“Send her in,” I commanded.
Dunbar shut the door and disappeared again.
I didn’t know what to expect from Ariel, but I tried not to get my hopes up too high. Chances were, she just forgot something or had a financial document that needed to be signed. She wouldn’t change her mind unless she had a very good reason to.
Ariel entered my office in the dark clothing she always wore. Her glasses were back on the brim of her nose, and she carried herself with more class than the Queen of England. She strode toward me and took a seat in the armchair facing my enormous desk.
I couldn’t get a good reading on her. “How can I help you, Ariel?”
“I’ve done some thinking.”
I rested my hands together in my lap, my cock soft the second London walked out the door.
“I’ve loved working with you for the past ten years. I’ve always seen you as something more than a business partner, more like a friend.”
Hope surged in my heart. “As have I.”
“And I don’t want to walk away from this business. I can learn to accept London in time. All I ask is that you be more astute this time around.”
As insulting as it was, that statement was fair. “She won’t be a problem.”
“If that’s the case, do you still want me?”
I couldn’t suppress the smile on my lips, feeling the relief wash over me like a tide. It was a stupid question, and we both knew it. “You already know the answer.”
She rose from her chair then extended her hand. “It’s good to be back.”
I shook her hand. “It is. Work has been shitty since the second you walked away.”
She chuckled. “Nothing you couldn’t handle.”
“I could handle it—just didn’t enjoy it.” I dropped my hand and slid both palms into my pockets. “So, you want to start fresh tomorrow? Take the rest of the day off to enjoy your last bit of freedom.”
“Sounds fair. I’ll bring my lawyer so we can reinstate everything.”
“Okay.”
She gave me a slight wave before she walked out. “Until tomorrow.”
“Until tomorrow,” I repeated.
Once the door was shut and I was alone with my thoughts, overwhelming relief washed through me. Ariel wasn’t just important to me because she ran my businesses like a boss, but because of the comfortable friendship we had formed. Getting that back made me realize I couldn’t take her for granted ever again.
Dimitri rapped his knuckles on the door before he poked his head inside. “Can I speak to you for a second, sir?”
“Certainly.” I was in such a good mood I’d probably give him a raise if he asked for it. “What’s up?”
He approached my desk then lowered his voice, not that anyone could overhear us talking. “Ariel has returned?”
I nodded. “Things will go back to normal.”
He rubbed the back of his head then stared at the floor.
“Anything else?”
“Uh…I’m not sure how to say this…not even sure what I’m reporting.”
“Okay…” I narrowed my eyes, my mood taking a serious dive with his odd behavior. “Just spit it out, then.”
“The other day when Ariel left, London met her outside and they talked for a while. I don’t know what was said, but the conversation went on for a while.”
My interest immediately picked up. “What day was this?”
“When Ariel came to pick up her jewelry.”
“Interesting.”
“And then Ariel comes back a few days later…I find it suspicious.”
I found it suspicious too. “Thanks for letting me know, Dimitri.”
“Of course, sir.” He walked out and shut the door behind him.
I took a seat and crossed my legs, my fingertips rubbing against my jawline. The fact that London hadn’t mentioned any of this to me told me something significant happened, and it was peculiar for Ariel to change her mind.
And that meant London said something to make Ariel reconsider.
In that moment, I felt like a very lucky man. The woman I loved did whatever she could to keep my business partner in my life, even though she personally hated the woman. Despite our shaky beginning, she really proved her loyalty to me. She cared about my happiness, even if it sabotaged her own.
That was real love.
I wouldn’t take it for granted.
London immediately questioned me when I returned to the royal chambers. “What happened?”
I adjusted my cuff links and did my best to keep a stoic expression. “Ariel changed her mind. She starts again tomorrow.”
London did such a remarkable job with her performance. Even though I knew she had something to do with it, she nearly fooled me into believing her innocence. “Wow. That’s incredible. I’m relieved.”
I inserted my hands in my pockets as I walked closer to her. “I’m glad to have her back. She makes my life a lot less complicated.”
“I know. You’ve been working a lot…”
A smile formed on my lips as I looked at her, seeing the genuine happiness in her eyes. “It’s too bad you two don’t get along. Looks like you’ll be seeing a lot more of her.”