Amara – Reunion

Author's note: this is from Mona's point of view

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My mind exploded as I tried to process the information my eyes were sending to my brain.

Drago Orsini is in my conference room!

The guy I virtually followed for nearly three years in order to collect information for Serina is right in front of me!

What would Serina say if she could see this scene? Would she tell me to be nice, or to chase him away?

Who am I kidding? The guy claims to owns 5% (or more) of my business and I can't chase him away even if I want to, because he owns a percentage of the rights to be here.

Drago greeted me with a half-smile. "Monique Belmondo, I assume?"

Play it cool, Mona. I reminded myself that he should not know I'm familiar with him.

I shouldn't panic, because I don't know why he is here. And I shouldn't mention that I'm gathering information on him for the last three years!

I plastered my professional smile. "And you are?" 

"Drago Orsini, from yesterday, your business partner. I appreciate that you found time in your busy schedule to meet with me and I hope you won't take it against me that I came here without a previous appointment.", he said in a smooth baritone without getting out of the chair.

My nostrils flared as Drago reminded me why he is here. Why is he acting polite when he showed up claiming that he owns a chunk of my business?

"I assume you have proof of purchase."

He pointed at the folder that was on the table in front of him. "Of course."

My legs were wobbly as I made my way there. I plopped on the chair and started reading through the documents.

My mood dropped as I verified that his claim is correct, and my mouth hung open as I read through the documents that confirmed his ownership.

He didn't buy out two or three guys. He bought all of them!

Drago Orsini presented me with documents that confirm he owns 12% of my business. He is my second business partner (with Serina being the first).

I told myself not to jump to conclusions. I should first verify why he is here.

"You came here with this…", I pointed at the documents in front of me. "I assume you have an agenda."

His deep hum confirmed before he elaborated, "I want a meeting of the owners so that we discuss the future strategy of the company."

"I own more than 60%, Mr. Orsini." I wanted him to know that I'm the boss here. "If you want to know about the future of your investment, I can provide you with plans. And if you think that changes should be made, you are welcome to make suggestions and I will consider them. If you are not happy with this arrangement, I will offer to buy out your share. I'm sure we can come up to an agreement."

He cocked an eyebrow at me. "I have no intention of selling or undermining your position, Miss Belmondo. I have many connections and I hope that we can work together for the better of this company. Since I own 12%, and I became another important figure, you should arrange a meeting with the other owners."

He smiled, but his tone was final and laced with authority that I found impossible to resist. Everything he said was right, and I know that he has many connections, but… "Since you have 12%, I can tell you with absolute confidence that besides the two of us, there is only one more owner. However, she is a silent partner and doesn't attend meetings."

Other than his smile widening, he maintained his composure. "Maybe not a business meeting, but we should still get to know each other."

"Miss Mezzanotte is a private person…", I paused when I noticed that his eyes lit up, and it hit me.

He knew that Serina is the third owner! But what does this mean? Serina is secretly keeping tabs on him, is he doing the same?

Serina told me that they were high school friends who lost touch, but her reaction when she hears his name tells me it's more than that.

What kind of a game are they playing? And it's going through my company!

My head was buzzing, and I blurted out, "Don't tell me you did this for Serina."

"Did what?"

He was playing stupid, and I knew it. "Let's skip games, Mr. Orsini. We never met, but I heard about your reputation in the business world. Unless you suddenly developed an interest in the beauty industry, you must have an agenda. What do you want?"

"First, call me Drago. Mr. Orsini is too formal."

"Fine, Drago…", I rolled my eyes internally while hoping that my professional smile didn't falter. "What do you want?"

"A meeting."

"Since I'm here and you are not satisfied, I can conclude that you want a meeting with Serina. Is that correct?"

He nodded in confirmation, and I narrowed my eyes at him.

"You need to understand that Serina is much more than a business partner. She is my friend, and I will not put her in a disadvantageous situation."

He smiled at my words. It was a warm smile that reflected in his eyes, and if not for Marius stuck in my head, I might fall for this outrageously handsome man.

Yes, yes. I know that Serina has hots for him and she is my friend, but I'm not blind and it's not a crime to enjoy a man with such an attractive visual! I'm just looking!

"I'm not asking you to betray your friendship.", he said.

"Then, what are you asking?"

He reached into his inner pocket and pulled an envelope. "Can you make sure she receives this?"

I saw the tan envelope with 'Seraphina Mezzanotte' written on it. It was thin, and I assumed that he wrote her a letter.

Well, it can't hurt to deliver one message. Right?

"I can do that. If you wait a few minutes, I can provide you with plans for the Beauty Sphere. We have quarterly, annual, and…"

"That's not necessary.", he interrupted me.

"You came here only to give me a letter for Serina?"

He shrugged. "I was hoping that you can arrange a meeting, but since Serina will not attend one, then I decided to go with my plan B." He gestured toward the envelope.

I scrutinized him. "You did all this only to get in touch with Serina?"

His eyes flashed with something unfathomable. "You have no idea to what lengths I'm ready to go in order to get in touch with her."

I was uncomfortable and suddenly the envelope became heavy in my hand and I placed it on the table. "Is this something that will get her upset?"

He shook his head and then his piercing blue eyes locked on mine. "Since you are her friend, I will tell you that we are stuck in limbo due to a misunderstanding, and I am set on clearing the air between us. She can't avoid me forever. Tell her that I will keep on pestering her until she agrees to hear me out."

I was flabbergasted. Just what on earth happened between those two?

"Miss Belmondo...", his voice went an octave lower and I felt my insides trembling. "If you help me in clearing up things with Serina, you can consider me as your silent partner."

He smiled and placed a business card on the table. "Here is my number if you need to reach me. I can assure you that I mean no harm to Serina, and I hope you will not disappoint me. Have a good day."

He stood up and walked toward the door, leaving me confused.

"What about these?", I pointed at the documents that proved he owns 12% of my company. Or should I call it OUR company?

"Keep those. I have the originals.", he said. "I will let myself out, Miss Belmondo."

"Please…", I nearly shouted, and his steps halted. "Call me Mona."

He responded with a small nod and disappeared into the hallway.

I couldn't believe that he bought 12% of my company only so that I deliver a letter to Serina. He is either insane, or there is more to it. A LOT more of it!

But he said that if he clears up the misunderstanding with Serina, he will be the silent partner!

I only need to make sure Serina gets this letter. Is it really that easy? No, he mentioned my help in clarifying things with Serina. What could that be? 

Looking at the envelope, a smile slithered on my face. I have something for Serina, which means that Marius will come to pick it up!

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