Chapter 5: Playing Along
1138words
"Mr. Montgomery, thank you for meeting me," I said, taking a seat. "I had to be careful—Richard doesn't know I'm here."
William poured me a cup of fragrant tea. "Your boyfriend seems rather possessive about your interactions with me."
"He claims company politics are complicated." I met William's gaze directly. "So, why exactly did you warn me about the contract?"
William remained silent for a moment, clearly weighing his words. "Miss Reed, you don't strike me as someone unfamiliar with business matters."
"I've been studying," I replied cautiously.
"Learning remarkably quickly," William said pointedly. "Your father recently modified a key clause in the contract—at your suggestion, I'm told."
My heart jumped. How could he possibly know that?
Noticing my reaction, William smiled slightly. "In business, information is currency. I have my sources."
"You still haven't answered my question," I pressed. "Why help me?"
William swirled his teacup thoughtfully. "Perhaps I simply appreciate intelligence." He looked up at me. "Or perhaps I don't approve of Richard Carter's... business tactics."
"What exactly is your relationship with Richard Carter?" I asked bluntly.
"Complicated." William answered curtly, then pivoted. "Miss Reed, what sparked this sudden interest in your father's business?"
I fabricated a plausible excuse: "I want to help my father. He carries too much alone."
"Is that really all?" William's gaze sharpened, as if peering through my facade. "Not because you suspect certain individuals might be using this collaboration to damage your father's company?"
My pulse quickened, but I kept my expression neutral. "You seem remarkably well-informed."
"Just educated guesses." William smiled thinly. "Miss Reed, I don't know what triggered your sudden... vigilance. But I can tell you your instincts are spot-on."
"What exactly are you saying?"
"This collaboration isn't what it seems." William's voice lowered meaningfully. "Certain people view it as their chance to prove themselves—and they're willing to employ... questionable methods."
"You mean Richard Carter," I stated rather than asked.
William didn't confirm directly. "I'm merely suggesting you remain vigilant, particularly regarding those who've recently entered your life."
After a moment's silence, I decided to take a risk. "Mr. Montgomery, I discovered that Reed Technologies had a failed partnership with your family a decade ago. One that cost my father dearly."
William's expression shifted subtly. "You've been digging deep."
"Is that past failure connected to this current collaboration?"
"Astute question." William nodded. "The past always shapes the present, often in ways we don't immediately recognize."
His answer was deliberately vague, but confirmed my suspicion—there was definitely a connection.
"Mr. Montgomery, why did you really want to meet me?" I asked directly. "Is it just to warn me about Richard Carter?"
"Partly," William admitted candidly. "And partly... curiosity."
"Curious about what?"
"Curious how an art history major could spot contract loopholes that even seasoned lawyers missed." William fixed me with a penetrating stare. "Curious why someone described as naive and sheltered suddenly became so... perceptive."
I tensed internally. He'd noticed the changes in me—a potentially dangerous development.
"People grow up," I said with forced casualness. "Sometimes overnight."
"Indeed," William nodded. "Though some transformations seem suspiciously abrupt."
We lapsed into silence. He was probing, testing me. I couldn't afford to reveal too much.
"Mr. Montgomery, one final question." I changed the subject deliberately. "For next week's signing ceremony—anything specific I should watch for?"
William considered briefly. "Ensure your father examines the final contract version personally. Last-minute changes are often the most treacherous."
I nodded, filing this warning away carefully.
After leaving the tea house, my phone buzzed with a text from Richard: "Baby, where are you? Just wrapped up a meeting. Dying to see you."
"Just reading at home. Missing me?" I replied, swallowing my disgust.
"Every second. Can't get you out of my head." He replied. "Picking you up tonight for dinner?"
"Sure. Can't wait."
Meanwhile, I sent a calculated text to Sophie: "Sophie, met William Montgomery today. He seemed quite interested in me."
Within seconds, Sophie called. "What? You met him alone? Does Richard know?"
"Of course not." I kept it deliberately vague. "William invited me for tea to discuss art investments. He's actually quite charming—not at all the monster Richard described."
"Emily, be careful." Sophie's voice turned suddenly serious. "William Montgomery is ruthless in business. Don't let him manipulate you."
After hanging up, I laughed coldly. Sophie's acting skills had certainly improved.
That evening, Richard arrived to take me to dinner. He was attentive as always—pulling out my chair, ordering my favorite dishes, gazing at me with seemingly tender eyes. In my previous life, these gestures would have melted my heart. Now they just seemed pathetically transparent.
"Honey, you seem distracted tonight," he said with feigned concern, covering my hand with his.
I fought the urge to yank my hand away and forced a smile. "Just thinking about Dad's company. This collaboration is pretty significant, right?"
"Yes, but don't worry your pretty head," he reassured me. "With me handling things, everything will go perfectly."
With you involved is exactly what worries me. I laughed bitterly inside while displaying a grateful smile. "I'm so lucky to have you."
After dinner, Richard walked me home. At my doorstep, he suddenly pulled me into his arms and kissed me deeply. In my previous life, such a kiss would have weakened my knees and quickened my pulse. Now it just made my skin crawl. Still, I forced myself to respond, pretending to enjoy it.
Back in my room, I rushed to the bathroom and scrubbed my lips raw, as if I could physically erase his touch. In the mirror, my eyes were cold and determined.
"Just a little longer," I whispered to my reflection. "For revenge, this is a small price to pay."
I pulled out my notebook and organized what I'd learned:
1. William Montgomery distrusts Richard Carter but remains cryptic about his reasons
2. The failed collaboration from a decade ago is somehow linked to the current project
3. William specifically warned about last-minute contract changes at the signing ceremony
4. Richard's hostility toward William seems personal, beyond normal business rivalry
Though William hadn't revealed much, his warning was enough to put me on high alert. I needed to dig deeper myself rather than rely solely on his help.
The signing ceremony was just three days away. This would be the pivotal moment to change my destiny, and I needed to be fully prepared.
I stared at my reflection, my eyes cold and resolute. In my previous life, I'd been that naive girl blinded by love. Now, I would make Richard Carter taste his own medicine—experience what it felt like to be deceived and used.
The game had only just begun.
