Page 99 of Scarred Ruin

“From what I hear, there’s no need as the project itself might be canceled.”

From what I knew, Bob hadn’t been privy to the conversation regarding the possible zoning issue. Whatever was happening, I was pissed. So much so I was ready to launch into him when John stopped me.

Given what Dr. Platt had told me, red flags were immediately raised. What I didn’t want was to share my concern with Maxsim. I could only imagine how he’d handle Bob.

“The project is in full swing, Bob, and if you want to be a part of this team, you will have the necessary drawings completed by Monday morning at eight sharp. Anything less and you’ll be looking for your next employer.”

You could have heard a pin drop.

Instead of Bob being pissed at John for calling him on the carpet, I could sense his anger building toward me by the sly smile crossing his face. “Fine. I’ll have them ready.”

He didn’t wait for my reaction, storming out.

I tried not to react in front of the team, but I was finished with being treated so badly. Plus, the nagging sense that something was off had already formed knots in my stomach.

“It’s almost three o’clock. You guys have done an amazing job these last couple of weeks. Why don’t you head out early.” John’s idea was met with complete enthusiasm.

As everyone gathered their things, Julie’s eyes opened wide while she passed. The tension in the room could be cut with a knife.

I was eager to lock myself in the office for a couple of hours of solitude. In snatching my things, I still took longer than everyone else, trailing behind them.

“Wait just a minute, Isabel, if you don’t mind.”

My hands were full, but I turned to face him. “I’m sorry if I was terse with Bob.”

“Oh, please. Bob is an ill fit for the project. I’m going to talk with Mark about fixing that.”

“Yes, sir.”

“What I wanted to talk to you about was a bit more… personal. It’s about your relationship with Maxsim Aristov.”

“Don’t worry, John. Whatever you’ve heard isn’t entirely correct.”

“There are no rules against dating clients. However, as you might imagine, this is a very important and highly lucrative project and it would seem Mr. Aristov is agitated.”

“He told you as much.”

“Not in words, but a man like Maxsim Aristov doesn’t need words.”

“Did he threaten you? This firm?”

He seemed surprised, his eyes opening wide. “No, he did not, but he’s a man who demands for things to go as intended.”

I glared at him. “Are you suggesting I pretend I care about him?”

“I’m suggesting you smooth the rift you have between you and nothing more. The issue with zoning is one small piece of this project. We need to work cohesively together to ensure a continual process. When you’re angry, everyone knows.” While he kept his smile, I sensed he was being dead serious.

He didn’t need to tell me that potentially my job was on the line. John had never reacted that way. My stomach was now churning.

Great. Now I was being ordered to play nice with the man.

“Fine. I’ll see what I can do.”

By the time I made it back to my office, I was fit to be tied, so angry in fact, at first, I was completely able to ignore the bright red foil package placed in the center of my desk.

Where had that come from?

I had a general idea and it wasn’t going to work. My anger was ridiculously strong, which had me almost tossing the bag across the room. I reminded myself that wouldn’t be very professional. Instead of overreacting, I took a deep breath.