My ex-husband's nightmare - Chapter 30: Chapter 30

Mason
Rays of the sun fell on my face from the window. It has been three days since I spoke to Lydia, and the memory was still fresh in my head.
The restaurant is empty, save for me and three others seated around the table. I am here for a business meeting, but concentrating was the most difficult thing to do.
My fingers tapped on the table, one leg crossed over the other.
Two days ago, there was a little accident at a building my construction company was overseeing.
No death, but three were injured and rushed to the hospital. It seems like everything is against me these days.
That has been sorted out. It took a while, with the family blaming the company.
Sigh!
I could hear their voice, but it blurred in the background; the voice in my head was louder.
We had almost lost all investors. At this rate, my big goal would crumble to nothing. If all the investors pull out, then the development may come to a halt.
I named this plan, ‘futuristic hope.’
I want a big estate that is only allowed to a specific person in society—the rich and influential.
“Mr. Woods, are you with us?” I got out of my reverie at Vivan’s voice.
I adjusted my seat before looking around the table where two men and one woman were seated. Daniel was standing behind me.
“Yes,” I said. But Vivian's gaze proved that she didn't believe me.
“So, what do you think about the proposal?” She asked, staring intently at me. “Well,” I began before inhaling slowly.
I had drifted off. What were they talking about?
“I don't think he'll want to agree to that. He must be thinking if giving you forty percent of the profit is worth it.” Daniel spoke.
He knew I had sawn out and quickly came to my aid.
“You think forty percent is too much?” A horse voice spoke. It belonged to the man who sat on the edge. I cleaned my throat, then reached for the glass of wine in front of me.
I did not think so. That's Daniel's thoughts.
The cold air from the air-conditioning mixed with the warmth hit my skin.
“Mr. Blackwood, I never said that, but now that you've made mention of it I'm beginning to think about it.” And truly, I was.
“Maybe it's too much. Besides, this estate would become one of the biggest private sectors in the country.” I paused, watching as his brows were drawn together.
“We plan to bring in the most prestigious private schools; you know what would result from that.” I allowed my words to settle.
“Everyone would want to buy an apartment. So even if you get ten percent of everything, at the end of the day, that's a lot." My voice is firm.
We can always find other investors, but they won't always find such unique opportunities.
“You still don't know for sure who'll get the contract. There's no saying, Grayson Construction will.” He said. He stood, pushing his chair back.
“Maybe you don't know, but there are others after that land for the same purpose, maybe even better.”
He awaited my response. Maybe even hoping that I accept his terms. I just leaned into the chair and watched him. I wasn't backing off.
“It seems you aren't ready. I came here because I promised Ms Julia,” he looked over to the others. He was the boss, so they were already on their feet with him.
He extended his hand, “It was nice meeting you, Mr. Woods, though our business didn't work out well.”
We shook hands, and they left.
I watched them leave, clenching my fist beside me. My chest heaved up and down. I grabbed my glass of wine and swirled it around in my hand.
“They never intended to invest in this, right?’ I asked no one in particular.
“They work under Mr. Grayson. He's pulled out fifty percent of his support from this, so it's kinda hard at this point to find anyone who'd want to invest.” Daniel said, walking in front of me.
He pulled out a chair, “Especially if they are related to him or are his partners.” My hold around the stern of the class tightened, and I threw the glass to the side.
It shatters on the wall, splashing the red content and creating a map like again on it.
My phone rang at that moment. I picked the phone up from the table and stared at the id caller.
‘This is not a good time, Mom.’ I whispered to myself.
I ended the call, but the screen lit up almost immediately. “Why can't she just take a cue?”
I ended the call and turned off my phone.
“What do we do?” Daniel asked, “All this will be settled if you apologize to Miss Julia.”
I turned sharply at him, my eyes held him, “You, of all people, should not be saying that.”
I paused, looking around the empty restaurant that we had reserved.
“You know I did nothing. Her accusations are baseless.” I stared firmly.
“We both know that's not the only reason you're pushing her off.”
Daniel wasn't backing down. “Since Miss Alissa came back, you've been acting strange. You were able to tolerate Julia before this time, so why can't you do the same now?” He asked.
“Daniel!” I yelled.
His phone rang at that moment, interrupting us.
He turned to the side and took it. I turned to the window, one hand tucked into my pocket.
He doesn't understand. My mind reverted to the last conversation I had with Alissa, or more correctly, with Lydia, my ex-wife.
She was back, and whatever she was doing, she was doing it so well cause it had the effect on me she wanted.
“Here, your mother wants to speak to you.” Daniel handed me the phone; I glared at him.
“Why have you been ignoring my call?” My mother yelled.
I moved the phone from my ear briefly before placing it back. “I was busy,” I replied.
“The meeting was unsuccessful, right?” She asked.
Now, how did she find out so fast?
I didn't respond, “Well, I think it's time you made up with Julia.”
Mom, we spoke about this before.’ I stated.
“I don't care. We can't let Kavas Construction take over this, too. This is yours.” I massage my temples.
“You've been working on this for a long time. That means lowlife won't rip it off you.” She stated firmly.
My brows raised, “Kavas has a construction company?”
“Oh, I see you've been sleeping on your job. They just had lunch today and are already vying for the contract.”
“What?” Let's talk later.” I ended the call and started walking out of the restaurant immediately, walking to my car, which was parked outside.
Daniel was behind me. "Did Kavas launch a company today?” I asked. He was already scrolling through his phone.
“Yes.” I stopped in front of my car. Daniel opened the door, and I stepped in. He handed me the iPad as he drove.
“Due to her reputation, she already has investors lined up.” I gritted my teeth.
If this goes on, I may lose this deal.
The only one who can help me right now is Julia. I threw the iPad to the side.
I closed my eyes and rested my head on the headrest.
The car drove into the busy street. After a while, I raised my head and pulled out my phone.
Maybe it was time to settle with Julia. I dialed Julia's number.
Julia was chatty all the way to the restaurant. She clenched the bouquet of flowers that I had given her as though her life depended on it.
She had her eyes pinned on me as the car came to a stop in front of the restaurant.
“I can't believe we are truly doing this. You didn't have to put too much effort into making me happy. I don't hold grudges, so I have already forgiven you.” She spoke in a soft voice.
My lips shook as I struggled to smile. There was no way I was putting up with this for the rest of my life.
I turned to her, It's nothing. I should at least do this much,” I said.
I stepped out, and she did the same. We walked into the restaurant.
Julia linked her hands with mine, pulling me close to her.
“This restaurant opened two weeks ago. It has been the talk of the town. Rumors has it that the owner is a wealthy man who lives in Italy.” She said, and I nodded, indulging her in her stupid conversation.
People walked around. Cars were lined up in the parking lot. It seemed everyone wanted to come here. “It is said that if you come here with the one you love, your love will remain forever," she said.