Chapter 35: Chapter 35

LEXI

When Daniel walked into the main conference room that afternoon, Carlos Jackson and Christopher Lannister Sr. were already there, along with the other board members from each company. Reporters had gathered on the opposite side of a soundproof glass window.

Camille was there too, wearing the color she felt the fiercest in: red. Her dress hugged her body and enhanced her cleavage, and Daniel knew taking advantage of her assets was her favorite way to win votes at important company debates. She often didn’t have to study or even speak.

Carlos stood to greet Daniel. “Son.”

“Sorry I’m late,” Daniel said. “I had to check on my most important possession.” Smiling, he thought of the auburn-haired brat who had just threatened him.

All the board members turned their attention to him. One said, “I thought you and Camille would walk in together. It’s already spreading everywhere that the companies will be joined. Why are we having a meeting debating which company will take the project?”

Daniel took his seat and placed his folder on the table. “I’m not here to discuss false rumors. Let’s get back to the business at hand. Don’t bore me with nonsense.” He didn’t care if half the men at the table were older than him; all he cared about was closing the deal and returning to Florida as soon as possible.

Daniel could tell that Camille was stunned, could feel her stare, but he refused to acknowledge her in any way. Not even a glance.

The meeting began with high points being thrown forward first, followed by opposite opinions. Daniel destroyed every one of them. He was efficient, proud, and consistent with his answers. No one dared talk over him when he was in the middle of making his speech.

In the end, Jackson Corp claimed ownership of the project. Daniel signed the contract, and his father hugged him with a proud look on his face.

“You should go take photos with the press and give an official statement,” Carlos suggested. “It’ll look good for business later.”

Daniel shook his head. “I can’t—I have somewhere else to be. Besides, I can’t stand them right now.”

He saw Camille walking up behind Carlos, no doubt planning to say something witty, but she was stopped by his father’s next words.

“How’s my daughter-in-law doing?”

Daniel blushed. Loud enough for Camille to overhear, he asked, “Didn’t you read the articles this morning? You apparently have a different daughter-in-law now.” Even his laughter indicated to anyone listening that the story was ridiculous.

“Never mind that—I know you don’t have feelings for Lannister’s daughter. You’ve never told me about any of the women you’ve been with…only this one.”

Daniel blushed harder. He saw in his periphery that Camille was moving away.

“Is that why you were late?” Carlos asked. “Were you telling her not to worry about the rumors?”

“I wouldn’t be standing here if I didn’t straighten things out with her first. She was actually the one who convinced me to stay focused and win the project; she wouldn’t let me quit. She even threatened me not to return if I lost it.” Daniel chuckled at the memory.

Carlos grinned widely. “I like this girl already. I’m looking forward to officially meeting her.”

***

During the meeting, Johnson packed his boss’s luggage and loaded the bags into their car. Now, Daniel was on his way out, and reporters were eager to hear from him.

“Why didn’t you share the project with your future wife?”

“Are you worried that this will cause issues in your relationship with Ms. Lannister?”

“We didn’t see any interactions between you two today—are you two having a fight?”

As the reporters urged Daniel to say something, Johnson held the back door open. Daniel was about to climb in, but then he turned to face the lights flashing in his face.

Another reporter yelled, “Camille Lannister said you’re an amazing lover, the one for her. She said you’ll get married and join the companies, and she said she’ll always support you. Do you feel the same way?”

Daniel thought of what to say. He knew that no matter what did or didn’t come out of his mouth, he would make the front page by the time he landed in Florida.

He wanted to deliver a softened statement. Something nice but also stern. But he couldn’t think of anything that didn’t make him sound like an asshole.

“Is Camille your best lover? Are you going to propose soon? Will you join the companies? How do you feel about her?”

The more they questioned him, the more annoyed Daniel became. He just wanted to shut them up once and for all.

He knew if he gave a vague response, they would use it in a context that he did not approve of. They would spin it to their liking. And he knew he would rather hurt his reputation than ever have Lexi question his motives toward her again.

He had no choice but to respond in true Daniel Jackson fashion.

Looking at the cameras, all humor gone from his eyes, he muttered darkly, “I’ve had better. And I feel… ~nothing~.”

As Daniel climbed into the car, Johnson started the engine. Then they slowly drove away.