Page 38 of The Marriage Pact
“That’s not quite fair,” Alex pointed out.
“An hour to clear their desks. Wasn’t that what some of them were told?” Malwida asked, addressing Kaitlyn, rather than Alex.
Kaitlyn looked confused. “I… I don’t know,” she replied.
“I suppose business is business, and a private life is just that. What a lovely dress you’re wearing. An engagement present, I suppose?” Malwida asked.
“I chose it yesterday,” Kaitlyn replied.
“What do you think about the long-term goals of the company? You’ll know about the deforestation, of course? How twenty-five percent of Lancaster Holdings’ shares are invested in unethical funds in Brazil. How does that make you feel?” Malwida continued, still addressing Kaitlyn.
Kaitlyn faltered, glancing at Alex, who sighed. It didn’t matter what he said, or what Kaitlyn said, or what anyone said. Malwida had already written her story before sweet-talking her way into the reception to drink champagne at his expense and cause trouble.
“We should be talking to the other guests. You can get the press release from Hilary,” Alex said, placing his hand on Kaitlyn’s elbow and guiding her away.
She looked at him fearfully. “Did I say something wrong? I’m sorry,” Kaitlyn whispered, but Alex shook his head.
“Not at all. She just likes to catch people off guard. Come on, let’s talk to someone safer.”
Malwida was still calling out her questions, but Alex ignored her. He wanted the evening to be over and done with as soon as possible, and he felt guilty for having exposed Kaitlyn to the sometimes harsh reality of life in the world he inhabited.
CHAPTER 14
KAITLYN
Kaitlyn was feeling out of her depth. She’d tried to say all the right things, to smile and be polite, to look interested and listen, even when the company was proving dull, but an event like this was nothing like she’d experienced before. It was a long way from the high school prom and a reminder of just how different Alex’s life was from her own. In many ways, they were like oil and water, even as they’d muddled along together so far. Kaitlyn knew this was a performance. They were out to impress, and she certainly didn’t want to disappoint him. And yet they’d already come close to disaster several times. As the evening progressed, Kaitlyn managed to forget Alex’s mom’s name and get confused over a question about a recent vacation to Bali.
“You must have loved it there,” one woman had said. “The beaches are to die for.”
“I… well, I didn’t go,” Kaitlyn had stammered, only to be rescued by Alex, who’d apparently been to Bali on a business trip the previous summer, the assumption being Kaitlyn had gone with him.
They were little things, but they added up to bigger problems. It made Kaitlyn feel out of her depth and as though she was letting him down.
“I have to make my speech now, and then there’ll be some music. At least we won’t have to talk to anyone then,” Alex whispered as Hilary fiddled with a microphone on a stage set up at the far end of the reception room.
Kaitlyn felt nervous about being left on her own while Alex made his speech. Malwida Ree was hovering nearby, no doubt ready to pounce with another of her questions.
“Good luck,” Kaitlyn whispered before Alex took to the stage amid a round of applause.
Having welcomed the guests, he spoke confidently and with passion about the Jamaica deal, outlining the benefits not only for the investors but also for the local economy. It was a side of him Kaitlyn hadn’t seen before, at least not in focus. In matters of business, he exuded a particular confidence, one that obviously impressed his audience, for there was much by way of nods of appreciation, and it seemed Alex’s words were well received.
“Finally, I’d like to thank my fiancée, Kaitlyn, for her unwavering support in this and all my business endeavors. I’m grateful to you for everything,” he said, smiling at Kaitlyn, who blushed as heads turned and she became the center of attention.
Fortunately, the entertainment was now to begin, a jazz band, and, stepping down from the stage, Alex came over to join her, offering her his hand.
“Are we going first?” she whispered.
“I think it’s expected. Just pretend we’re the prom king and queen,” he replied, smiling as they made their way into the middle of the room.
Kaitlyn had always liked to dance, and itwaslike being back in high school on prom night, or at Rachel’s and Sean’s wedding. Dancing with Alex reminded Kaitlyn why she’d come to New York, why she wanted to be with him.
“It was sweet of you to say that at the end of your speech,” she said as others paired off to join the dancing.
“It’s true, and I wanted to make sure there was no question about who you are and why you’re here. I don’t want any rumors made up about us or falsities circulating,” he said.
Kaitlyn was confused. “Like what?” she asked.
“Oh, you don’t know the half of it. Someone’s bound to say I’ve paid you to be here with me, to make it look like I’m a respectable man worth investing in. Some people use dirty tricks, like Malwida trying to catch us in a lie.”
