She took a deep breath and walked into the lobby. The security guards recognized her now, and she made her way to the elevator to his office. But as the doors closed behind her, Miranda was conscious of the tension in her shoulders and chest. Wolfe is upstairs waiting for me. He always calmed her fears.
Since Wolfe had mentioned the appointment with his lawyer, she’d been plagued by memories of the small holding cell where she was brought by the immigration authorities. The lawyer assigned to her then was short and stout, with horn-rimmed glasses and a sweaty face. He was in a rush, muttering about the tons of paperwork he had to do. He’d looked at his watch as she told her story, barely listening to her pleas. To him, she was just another statistic, an irksome problem that had to be dealt with. He told her that hers was an open and shut case with no option but to suffer the humiliating experience of being sent back to her country, like some piece of unclaimed and unwanted meat. When will I get over this fear?
The elevator stopped at the penthouse. As she exited, she spotted Jenna, Wolfe’s secretary, waiting.
Jenna approached. “Good morning, Miss Okafor.”
“Hi.” She still felt nervous around the woman. “Wolfe is expecting me.”
Jenna’s eyes widened in surprise. “He just left in a hurry.”
Miranda’s heart plunged. “Did he say when he’d be back?”
“No. He just said it was an emergency.”
“Oh!” It was so unlike Wolfe. Miranda stood undecided. She relied on his promise to be there with her. He runs a huge company. Naturally he’s busy. You can’t expect him to babysit you all the time.
Jenna was sympathetic. “He must have forgotten.”
He forgot or he ditched me? He could have called and told me directly and spared me the look on his secretary’s face. She glanced at her watch. She’d be late for the appointment with the lawyer if she didn’t leave now. “Let him know I went ahead.” Miranda gathered her courage and walked out.
The law office of Hawkins Pharmaceutical was a few floors down. She was surprised to find a stylish and contemporary agency. Throw pillows were strewn over the sofas, giving the waiting room a comfortable ambiance. An open workspace took up most of the whole floor, with desks placed in clusters. Beyond them was a cul-de-sac where another door could be seen. That must be it. The office where James Collins, Chief Legal Officer, coordinated all legal requirements necessary in running a huge operation like Hawkins Pharmaceuticals.
As she approached, a secretary rose to greet her. As soon as she heard Miranda’s name, the woman hurried to an inner sanctum from where Collins made an appearance.
Collins looked like the dictionary definition of a lawyer. He was thin with a hard, angular face, faded brown hair and eyes as sharp as knives. “Miss Okafor,” he said in a dry and dispassionate voice, “It’s nice to meet you.”
As she returned his greeting, Miranda wondered if he ever showed his emotion, even for something as unusual as what they were about to discuss.
He gestured to the inner cubicle. “Given the, ahem, sensitive nature of our...meeting, I suggest we step inside.”
Miranda was certain that the suggestion had nothing to do with her comfort and everything to do with protecting Wolfe’s reputation. He’d already informed Collins about their business arrangement. The lawyer was there to make sure his client’s interests were protected. Miranda had no doubts about that.
Collins’ office was a stark contrast to the cozy reception area. The office felt cold... and very efficient. It was all business here. On one side were bookshelves displaying law and reference books. A desk and two armchairs were the only other furnishings.
Miranda couldn’t help but long for Wolfe’s office, professional yet friendly. She wished he hadn’t forgotten about today. Why am I thinking like he abandoned me? This is ridiculous! She took a deep breath. Get a hold of yourself, girl!
Collins presented her with a thin folder which she opened cautiously, not sure what she was getting herself into. Wolfe had always brushed her questions aside, assuring her it was no big deal. Just formalities. So why isn’t he here?
Collins left the room discreetly giving her time to study the document. Despite the legal jargon, Miranda understood it clearly. She took her time to read it carefully.
According to the document, their “engagement and eventual marriage was a consensual transaction.” Miranda licked her lips. ‘Consensual’ evoked an image of them together in bed. I like that part of our relationship. Wolfe was a demanding lover, making her aware of facets in her personality she never knew existed.
Miranda read on. She frowned at the page in front of her. Signing the papers, she “waived all rights to his personal fortune and assets”. She resented that.
An imp whispered in her ear. He thinks you’re a gold digger. You accepted his proposal so quickly. You couldn’t wait to move into his lavish apartment.
Miranda’s heart sunk. Furthermore, she was to sign a separate document called a prenuptial agreement as addendum to the one she was reading.
Wasn’t this agreement enough without a pre-nup? She let the papers slide out of her hands. Wolfe clearly didn’t trust her at all, to go to such lengths to protect his fortune from her clutches. And what did she have to offer except an old building whose lease was under her name?
Does he consider me part of his possessions?
Miranda’s eyes widened. Each time they made love, Wolfe muttered the words, “you’re mine.” And each of those times, she surrendered more and more of herself to him. Do I have anything left to salvage, something I can hold onto, to keep me going when all of this comes to an end?
She didn’t like her answer.
The rest of the document repeated the general terms in more excruciating detail. Miranda’s hands trembled as she placed the folder down. Her trust in Wolfe was seriously shaken. His flirtatiousness and kindness were in stark contrast to the man the document represented. This was a devious, scheming entrepreneur, who made certain he profited from his ventures.
Out of the blue, Miranda heard her stepfather’s voice, dripping with venom. Memories of the vile way he treated her flashed through her mind. The emotional scars that refused to heal. Reading through the agreement, she felt like her skin was peeled back, leaving her scars visible. This is all the love someone as damaged as I am can hope for.
So why did she feel so hurt and angry? She’d gone into this knowing exactly what she was getting into. Stupid, stupid, stupid! She curled her hands into fists. No one asked you to fall in love with him!
The walls of the lawyer’s office pressed in on her. Her heart pounded like a jackhammer, she couldn’t breathe. Miranda was conscious of the lawyer standing by her side, staring at her with alarm.
Miranda shut her eyes. “Can I have a glass of water, please?” she whispered.
“Of course.” She heard him step away. Taking control of herself, Miranda opened her eyes and saw him head to a carafe and pouring water into a glass.
Miranda gulped down the water. Its chill gave her racing thoughts a check, and she pulled herself together. “Will there be repercussions if I decide not to sign?”
Collins looked at her, surprised. “Are you having second thoughts about pursuing this agreement?”
“To be honest, I don’t know.”
Collins looked at her intently, “It is my understanding that some of the terms have already been affected. Mr. Hawkins signed the guarantor agreement prior to all these and your loan had been released to you. Am I right?”
Miranda nodded.
“Let me speak honestly, Miss Okafor. If you change your mind, I would have to file a case against you to protect my client’s interests. Mr. Hawkins may agree or disagree regarding that matter, but I would have to notify the bank that he is withdrawing his guarantee. In those circumstances, the bank could change the terms of your loan and decide to terminate it, demanding immediate payment for the aforementioned loan.”
Miranda swallowed. She couldn’t
afford that. The repairs on the building alone had already eaten a substantial amount from her funds. Wolfe had helped immensely in securing the crew, construction materials, and equipment she needed. She’d have been completely overwhelmed if not for his guidance.
As she wavered, the legal document resting on her lap, an unsettling thought wormed its way into her head. Was Wolfe’s support his way of getting her dependent on him? Was she easy prey, and was Wolfe manipulating her into accepting this agreement?
Or is this my inability to trust men? Miranda knew that that was a byproduct of her horrible past. She’d been really close to trusting Wolfe. Now that she’d seen the document, she wasn’t so sure anymore. How can I make the right decision? I don’t even trust myself!
Miranda sighed. I have to sign. I have no other choice. Too much had already happened. As much as she tried to deny it, she was trapped. “I’ll sign it.”
Collins appeared relieved. “Good.” He handed her a pen and indicated where her signature should appear.
Miranda signed everything quickly, overwhelmed by a need to leave the lawyer’s office. Maybe some air would help. She stood ready to say her goodbyes.
But Collins placed another paper before her. “There’s something else. I kept this for last because I felt I needed to explain this fully to you. ”
Miranda looked at the document. “What is it?”
“This covers pieces of jewelry, like your, ahem, engagement ring which is a family heirloom, or any other expensive gifts you may receive from Mr. Hawkins. I insisted upon an agreement that you will return them once the contract expires. I hope you understand.”
Flame rushed into Miranda’s cheeks. Already teetering on the verge, she now felt like she was pushed off the edge. She’d never felt more humiliated—or more betrayed.
Common sense said it was alright, assuring her she wasn’t expecting jewelry and gifts, but her heart contradicted her mind fiercely. She’d already put too much significance on the engagement ring. Wolfe insisted she wore it. Miranda looked down at the ring on her finger. Usually, the sight of it made her happy. Somehow, the ring symbolized all the new feelings he awakened in her.
She struggled to take in the words on the paper before her, her thoughts crowding her mind. Thinking back on the things Wolfe had said that meant so much to her, Miranda discovered a new uncertainty. His thoughtfulness, the way he seemed eager to please her, even the way he held her close after they made love... All these moments were suddenly suspect—like the fraudulent relationship they had.
Holding back tears, she didn’t bother reading the fine print. She signed. He can have his goddamn ring back anytime he wants.
***
Miranda slumped at a coffee shop table, a mug of cold coffee in front of her. Brooding about the legal documents she just signed left a sour taste in the mouth. She finally understood why he didn’t show up. The implications were glaring. Everything was a business deal…a deal wherein he didn’t trust her enough to keep her side of the bargain.
I feel like some first-class scam artist. Knowing the proposal came from Wolfe himself didn’t help. Neither did reminding herself of the practicality of having a document to rule their arrangement. If she were in his shoes, she’d probably have done the same.
So why did she still feel so hurt?
He proposed. You agreed. Now live with it. Miranda sighed.
This was just one of the numerous shitty events in her life. I should have remembered that love isn’t for people like me. Maybe if she had, she wouldn’t be here now nursing cold coffee, feeling sick inside and yet holding on to a sliver of hope that she was mistaken about Wolfe after all. She desperately wanted to be wrong.
This is all my fault. Wolfe showed her another side of life and she couldn't wait to enter the doorway that particular life promised. She wanted so badly to salvage something from her crushed feelings.
A sudden resolution surfaced. From now on, I’m going to be more vigilant about my own feelings. I’m going to be wary and protect myself. Miranda nodded, sitting up straight. She’d find a way to close the door she allowed Wolfe to open in her heart. Wolfe would be a short-lived experience that she would survive, she vowed.
But for now she had to play her part of the bargain. And she would play it so well that Wolfe will have no cause for complaint. That way... that way I’ll still have some semblance of dignity when this is all over.
Chapter Nine
Miranda stood by the window, hypnotized by the twinkling lights that bathed the city below. From this height, New York looked less like a city, more a constant stream of light. Lost in her thoughts, she didn’t hear the door open. She started as Wolfe snaked one arm around her waist and another across her chest, pulling her close and planting a kiss on her shoulder.
Miranda forced a smile. “Hi. Sorry I didn’t hear you come in.”
Wolfe was apologetic. “I’m sorry I couldn’t make the appointment with the lawyer…”
She lifted her chin proudly. “It’s alright, Wolfe. I managed by myself.”
Wolfe hesitated. “Everything went well?”
“Perfect.” She looked back out the window, determined to keep her resolution. She wouldn’t be swayed by Wolfe’s charms. But as she caught his reflection in the glass, she saw his eyes twinkling with an excitement she couldn’t help but share.
“I have a surprise for you.”
Another gift I have to return to him someday? The thought depressed her. She squirmed out of his grasp and pretended to search for her phone.
Wolfe gave her a quizzical look. “Aren’t you interested to know what it is?”
“Of course I am.” She injected eagerness into her voice.
He looked at her intently. “Is something wrong?”
“No. Nothing’s wrong. Why do you ask?”
“I don’t know. You sound off like you had a bad day at the office.”
Miranda grabbed at the excuse. “Yeah, intense. We were swamped.” She couldn’t let him know she felt totally wrecked after the visit to the lawyer’s office. “I guess I’m still tired... So, what’s this surprise you mentioned?”
Wolfe strolled to the table. Miranda saw a cloth bag, and realized he must have deposited it there when he arrived. He tugged the cloth aside, revealing a bottle of Dom Perignon. “Tonight, we're celebrating your passage into the business of catering.”
She stared at him. “What passage? The kitchen’s not ready yet.”
“It is. I sent my people over to make sure everything was finished.”
Miranda eyed him suspiciously. “Why would you do that?”
“Because I just had this conversation with one Diane Simpson…”
Your mom?”
Wolfe nodded. “TalentPool Foundation is sponsoring an art exhibit at the Guggenheim. She mentioned needing a caterer for the party and I suggested you.”
Miranda was flabbergasted. Anything Diane Simpson got involved in was high profile. “But don’t those events require a selection process of some kind?”
Wolfe winked. “Mom is the acting Head of the foundation. She is thrilled at the idea of joining forces with her future daughter-in-law on something as important as this.”
“But it just seems so…huge.” Miranda sank into a chair. “I always imagined starting small... birthdays, weddings, those kinds of events.”
He quirked an eyebrow at her. “Do you doubt your mad skills?”
“No, of course not.” She turned to him, conscious of how weak her protest sounded. “It’s... It's just that I don’t think I’m ready. I haven’t even started with staffing which is a tedious process, and there’s the dry run to make sure that everything works…”
Wolfe sat down beside her, reaching for her hand. “I have no doubt in my mind that you can do this. It just seems overwhelming when you think of the many small details. If you need assistance, I can send some of my people over—”
“No!” Miranda bit her lip. That had come out more forcefully than she’d intend
ed. She flushed as Wolfe raised his brows in surprise. “You’re right. I can do this.” She was reluctant to ask for more help, even as her conscience stabbed her. He was pleased to present her with this opportunity and she was acting so ungratefully.
“You’re okay with this?” Wolfe hesitated. “I just thought that working with Mom would help the two of you get to know each other better.” His expression turned rueful. “We dropped a bombshell on her when we announced our engagement. I think that if she gets to know you better, whatever doubts she has about us will go away.”
Miranda’s heart dropped. For a split second, she’d thought this was all about her success. How could I forget? This is business! Naturally Wolfe would make sure that everything went smoothly with the scheme.
The Penthouse Secrets: A NYC Billionaire Romance Trilogy Boxed Set Page 19