The billionaire hates me

Chapters7

The next morning, Georgiana arrived at the office early and began making her way to her office. The hallway buzzed with chatter. Employees had formed small groups, even though it was still quite early and not yet time for work. It seemed a bit unusual for such lively conversations to be happening so soon.

Georgiana spotted the product placement manager walking towards her, her presence elegant and poised. With a warm smile, the manager greeted Georgiana.

"Good morning, Georgiana! What a fresh and happy start to the day, don't you think?" The manager said looking around the place and of course being sarcastic

Georgiana returned the smile and looked around, curious about the buzz.

"What’s going on? Is something happening today?"

The manager chuckled lightly.

"Not exactly. Everyone is talking about young lady named Valentine."

Georgiana’s interest piqued. She’d heard that name before, it belonged to a well-known financier.

"Oh, Valentine? Isn’t she a high-profile banker?"

"Yes," the manager confirmed.

"She handles the finances for Mrs. Arthur’s companies. She’s been away for a while but is back now. And not everyone is thrilled about it."

"Why not?" Georgiana asked, puzzled.

"Well, she’s not exactly the friendliest person," the manager explained, her tone tinged with amusement.

"She’s quite a perfectionist and can be rather difficult to deal with."

When suddenly the manager’s phone rang, bringing her out of this conversation.

"Excused me...." she said, excusing herself and walked away. Georgiana watched her go, realizing that if everyone was talking about Valentine and not in a positive way, it was likely that Valentine was a rather difficult personality. Having worked in various corporate environments before, Georgiana knew that if one person was disliked, others often followed suit. She hoped she wouldn’t have to interact with Valentine at all.

Immediately Georgiana approached her office, as she overheard someone in a nearby group say,

"She’s such a b****."

Taken aback, Georgiana felt a mixture of shock and amusement. It was clear Valentine had quite a reputation.

Just then, Carlos appeared and a big smile fell on Georgiana's face, and he was walking with a woman beside him. Georgiana had never seen this woman before.

Although, Carlos noticed Georgiana and smiled warmly as he approached her. The woman next to him was impeccably dressed, much like Georgiana, but there was an air of superiority about her.

"Georgiana, this is Valentine. Valentine, meet Georgiana." He said

Georgiana's eyes widened in surprise. "s**t" she thought to herself. Once again, in her life thinking why she even opens her mouth, because everything comes true. But Georgiana quickly composed herself, putting on a smile.

"Nice to meet you, Valentine," she said, extending her hand for a handshake.

Valentine reluctantly put down her bag and shook Georgiana’s hand. Her grip was firm, but her demeanor was distant and aloof. It was clear she wasn’t thrilled about the meeting.

"I’ve heard a lot about you," Georgiana said, trying to sound pleasant.

Valentine raised an eyebrow, her smile not quite reaching her eyes.

"I’ve heard about you as well."

Georgiana was used to handling such situations with grace and chose not to take Valentine’s comments personally.

"I understand you’ve achieved quite a lot."

Valentine smirked slightly.

"I hear you come from a bankrupt company."she said putting on a discussion that was many years ago. When Georgiana was new to this industry.

Carlos quickly felt disturbed by what valentine said and interrupted, his tone defensive.

"That company’s failure had nothing to do with Georgiana’s skills. In fact, she played a huge role in turning it around, which is why she’s here now." Carlos as always was in support of Georgiana.

Georgiana smiled softly at Carlos, appreciating his support. She preferred to let her work speak for itself rather than get caught up in petty arguments.

Right in the middle of this "conversation", the elevator doors next to them slid open, drawing everyone's attention. And it was Arthur that stepped out.

His tall and broad figure commanding immediate respect. Georgiana felt a flutter of nerves. He was even more imposing in person, and his presence seemed to magnetically pull towards her.

Arthur's eyes immediately locked onto Georgiana’s, and it was as if everything else faded away for him. He walked straight up to her, completely ignoring the others.

"Miss Georgiana," he said, his voice warm and focused.

Georgiana’s heart skipped a beat. She tried to remain composed, but the intensity of Arthur’s gaze was overwhelming. Before she could respond, Valentine, standing nearby, leaned in and walked up to him.

Without the word said she planted a brief kiss on Arthur’s cheek, her expression almost possessive. Arthur barely reacted, his eyes still fixed on Georgiana..

Georgiana's eyes were fixed on Valentine as she kissed Arthur on the cheek, a gesture that seemed both out of place and unprofessional in the office setting. Georgiana couldn’t help but think how well-suited both Valentine and Arthur were for each other. They were both self-centered.

She wanted to roll her eyes at them . But Arthur gently pushed Valentine aside and focused solely on Georgiana. The action left Valentine and Carlos, who was standing nearby, puzzled.

"Okay then... I have work to do," Georgiana said with a strained look. But she smiled to Carlos before turning on her heel and walking away. Arthur’s gaze lingered on her as she left, causing both Valentine and Carlos to exchange bewildered looks. Arthur, seemingly indifferent to the pair, walked straight to his office. Valentine, sensing an opportunity, followed him.

"Arthur.... I have something to discuss with you," Valentine said and Arthur simply hummed as she followed him.

He opened the door for her and she entered Arthur’s office. A hint of anticipation in her tone. Valentine took in the look of the office, her eyes widening with appreciation. It was bigger than the last one and also much better design of the room.

Valentine started to walk around the lavish, enormous room. Looking at his large book collection and everything she was quite impressed.

"I’m so glad to be working with you again Arthur. Your office is impressive. It almost feels like home."

Arthur remained silent, taking his seat behind the large desk. Valentine continued, her voice dripping with nostalgia. She tried the capture his attention.

"I remember working with your father when I first joined the company. He was an amazing man, and now I’m back, working under you. It’s like coming full circle." She said for some kind of recognition from him, but she seem to be in his own mind and thoughts.

Arthur’s eyes were fixed on some paperwork, his attention clearly elsewhere. Valentine noticed but chose to overlook it, continuing her chatter about her family and the long-standing friendship between their families.

"Our families have been close for years. I feel like I’ve known you forever."

Arthur’s patience was wearing thin. He glanced up briefly before saying,

"Valentine, your time is valuable. You should get back to work."

Valentine’s face fell slightly, but she masked her disappointment.

"I know you’re busy, but it’s important to me that we catch up. I want to make sure we’re on the same page."

Arthur’s stoic demeanor didn’t waver.

"Your work is important. Please focus on that."

Valentine hesitated, still hoping to gain some of his attention. And that is when a very brilliant thought came to her mind.

"How is Maya, by the way?" she asked, not really knowing what happened between brother and sister. His face tightened as he looked away from his work and at her, a shadow of something dark crossing his features. Valentine could sense the shift in his demeanor and felt a pang of fear.

"You should go, Valentine," Arthur said sharply, his tone leaving no room for negotiation. The command was clear, and Valentine knew it was time to leave.

Just then, Marcus entered the office, his presence adding to the already tense atmosphere.

"Everything alright in here?" Marcus asked, his eyes darting between Arthur and Valentine. And right then Valentine’s assistant walked in, her voice trembling slightly.

"Miss Valentine, Mr. Sebastian is asking for you."

Valentine shot a glare at her assistant, frustration evident. She did not want to leave yet

"I know, but I need a moment here," she snapped, her irritation there.

The young assistant, clearly intimidated.

"Mr. Sebastian can wait a little while longer," Valentine insisted.

Marcus stepped in with a firm tone.

"I think you should go, Valentine. It’s clear Arthur needs some privacy."

Valentine’s anger flared. She glared at Marcus, her voice dripping with contempt.

"You’re always around Arthur," valentine's said it like she was spitting on Marcus. She hates Marcus sence before. He was always the voice of reason to Arthur.

The assistant, now visibly frightened, hurried out of the office. Valentine sighed, her frustration evident. This was something she failed at over and over again. But if you want it to have some time away she simply let him have it for once.

"I’ll talk to you later, Arthur," she said, her voice tinged with defeat.

Arthur nodded curtly, his expression unreadable. Valentine reluctantly walked out, and once she was gone, Marcus slammed the door behind her, the sound echoing in the room. He turned to Arthur, concern etched on his face.

"Was she asking about Maya?" Marcus asked Arthur.

Arthur slumped in his chair, running a hand through his hair as he stared at the ceiling. He could fight through everything but this one was a challenge.

"She’s out of the country. When she returns, I’ll talk to her," he said, his voice low and defeated.

Marcus fell silent, sensing the depth of Arthur’s pain. The room was filled with an uncomfortable quiet, the weight of unresolved family matters hanging heavily between them.

"Of course she will." Marcus said. Encouraging his best friend over his family falling years ago.

"She is your sister. How long can she be angry with you? " He asked again. But Arthur, on the other hand, understood the reason for it. His anger was the reason for all that he has lost today, especially his sister.

It was a sensitive subject. And even for a powerful man like him.