't speak, and we waited in silence. She looked disappointed.
I had hurt her. I had no intention to risk it and Diego would call me an idiot.
Her expression returned to being professional.
"You're really doing this," she said softly.
"Yes. I can't have a fling come up with some ideas in the future," I explained.
She gulped, and I looked away waiting for her damn lawyer. He was taking too long. I should have given him less time.
She probably hated me but that was expected. Half the people I met and knew already wanted me dead.
I got bored and raised my gaze and her eyes met mine.
She stared at me like I'd slapped her. Then, she turned her gaze away, slowly.
There was a knock at the door and I opened it. "Come in."
The door opened revealing Beatrice, and she let the lawyer in. He was in his late forties, looked smart in a grey suit and he adjusted his glasses.
He was smooth with his greeting. "Mr. Moretti. Miss Collins."
"Just give her the papers," I said.
He slid the folder onto the desk. "I believe you know what standard confidentiality, indemnity is Ma'am?"
Elena nodded, and the lawyer continued. "And no-contest clauses. It's nothing personal, just legal protection."
She took it. Her hands didn't tremble, but her throat moved when she swallowed.
She read every word with her eyes and her pen scratched across the lines of the paper. Then she slid it back.
"Are we done?" she asked, in a low voice.
I wanted to say yes, but I kept silent and watched her.
I traced her facial features. It was the first time I noticed they were delicate. She made me feel like a monster.
She stood, dropped the pen. Her fingers gripped the edge of the desk and then released.
Without another glance, she made her way to the door.
"I'll send a copy to your email," the lawyer said, and I nodded.
The lawyer left and I sat in my chair for a long time.
I reached for the drawer, pulled it open and took out the red folder inside.
My father's gesture when he saw Elena had convinced enough to know she wasn't who she claimed to be.
I didn't pick her for no reason. When I saw her application. I had felt she resembled someone I knew.
I flipped the folder open, and started reading. I traced the lan results with my fingers on her fingerprint scans.
My eyes stopped on the words. "Samantha Carter."
Why did she have to change her name? And what was she after?
She wasn't working for Lorenzo Santini. The reports proved that.
I scrolled down with my eyes and discovered something else. Her father was Marcus Carter. That name rang a bell.
I got up from my seat, pulled the red folder with me and walked to a corner in the room where the bookshelves were.
I moved a book, and pressed a button. The middle book shelf moved and revealed a room.
I stepped in, with the door closing and dropped the folder on the table.
Marcus Carter stayed on my lips as I began searching the old files of business partners that were involved in a bad fallout with the company when I was still working under my father.
One blue folder stood out and I picked it up. It was the Albanian Doom's file. Walking back to the table in the room. I opened it and a picture of a man with neatly trimmed beards stared back at me.
My eyes went down and it rested on the name Marcus Carter.
I cross checked the name with the red file and it matched. Elena was his daughter.
It suddenly clicked. She was here for revenge and I had pissed her off further.