Chapter 15
“I’m sorry. Could you repeat that?” Spencer wasn’t often thrown off kilter by anything, but I think my words threw him for a loop.
“I need to do this to distance myself from my father, his wife, and his other daughter, as well as my soon–to–be ex–fiance. Rather than me trying to explain things in my own words, I think I should let those four vipers speak for themselves.” I took my own laptop out of my briefcase, turned it on, and opened the video file folder I would be emailing to him.
“Some of the content is quite graphic and salacious, but for you to understand what’s going on you have to watch at least some of each clip, but listen to all of the conversations.” Bradley hadn’t seen or heard the videos, so I turned the laptop to face the two men, hit play, then excused myself to go to the washroom. I really didn’t want to see or hear any of that ever again. It made me want to vomit.
Knowing the combined video clips took about forty minutes to play, I took my time in the washroom, then Spencer’s secretary and I shared a coffee in the breakroom. Ava had been with the law firm almost as long as Spencer. I knew her quite well, so sitting and passing time with her wasn’t a hardship for either of us.
My phone beeped, indicating it was time for me to go back and join Spencer and Bradley. I decided to bring a coffee to each of them. No doubt they would like something stronger after that show, but coffee would have to do. When I walked back into the office it was to see both their faces screwed up in expressions of disgust.
I placed their coffee on the table in front of them, and almost in unison, they picked up their cup and took a very large gulp of the hot beverage.
Spencer was the first to speak. “Anna, we are going to fry their butts. There is enought evidence here to have them arrested and charged with a multitude of crimes.”
I nodded my head in agreement. “Mmmm. I realize that. But without more concrete proof, those charges may not ever result in a conviction, correct?”
“You are correct. I can tell that you have an action plan up your sleeve. Let’s discuss it to make sure everything you do remains legal and above board. So tell me what you are thinking.” Spencer had his pen and notepad handy. We were in for a long afternoon.
“Without a doubt I am breaking up with Adam. At first I wanted to use his cheating with co–workers in the office, and on company time, as the basis for the breakup. However, Bradley pointed out that may trigger those four to try to carry out their plan to murder me before we
Chapter 15
have a safety plan in place.”
“Bradley suggested that if I told Adam that I had been awarded the design and reno project at Bradley’s office building, that a requirement of the job is that I have to be here in Toronto for the next four months. Then I tell Adam that I want to put a hold on the relationship, and that!
I will consider this time as being on a break. Adam will think that when I go back to Halifax that he will be able to sweet–talk me back into the relationship.”
“That sounds like it might work. My one meeting with Adam was enough for me to know that he as an inflated sense of his abilities to con any woman into believing him and wanting him.” Spencer was another one that didn’t like Adam.
How had I not picked up on that? Now that the blinders were off, I can clearly see what a low down, scum sucking, viper he really is. The me now, would never have been taken in by him. Again, I blame it on the fog of giref. Well the fog had lifted, and I could now see his schemeing
from miles away.
“Spencer, you and Tony drafted the prenup. If I break up with Adam on Monday, will there be any negative repurcussions legally? I read the whole document many times before signing it, and I don’t remember anything that could be used against me, other than the infidelity clause. But I want to make sure.” I didn’t want to give that snake a leg to stand on. He wasn’t getting a
cent from me if I could help it.
“Give me a few moments, and let me go through it.” Spencer pulled a file from the pile stacked beside his laptop. Hmmm. It seems he was prepared for this possibility. I guess me sending him that business plan and the partnership proposal lit the fire of speculation in his brain. Well, he got where he was for a reason. He knows how to read between the lines!
While Spencer was reviewing the prenup document, Bradley was looking at his phone reading a text that had just popped up. He turned his phone towards me to let me read the message. I
almost snorted with laughter.
Adam Rivers: Mr. Gray, I am following up to ensure our employee, Anna Fredericks is answering all your questions to your satisfaction. Do you have any concerns that need to be addressed? I can always arrange for another rep to replace Anna if her performance isn’t
satisfactory.
“What an ass,” was my response to the text.
“I agree. It’s a very subtle attempt to instill doubt of your abilities and professionalism into my mind. If I received this text before I knew what his real motives were, I would be requesting a different rep. Did he do this on a regular basis?” Bradley’s tone showed a bit of his disgust at Adam’s attempt to undermine me with yet another potential client.
2/4
Chapter 15
“Oh, that’s mild compared to some of his innuendos. Fortunately I have been able to counteract his attempts to undermine by being the professional I am. I really wonder what Adam is thinking. Doesn’t he realize that every time he sends a potential client a message like that, it reflects poorly on him, and on the company. I mean, if a company sends an
incompetent employee out to meet clients, that shows a lack of judgement in the one that sent the employee. Shows a lack of professionalism. You would think that if he wants ownership of the company, that he would do everything to build the reputation of the company and it’s employees.
“May I ask who hired him?” was Bradley’s next question.
“Adam was already at the company when Mom died. I do believe that Alan Fredericks, with Fiona’s imput, was responsible for him being hired. Which now gives me pause for thought. Adam started hitting on me the first week I took over. Considering that, I think he was in on this from the very beginning.” Damn. Adam and Fiona have probably been together for a very long time. Talk about feeling used and set up for the slaughter.
Bradley swiftly typed a reply, letting me read it before he hit send. “Ms. Fredericks has been most informative and helpful. Frederick’s Design Co is fortunate to have an employee that has the knowledge, skills, and professionalism displayed by Ms. Fredericks. Not only am I very pleased with her performance, I’m more than tempted to steal her from you.”
I burst out laughing at the implied meaning in Bradley’s message. Adam wouldn’t know quite. what to think. But because he considers me repulsive, I imagine he thinks everyone else does too. Oh well, that works in my favor, doesn’t it?
It was a good five minutes before Adam replied. I’m happy to hear that our employee was able to satisfy your questions. Anna is a very loyal employee, and I don’t foresee her ever willingly leaving Fredericks Design Co. Please don’t hesitate to contact me should you have any questions or concerns regarding our proposal.”
The brusqueness of Adam’s response bordered on rudness. Still, I couldn’t help but chuckle. “Bradley, we really shouldn’t poke the bear. Not that he would think enough of me to even have a spark of jealously, but let’s not give him any food for thought.”
Spencer chose this moment to voice his opinion on the prenup. “Anna, as I thought, there is nothing in the prenup that penalizes you for calling off the engagement. I do agree with
Bradley, in that just use the ‘we need a break‘ excuse.” He then laughed a bit under his breath.
“It would serve Adam right if you ended up getting married to someone while you are here in
Toronto. Adam would think he could win you back, while you had simply moved on with your life. Too bad you don’t know a single guy looking to get married.”
BU
Chapter 15
Where did that come from? Straight out of left field? If I wasn’t already seated would have fallen to the floor
“Hey, sign me up for that! Bradley grinned as he spoke. Twill happily offer myself up to marry
Anna
