Trapped by My Crush's Dad

Chapter 33: The First Confrontation

Mila's pov

I knew that sooner or later Everett would invite me somewhere. To him, it was still a mystery why I rejected him and he'd "need" to know the truth. "Need", yeah right. His ego was bruised, and he couldn't take not being able to win someone over with money or status. That was entitlement, not simply asking for an explanation.

I wasn’t interested in feeding into his brattiness.

Fortunately, I prepared in advance, and it was going according to plan. The fake boyfriend deal could commence. Robert had readily agreed, and I felt safe in knowing he'd be my shield against Everett. Whenever I went somewhere Everett would be, I'd take Robert.

The next day I went to work and diligently focused on the new procurement for our potential clients. It was a long day but worth it, because I was so close to finishing. As I was on my last chart projection I hit save and raised my hands in the air in celebration.

"Yes! I'm done," I said smiling to myself. It was exciting and I wanted congratulations even if they were only from me. Just as I was about to print a copy, Mr. Williams opened the door. Glancing at the computer, he pointed.

"Mind if I take a look?" he asked.

"Be my guest," I said, vacating my seat. He slid into it taking my place. His eyes bounced along the screen as he scrolled and clicked. Then he rose, standing straighter.

"Great job, Mila. You have a talent for business," he said. "In such a short time you’ve managed to finish two projects. That isn’t easy.”

"Thanks, Mr. Williams. I'm learning to appreciate this side of the corporate world…maybe even beginning to enjoy it.”

We chuckled like colleagues would but then Mr. Williams dropped the formality façade and leaned in closer.

"And what of your plans for vacation? Did your parents decide yet?" His voice was quieter than a few moments before. My heart was racing as I thought about the controversy my mother had revealed to me.

"Yeah, Placencia in Belize," I blurted out. My anticipation rose as I studied Mr. Williams' face. His earlier smile melted into downturned lips of a frown. Mr. Williams couldn't hide his strong feelings associated with that place.

"Do you really want to go there?" he asked me, flipping a pen in his hand, glancing away. Awaiting my answer, he began to pace. Spinning around in my chair I faced him.

"I do. It looks beautiful and fun," I said, "You don't seem happy with that choice, though. Do you have a dark secret associated with that place?” I laughed playfully hoping to see a glimmer into his truth.

"Mila, don't cross the line," he insisted, standing squarely narrowing his eyes. "I don't owe you explanations."

His glare made me wary but wasn’t as powerful as my resentment toward him. How could he possibly set limits for me when he interfered with my life so often? First, he interrupted my plans to go to Mr. Adam's with Robert. Then he anonymously sent a dessert to my table without explanation. He wouldn't even take the time to talk to me after that.

"Yeah, you're great at keeping boundaries," I said sarcastically, barely able to stop myself from rolling my eyes. He was such a hypocrite sometimes.

"If you don't want to continue your internship at the company, I can write a recommendation letter to a competitor, and you can transfer.”

I widened my eyes in shock. Was it really that easy to get rid of me, for him?

"So, I ask you a question and you retaliate by threatening me?" I twisted my face in question.

I felt my palms begin to sweat as I wiped them on my pants. My throat felt sticky, but I was heated, and I couldn’t drop this subject.

"Everett will be coming to your department soon. It would be helpful to have a vacancy."

"Are you giving him my position? Wasn't it just a moment ago that you were telling me what a good job I was doing?"

"Yes, but I can't keep allowing him to live such a messy life. If I have my eyes on him, maybe he'll be more mindful of his actions. I think things will improve."

"Yeah and you're such a good father," I said, teetering on the satirical. Scowling, he dropped his mouth open to speak when I heard footsteps. To my surprise the door swung open and there was Robert. His lips were drawn down and he crossed his arms. Without being asked, he entered the room.

"What's going on here?" he asked, angling his eyebrows.

"We're just talking," Mr. Williams said, casually.

"It sounded more like chastising," Robert remarked. He stepped to my side. "You ready?" he asked. Standing up, I gave Mr. Williams a curt smile, linked arms with Robert, then left. I could feel Mr. Williams' eyes like they were burning holes into my back as I walked away.