I Told You To Run But You Didn't (Georgia) novel Chapter 12

Chapter 12

Georgia’s POV

Finished

I instinctively took a step back, trying to draw a proper breath. Damn it, why was it so hard to breathe when he looked at me like that?

In my head, the loud music faded to nothing, the chaotic crowd melted away, and it was just the two of us, staring as if we were the only people left in the world.

That illusion shattered when Patricia’s voice cut through the haze. “Gia… Georgia…”

At the same time, a man in a black suit appeared at Estevan’s side. “Sir, the VIP room is ready. Everyone is waiting.”

Just as Estevan began to turn, Lucas strode back over, inserting himself between us. His jaw was tight. “The party’s over, Georgia. Go home.”

Patricia stepped up, a defiant smile on her face. “Why would we go home when Mr. Salvatore is inviting us to join him?”

My eyes widened in horror. Oh god, Patricia, what are you doing? I shot a panicked glance at Estevan. He looked momentarily stunned by her bold-faced lie, but then a slow, knowing smirk spread across his face as he understood the game.

“Of course, Ms. Smith,” Estevan said smoothly, playing along perfectly. “You and your friend are welcome to join me. We can discuss that business you wanted to bring up.” He gestured down the hall. “This way.”

He turned and walked, expecting us to follow. Patricia immediately tugged on my wrist, but I shook my head, trying to pull back. It was a terrible idea.

But then I saw Lucas and Kiara trailing behind them, their faces masks of burning curiosity. I realized this was more than just Patricia’s business deal; for them, this was a chance to get their Helios Project from Sterling Pharmaceutical in front of the man who ran the Neuro-Dominion System.

And suddenly, I knew I had to go.

As we entered the VIP room, the image I had in my head-dark, seedy, maybe a dancer on a pole-vanished instantly. Instead, we stepped into a brightly lit, elegant salon with plush velvet couches and tasteful art.

The air was filled with the low hum of conversation, not deafening music.

This wasn’t the after-party; this was where the real party was, a high-stakes networking event where deals were made between influential people.

The heavy door closed behind us, sealing us in. I glanced over and saw Lucas holding Kiara’s hand, both of them looking around with greedy ambition.

A waiter offered me a glass of champagne, and I took it, needing something to hold onto.

Patricia, wasting no time, approached Estevan with a professional grace I’d always admired.

“Mr. Salvatore, thank you for your time,” she began, her voice steady. “Smith Armories has been a leader in bespoke security hardware for over a decade. My father legacy was built on reliability. I’m not here to let that die; I’m here to evolve it.”

Chapter 12

Estevan regarded her with a cool, analytical gaze, giving a slight nod for her to continue.

67%

Finished

“We’re developing a new line of non-lethal deterrents and smart-response systems,” Patricia explained. “Think integrated drones and biometric sensors that can neutralize a threat without a single bullet. Your security teams operate in complex environments. An investment from you wouldn’t just be capital; it would be a strategic partnership to redefine private security.”

Just as Estevan was about to respond, Kiara let out a light, condescending laugh and stepped forward, placing a hand on Lucas’s arm.

“That all sounds very… traditional,” she said, inserting herself into the conversation. She turned her most charming smile on Estevan. “But the real future of security is biological. Lucas Sterling and I are pioneering the Helios Project with his pharmaceutical tech. A partnership with your Neuro-Dominion System would be truly revolutionary for mankind.”

Estevan didn’t so much as glance in her direction. His focus remained entirely fixed on Patricia. “One moment,” he said, his voice dropping a degree, becoming pure ice. He then addressed Kiara without ever looking at her.

“Wait for your turn, Miss.”

The words, though spoken softly, cut through the air like a whip.

Kiara’s smile froze on her face, and a wave of crimson flushed her cheeks. She was utterly and publicly embarrassed.

I took a deep breath from my corner, trying to hide the small, viciously sa

break out. That was brutal.

smile that threatened to

As if the interruption had never happened, Estevan refocused his entire attention on Patricia. “You were saying, Ms. Smith? About a strategic partnership. Your competitors are larger and better funded. Why come

to me?”

Patricia didn’t miss a beat. “Because they see security as numbers game-more guards, bigger guns. We see it as a technology problem. And you, Mr. Salvatore, are man who understands technology,” she said, her confidence surging. “We don’t want a silent partner who just signs checks; we want a demanding one. Your global operations are the perfect real-world testing ground for our systems. Your success would be our ultimate advertisement.”

A slow, genuine smile finally broke through Estevan’s cold exterior. He was clearly impressed. But then, the smile softened into something more calculating as he turned his entire body, his full, undivided attention, toward me.

“An interesting proposal,” he said, his voice low again. His eyes locked onto mine. “But I have one final question. What do you think of your friend’s proposal, Ms. Sinclair?”

The name-my maiden name-hit me first, a deliberate rejection of my marriage. Then the question sank in. I was so taken aback that I physically pointed to my own chest. “Me?” I squeaked.

I gulped hard, catching the hopeful, terrified look in Patricia’s eyes. I had to say something. “I… I think it’s a great idea to invest in Smith Armories,” I stammered, my business sense completely abandoning me. “They have… excellent products. And, um, maybe you can get freebies? With the guns, and such?” I finished lamely letting out a mortified, nervous laugh. I had no idea what I was talking about.

To my utter shock, Estevan didn’t laugh at me. A deep, nused smirk returned to his face, his eyes crinkling at the corners as if I’d told the most charming joke in the world. He turned back to Patricia and extended a

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify