Burn Those Who Burned Me novel Chapter 24

“Burn those who burned me!”

Chapter 24

-Aaron’s POV:

After the greeting formalities everyone took their seats. There was an awkward pause before Thomas nervously spoke.

“Chairman Michaels, let me first say just how honored I am to finally meet you! I appreciate your holding of this meeting today.”

Aaron looked at Thomas with a slightly smug glare, he couldn’t believe Rabena was almost forced to spend the rest of her life with this fool. Listening to him talk was starting to burn his ears.

“I’m also glad you were impressed with proposal-”

Before he could finish, Aaron interjected.

“Well to be honest Mr. Lockwood, I didn’t have much interest in working with you, however, the proposal was indeed most impressive. Especially the part about the expansion using Crest’s real estate developments.”

That information shocked Thomas, he wasn’t aware Danielle had also incorporated Crest Real Estate into the proposal as well. Aaron noticed the shocked look on his face and concluded that Thomas had not read the proposal.

‘Fool.‘

Speaking in a condescending tone, Aaron decided to set the first part of his plan in motion.

“Mr. Lockwood, you look as if you weren’t aware of that, did you not aid in the creation of this proposal?”

Thomas instantly panicked, he knew he should have read that proposal! ‘Why did it to have to be so many pages!‘ Thomas secretly fumed, he couldn’t blow this deal.

“Actually, I did assist in its creation, but I wasn’t aware Danielle also included her father’s business into it, though I’m not surprised considering-”

Before he could finish, Aaron held up his hand, both he and Vincent had puzzled looks on their faces, though secretly, they both knew who she was,

“I’m sorry Mr. Lockwood, who is Danielle?”

Thomas had both a shocked and confused look on his face. How could they not know who she was, she was the one that set all of this into motion.

“Forgive me Chairman Michaels, did I misunderstand something. It sounds like you asked who Danielle is.”

“That’s exactly what I’m asking. I have no idea who that is.”

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Chapter 24

Thomas began to panic; he wasn’t sure what was going on or why he was playing at not knowing Danielle. Was he trying to back out of the deal?

“Chairman is this some type of joke. Now I don’t understand what’s going on, but Danielle doesn’t deserve-”

“Mr. Lockwood, I assure you I have no idea who a Danielle is. This proposal was not written or presented by

her.”

Thomas brows furrowed that was impossible. He’d known for a fact that Danielle was the one that brokered this meeting.

“Chairman, please forgive my confusion, but I was told by your assistant that Ms. Danielle Crest presented a business proposal for a partnership with Lockwood Corp and MGT. Corp.”

Aaron couldn’t help but laugh, the fact he thought Danielle Crest would be responsible for brokering a deal between him and Convington’s most elite businessman when his own WIFE was from Convington proved just how ridiculous he and that family were. Aaron scoffed and let out a slight sigh, it was time to wrap this meeting up.

“Mr. Lockwood, I’m not sure who Danielle Crest is, but this proposal was created by Rabena Crest. So perhaps you weren’t the person she was referring too so there’s no need-”

Thomas held his hands up in a panic. He had no idea Rabena was the one that set this up but suddenly that all made sense. She had studied economics and international business while in college and she was also from Covington. But how did Rabena know Aaron Michaels? There was no way a lowly foster daughter could have been connected to someone like him. Thomas decided to save those questions for later, what was now important was to save this deal.

“Chairman Michaels please wait one minute! My apologies for being ignorant! I wasn’t aware that Rabena set this deal up! She usually doesn’t take interest in business matters with my company, so I had no idea.”

Aaron raised an eyebrow unconvinced. ‘It’s not that you were unaware, you just didn’t care to ask her and thought little of her.‘ Putting on his best corporate smile, both Aaron and Vincent stood up and began to

leave.

“Well, I’m afraid this meeting has reached it’s end Mr. Lockwood, you see, I only agreed to this meeting as a courtesy to Rabena for creating this proposal. If you’re no longer connected to her I see no reason to-”

“She’s my wife!”

The words flew out of Thomas‘ mouth before he could catch himself.

‘Shit! Why did I just say that! It doesn’t matter! I can’t take it back now and he’s about to leave!” 2

Thomas stared at Aaron in a panic hoping what he said worked. Aaron, with a slight smile on his face turned back around and faced Thomas. Vincent held his head down in an attempt to mask his chuckle.

“Rabena Crest is YOUR wife?”

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Chapter 24

Aaron emphasized on YOUR in an attempt to make sure Thomas clarified his lie.

“Yes! We’ve been married for over a year! I’ve known and loved her since she was 15 years old. Our families are actually longtime friends.”

Thomas tried his best to sell his story without revealing any signs of deception. He just needed to close this deal! He’d figure the rest out later.

Aaron couldn’t help but sneer to himself. ‘Just how disgusting are these people.‘ Giving a sardonic smile, Aaron began to speak.

“Hmm. I wasn’t aware you were Rabena’s husband, so I’ll tell you what Lockwood. I’m hosting my annual charity auction ball in Banton this year. It takes place this coming Friday. I’ll send an invitation to you and your family, why don’t you all come and meet MY wife. If she likes the CEO, we can move forward with the deal.”

Thomas could hardly believe his luck! All he would have to do was impress Michaels wife and he would broker the largest deal his firm has had since his father! There was no way his cousin Tyler would be able

to beat him now!

Smiling widely, Thomas bowed his head several times thanking Aaron for the invitation. Smiling cooly, Aaron turned with Vincent and began to walk out of the conference room.

“No need to thank me, I look forward to seeing you and your ‘wife‘ at the ball.”

Thomas POV:

As the doors closed behind them, Thomas’s face went pale. ‘How the hell am I supposed to bring my WIFE, when we’re divorced!‘

The sudden reality of the situation came crashing down, not only had Danielle lied to him almost causing him this deal, but Rabena was now gone, and they were divorced. Thomas knew he had to think of something fast or risk not only losing this deal but losing his position. He decided he had no choice; it was time to find Rabena, Pulling out his phone, out and called his assistant Andrew.

“Andrew I need you to locate Rabena ASAP!”

After barking his orders to Andrew, Thomas decided to head to the Crest Estate, Danielle should be back home by now and she had some explaining to do.

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