I listened to her attentively, every word getting me even more annoyed, and I had a deep instinct to protect her from these horrible people.
"I overheard my uncle and his wife talking about how to kill me and pass it off as suicide. They found me, so I ran. I ran as fast as I could, and well, you know the rest."
"That's when I saw you falling." I sighed. "Do you think it's fate?"
"What?" She looked up at me.
"I mean, I have been trying to buy your company since your father's death, and you almost literally fall into my lap. Maybe the universe is trying to tell me something."
She smiled. "I didn't take you for the superstitious kind, Mr. Harrington."
"No, no, no. Quite the contrary, but I know this: I am going to make you the most eligible spinster ever."
"What do you get from this? You are a businessman; you do everything for profit." She said.
"You're right. I just want you to consider selling the company to me whenever you are ready to take charge of it."
"Do you think I am worth the risk?" she asked. I moved around her seat and stared into her eyes, evaluating her reaction to me. She held my gaze for a moment and then stared back in her empty glass of water.
"Yes, I think you are worth the risk."
She nodded. "I will try to live up to expectations."
"That's good to hear. I will go get some rest. Tomorrow, I do battle with your uncle."
*****
I had been asking for an audience with Mr. Whitmore for days now, but he said he wouldn't be able to make it as he was trying to locate his niece. The greedy old fart.
"Ethan, do I have anything else to deal with today?" I asked as he arrived in my office.
"Nothing official, sir, but your sister-in-law is on her way up."
"Lord, help me. Did you get everything ready for this weekend?"
"Yes, sir. I also booked a private viewing with the boutique down the street. All she has to do is go there, and she will be attended to."
"Good man. Her ID should be delivered sealed. I don't want any mistakes anywhere."
"Everything has been handled as discreetly as possible, sir."
Nancy opened the door with a big smile on her face. It's been eleven years, and she was still as pathetic as ever. She should have figured even before I met her sister that I would never be interested in her, but she has been insistent and patient.
Ethan said hi politely and left the room, leaving me with a very infatuated sister-in-law.
"Is everything alright?"
"I was on my way to Grace's art show; I wanted to stop by to see you. We never get to see each other at all."
"Grace's school is on the other side of town, Nancy."
"Victor, how long will you continue to ignore me?" She moved close to me, intending to trap me in my seat.
"As long as I live and breathe, my dear woman." I stood up from my chair. "If you don't mind, I am also headed to my daughter's school. I don't want to be late."
Instead of stepping aside, she held my shoulders and ran her hands through my shirt, brushing my chest. Yes, I am human; yes, I had a reaction to her. Yes, yes, yes, sue me. But one thing remains: there was no attraction to her whatsoever.
"Stop looking at me through my sister's eyes, Victor. I have always loved you."
"I know that, and you have told me that a million times in four years. It still doesn't change anything."
She stood on her toes and reached to kiss me, but I stopped her. "Victor…" Her eyes carried sadness and heartbreak.
"We have to leave." I dropped her hands to her sides and stepped around her out of the office.
"Ethan!" I boomed as I stepped out. "Inform our lawyers to send a loan repayment request to Mr. Whitmore. He has three months to pay back his loan, or he is done for."
"Yes, sir!" Ethan said, casting a glance at Nancy behind me, who was wiping tears from her eyes.
*****
We arrived at the art auction a few minutes in and were led to the Harrington table, where James and Isla were already seated. We took our seats, where I sat in between Isla and Nancy. We wouldn't want any incidents or accidents.
The art teacher assigned as auctioneer was welcoming everyone.
"Welcome to our wonderful guests and parents. A few things we have to learn before the auction begins. This is to encourage our young artists. But you also get to win a prize."
"A weekend at Royal Resorts sponsored by one of our lovely parents will be awarded to the highest auctioned art buyer."
Applause erupted, but I thought that Michael, the owner of Royal Resorts whose daughter also attended this school, had gained one on me. Why didn't I think about this business strategy? It was brilliant!
To make it more interesting, our young artists, during the course of the week, put down the names of their single aunties, uncles, family friends, etc., who will help them market their art. If the artist wins, the buyer spends a friendly weekend socializing with the marketer at Royal resorts. Remember, this works only if you are single."
"Did you know anything about this?" I asked Isla, but she shook her head.
"Any questions?" the art teacher asked.
"Can parents of the child place bids?"
"Of course, but then the prize goes to someone else of your choosing who is also single. The royal resort is hosting a Valentine's weekend for new couples and was kind enough to extend an invitation to our school."
"Michael, you sneaky bastard!" I shouted towards his table at the far end. He raised a glass of champagne to me in laughter, and the crowd laughed along.
Looks like this would be interesting.
The first artwork was uncovered. "The name of this artist is Lily Hemmingsworth. This is a picture of flowers under a rainbow. And her designated marketer is her uncle Brandon. Uncle Brandon, could you step out here, please? Kindly show off your niece's art."
Uncle Brandon stood up, laughing all the way and jogging to the podium. The women began to bid. I became confused. Were they bidding on the artwork or the model?
I wonder whose name Grace enlisted for this crap.