CHAPTER 3
The public relations team had made it very clear —through press notes and articles— that House Valliard didn’t evade taxes. They had done it to prevent any dirty tricks from Milliburne. Regarding the foundation, it was mentioned that they were investigating it in order to make sure the donations were being used for the best purposes.
The issue had been controlled… up to that moment.
Sheyla had practically slept in the office or at least that’s what Caine thought when he saw her wearing the same clothes as the day before and with bags under her eyes that no makeup could hide. He hadn’t had a particularly good night either. When he woke up, Ashley was no longer in bed and she didn’t join him and Adrian in the gym either. They had breakfast together as if they were perfect strangers and no one but him was responsible for that.
He tried to talk to her but she only wished him a good day. After that, she got up the bed, called a taxi and went to work an hour earlier than usual. Caine ended his breakfast alone, enduring Misty’s look of disapproval.
And now he was about to have a meeting with his partners.
Darlene and Mitch arrived to the meeting right on time. They had a very productive conversation about their plans to expand to Spain and Portugal.
“Darlene, are you going to be living permanently in Melbourne?” Caine inquired when the meeting had finished.
With her black hair and twinkling blue eyes, Darlene was one of the most brilliant women Caine had ever met; clever, quick-witted and with an extraordinary gift to simplify everything. Her husband, Mark, sometimes offered legal advice to their company through his law firm.
“I’ve been talking about it with Mark and we think it's for the best right now. His main office is in Melbourne. This whole thing about being separated is too complicated, especially for our daughter. I need to move, for my family. But I’ll come back to Sydney whenever I'm needed. Although I know you two will do it just fine without me hanging around constantly,” she smiled.
“You’ll be the managing our office in Melbourne then,” Mitch added. With his smug smile and a great sense of humor, he was the one who managed the company’s biggest projects. He and his wife visited the Valliard’s house frequently, just like Darlene and Mark. “I think there’s no problem with that. What do you think, Caine?”
“Yes… I guess,” he responded thoughtfully. His head was someplace else at the moment and Darlene didn’t let it pass.
"What happened?"
“With what?”
“Man, it's obvious that something’s going on with you,” stated Mitch. The business talk was over and a more relaxed mood had settled. "We’re going through complicated times right now but you’ve also been working under more pressure and with an awful mood for the past few months.”
Caine shrugged.
“It's just day-to-day things.”
“Are you having problems with Ashley?” Darlene asked cautiously. Even though they were friends since they were twenty, Caine was very private about his personal life. However, she truly cared about her friend's wife, so she felt inclined to ask.
“It’s a long story, guys…”
“Can’t you sum it up?” She insisted softly.
“We’ve been arguing a lot lately. I’m not spending a lot of time at home. She’s been very busy at work. And…” he shrugged, “she doesn’t want to have children. Every time we touch the subject, we get into senseless arguments. Yesterday I was a jerk to her and she didn’t deserve it.”
“Maybe you should talk about it in a different way,” Darlene suggested. “Sometimes men have very caveman beliefs regarding children, but we, as women, need our time. And if you screwed up, well then find a way to tell her you’re sorry."
“I think we should leave, Dary,” Mitch intervened when he saw Caine’s frown. “I’m sure you want to start preparing everything you need for Melbourne…”
She ignored him.
“She’s built an impenetrable wall,” Caine confessed.
The black haired woman gave him a sad smile, crossed her legs and leaned forward.
“You know, I had an awful time before having Keira,” she started telling in a soft tone, “I had a problem and getting pregnant was very hard for me. My uterus was weak and I lost three babies in a short span of time. My marriage suffered because I didn’t talk about it with Mark. I resented him because I assumed he should noticed how I was feeling and Mark only got farther away every time I refused to openly talk about it… after the third spontaneous abortion we were about to get a divorce.” She sighed. “It was completely idiotic from my part not to empathize and understand that he was hurt too… except that he experienced that pain in a different way than I did. It was a tough time, Caine.”
“I’m sorry, Dary,” he said feeling shocked by the revelation, and calling her friend by the term of endearment they used to use. Ever since they were young, Darlene had always been the most optimistic and energetic one of the group. She had fooled around with Joshua but at the end she was captivated by Mark when she met him five years before. Darlene’s smile was one of her main attributes; he never imagined the pain hidden behind that smile. “You never mentioned that to us. We could’ve let you rest for a while. You know we have your back.”
She gave him a look full of love.
“I’m sorry, Dary,” Mitch added, giving her hand a squeeze.
“Thanks, guys, but it was a personal battle as well as a marital one. I’m not mentioning it to get sympathy, although I appreciate it. But, Caine, I think it’s fair for you to know that there might be a part of the equation you don't know… the times Ashley has held my daughter Keira in her arms, her eyes get dark and she looks at her with longing and… I don’t know, fear.”
“If there was something going on —like what you’re mentioning— she would’ve already told me.”
“Are you sure?”
“Absolutely.” Ashley would never hide such an important situation from him. "I’ll try to bring up the subject again… later on. I think we’re both too distant right now. Maybe it’s time to take a break and not pressure each other.”
“Nobody knows a woman better than another woman,” Mitch intervened. He was more an observer and a listener than a talker, but when he did talk, he was very concrete and straightforward. “I have to get going. Tomorrow I’ll have a meeting with the director of our office in Perth. He’s too soft and the employees do whatever they want with him so he has to toughen up.”
“Did you talk to the human resources manager?” Darlene questioned.
“Yes. She asked if you could go mediate because she says they already know how you are,” he laughed, “But I told her you were working on another project.”
Darlene shook her head with a smile stretching across her face as she stood up.
“I'll be here until next Friday. We have one week to finish the details for the Middle East. Caine, do you have something to add about the king?”
“I'm waiting for a call from his secretary to arrange a new appointment. I hope Sheyla’s work has settled the doubts sow by Milliburne.”
“Sheyla needs to get a raise. She’s really efficient,” said Mitch, before giving Caine a handshake and a kiss to Darlene’s cheek. “Tomorrow I’ll be out the whole day. Call me if something comes up.” Then he got out of the room.
“Everything will be ok, man.” Darlene moved closer to him and gave him a hug.
“Thanks, Dary,” said Caine.
“We’re partners now, but we were friends first. I really hope you and Ashley can figure thing out.”
“Me too…” he mumbled.
Caine had lunch with Mabel Adams.
He had always considered Mabel a reasonable, elegant and smart woman. After all, she was one of his mother’s closest friends and Estelle Valliard was known for being very selective about the people she befriended.
Unfortunately, the lady got very offended when he told her about the embezzlement in the foundation and the pr
oofs he had collected. He told Mabel that it was best —especially for her image as a senator’s mother-in-law— if she stepped down from her position as director of the foundation. After the impasse, the conversation turned to anecdotes about Mabel’s trips, her grandkids and also her memories with Estelle.
One less problem.
During his way back to the office he called his mother to talk to her about Mabel. She seemed very understanding and told him that she was happy he’d done the right thing and that she would call her friend to chat.
Once he was back in his office, Caine had to deal with another rock in his shoe. Lately it was just one after the other.
“Mr. Valliard,” Rannia announced through the intercom, “Mr. Francesco Milliburne is here. Should I let him in?”
“Yes, thank you.”
Two minutes later, he had the Sydney Today's journalist sitting in front of him in the conference room.
With his green eyes and brown skin, the reported seemed relaxed and uninterested. But Caine knew him too well, he was a snake. He took advantage of other's weaknesses and that's how he had forged his reputation.
Unfortunately the young actress who Francesco had gotten involved in a false affair with Caine, Rubinnia Fedorova, was engaged —at the time— with a famous Australian musician. After the media circus, the engagement was canceled. But Milliburne defended himself from the critics stating that Fedorova hadn't had other choice but to admit the truth about the affair and that was why her fiancé had ended their relationship, therefore, he was only guilty of exposing a true fact.
Caine had gotten extremely pissed off and had to take matters into his own hands. He made a call to the Chronicles and talked to Milliburne’s boss at the time in order to complain and demand a rectification that never came. Months later he found out that the reporter had been fired.
Now Francesco was looking for revenge. And Caine wasn’t planning on putting himself on a silver platter.
“Mr. Valliard,” he smiled slyly, “I’m glad you’ve decided to accept me into your office. Sheyla mentioned you were really busy at work; I have no doubt.”
Caine tried to keep himself calm and collected. His face didn’t show the annoyance that rat caused.
“I’m an exceptionally busy business man.”
“Of course. Let’s go to the point.” He leaned back on the comfortable chair and sipped a little bit of the coffee Rannia had given him. He had nothing to lose. He still felt annoyed because Caine Valliard had turned him into a joke among his coworkers for not defending himself with his fists years back when Valliard punched him. Not only that, his boss had fired him from the Chronicles. At least he now worked for the Sydney Today, and his boss didn’t feel too much sympathy for rich guys. “What are you willing to offer me in order to publish a more… interesting article? The truth is talking to my friends about taxes isn’t very appealing,” he stated sarcastically. “Do you have any special news about Bhuran that you want to share with the Sydney Today? That would clear any doubt about House Valliard’s honorability.”
Caine didn’t take the bait.
“Bhuran is a beautiful country, I won’t deny that. Unfortunately, I don’t have any exclusives to give you regarding economic topics, unless you feel like doing some sight-seeing which, of course, I would highly recommend. As the gentleman you are, I want to ask you to stop spreading rumors about my company. Especially in regards to the foundation because it’s a place that serves people who, unlike you and me, can’t afford an expensive coffee,” he pointed his finger towards Francesco’s smoking cup, “as the one we’re serving you today. If you keep this going, I’ll have to make my lawyers call your newspaper’s lawyers. Colleagues speak the same language.”
Francesco smiled. His shirt felt a little bit tight. He didn’t have much time to buy clothes to fit his large figure. So what? His business was information, not fashion.
“Have you accepted my petition to talk, just to threaten me?” He asked as if he was talking about the Rugby game of the previous night.
Caine kept his cool as he stood up. Francesco knew their short meeting had ended and copied his host’s actions.
“It was nice to share a coffee with you,” he replied stoically. “Also, I’d like to let you know that the foundation’s issues have been solved, and the toxic rumor about our tax evasion doesn’t exist.”
Milliburne gave him a slyly smile as if he were hiding a secret.
“Mr. Valliard, I’ll make you a deal.”
“I make million dollar deals every day. I don’t think you’re capable of offering me one…no offense.”
“Of course,” he said in a voice dripping in malice. “I guess you’re aware that you can win a fortune one day and risk it all at the next minute, right?”
“You’ll have to be more explicit.”
“Oh, of course; I know you have a very efficient team that gets rid of any dirty laundry your company might have. And I also know that the rumor circulating right now will eventually settle down, once again, thanks to your team.”
“That’s right. The Honorable Life Foundation will find the person who’s responsible for the embezzlement. We really appreciate how laudable you were by calling Sheyla and mentioning this on time. The media already knows.
Francesco clenched his jaw. If he hadn’t been so desperate to discredit Valliard, the damage would’ve been bigger. But sooner or later he would find his weak spot and get back at him for his past humiliation.
“You know, having an exclusive always helps a newspaper’s reputation,” he shrugged. “Just as I told your assistant on one of my messages, if there’s any premise you want to share something with Sydney Today, I would really appreciate it. Though I’m sure your business would appreciate it even more.”
“My lawyers know this perfectly,” Caine stated in a cold, steely voice. “I’m sure your newspaper’s legal team knows it too.”
“Of course. I have a meeting with them right now,” his eyes flicked to his watch. “Thank you for the coffee. You know? Rannia is a very lovely person.”
“I pay her to be nice with any of our guests,” he said purposefully, unable to hold himself anymore.
Milliburne smiled. He took the bag where he usually kept his work tools: recording, pen and notebook. He wasn’t into photography; that’s why there were professional photographers, after all.
“See you soon, Mr. Valliard.” With a slight bow that was anything but respectful, the man finally got out of Caine’s office.
***
Around eight in the evening, Caine was still at the office. Ashley sent him a text telling him not to worry for having to work so late because she would go out to have dinner with her best friend.
Still, he preferred to call her.
“Will you be needing a ride home?”
“Of course not, Caine. Don’t worry.”
He sipped a little bit of his already cold coffee.
“All right… did you have a good day today?”
“I’m a little tired, but talking to Carry will take some of that burden away. I’m near the Opera House; she must be on her way.”
“Ash, I have to travel to Melbourne tomorrow…”
That way, little by little, I am going to lose him, Ashley thought with sorrow. She was wondering if the end of her marriage was close. She wanted to ask him not to go away; she wanted to ask him to stay. But it didn’t make sense anymore; if he had started a plan to make her fall out of love or to help her accept their upcoming breakup, then there was nothing else she could do. Caine was as stubborn as tenacious when we wanted to start… or end something.
The previous night he had acted like a jerk and she wasn’t going to let that pass.
“All right… I'll try not to wake you when I get home.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll sleep on the guest room. I’ll call you when I’m in Melbourne. You can sleep some more if you want; after all, tomorrow is Friday and you have two more hours before going to work,” he offered thinkin
g on what was best for Ashley, “all right?”
“All right… sure,” the truth was she didn't like the idea of sleeping away from Caine, but if that's what he wanted, she wouldn't force him.
“Ash, I’d like to make it up to you for what happened last night…” he said in a tone full of regret. “I promise I’ll do it as soon as I get back from the trip. It’ll only be until this Sunday, all right?”
No, it’s not all right, she thought. But she didn’t want to start another fight.
“Carry just got here… I have to hang up. Have a nice trip.”
In his spacious office, Caine felt completely powerless. He hated himself for contributing to the hostility between him and his wife. But he couldn’t delegate and let Darlene take care of everything. It was complicated for him to do anything for his marriage until he came back to Sydney.
“See you soon, honey,” he whispered even though Ashley had already ended the call.
Ashley didn’t have much time to think about her problems because the moment the waiter arrived to take her order, Carry entered the coffee shop.
They became friends since they were in college and, even though they were as different as day and night, they always had a great time together. Carry was the owner of a very expensive lingerie brand, with stores all over the most important hotels in Australia.
Cafe Olé, the place where they were at that moment, was located very close to the Opera House. From the coffee shop’s window they could see hundreds of tourists fighting to take a perfect picture with the beautiful setting.
“Now, tell me about that mystery man who you said is driving you crazy, Carry.”
The grey eyes of the 30-year-old woman sparkled.
“His name is Guy and he has a fleet of touristic cruisers that sail through the country and the Mediterranean. He’s so attentive, Ash,” she sighed. Ashley already knew her friend fell in love with someone new very often, but the tone she used made her notice this time it was more than just fooling around. “We started dating four months ago and this might sound cliché, but I feel like I’ve known him forever.”
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