" 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 . " 1/3 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 ? " 2/3 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 . Chapter Comments POST COMMENT NOW SHARE प्रभ 3/3