Love Me One More Time (Nick and Alaia) novel Chapter 10

Alaia

I went to my office and made a call before sitting down with Ignacio to review the studies we had done, outlining the project in the United States. My father, Darius, and the board members would give their points of view for my team and me to take into account. I included some details in my presentation until it was time to go to the meeting.

I walked with Ignacio, two members of my team, and Erika to the boardroom, where my father looked at me and nodded. Darius was sitting at the head of the table, and the other board members entered behind me. Erika, Carolina, and I would be the only women in this meeting. Suddenly, González arrived. I could see Erika was uncomfortable. Like the old fox he was, the guy didn’t even look at her.

“You can go,” I whispered to Erika. She nodded and left in a heartbeat.

Darius greeted everyone and welcomed them once the meeting began.

“As you know, a large–scale project has come to our company, which is why we have organized

this meeting. At your request,” he pointed at me with his outstretched hand, “Alaia, you are in charge of it.” González made a mocking gesture that only I was able to notice. “So, let’s start,” Darius finished.

“Excuse me, Darius, but I disagree. Alaia is too young to handle a project of this magnitude. I

believe my son is the ideal person to take charge. He has the necessary experience,” González spoke. Those present listened to him and began to comment among themselves.

“Your son? I understand that he has not been able to complete the construction and connections in Portugal. What makes you think he would do well with this project?” I questioned, and he was ready to answer me when…

“González, your son is busy, and he has indeed fallen behind in his work, but we will not talk about that now, my dear…” My father gave me the floor again.

I sat down and began to explain the details, the organization and preparation, the personnel we required, how the project would be developed, the start dates, and the approximate time it would take us to carry it out.

They listened to me in silence. When I finished, they gave me their opinions. Ignacio and the engineers on my team took note of each one. I listened attentively to their words, and we discussed various points of view. I could see González glaring daggers at me, but I didn’t mind him.

The meeting ended and they were all about to leave when I spoke. “Please, I want to talk to you about a very delicate matter.” They looked at me and sat down again.

Everyone remained silent. Ignacio left the room and returned a few seconds later. I waited for him to stand beside me before I began.

“Well, Alaia, go on,” said Sergio, a man my father’s age. He was pleasant, of course, one of those who enjoyed life since he didn’t need to lift a finger. His investments allowed him to be a man free of work commitments.

“This morning, something happened that cannot be allowed in any company. I imagine you have daughters, wives, mothers, and sisters, and you would not allow anyone to harm or violate them. Along those lines, I think you would not agree if someone took advantage of their position to attack a woman’s dignity.” They nodded, and I continued. “One of the company’s senior executives sexually harassed Erika, the girl who recently joined my team,” I explained. I could see frowns and chatter among them. The implicated man looked at me, almost daring me to continue.

“I’m not afraid of you,” I said, replying to that look that he gave me.

“My dear…” My father looked surprised while Darius remained serious.

“I want to inform you that I will support Erika so she can formally denounce González,” I said, and everyone gasped and turned to look at him. “Investigations will begin to ensure that this has not happened to other girls before.”

“Have you lost your mind?” The aforementioned stood up and looked flustered. “You will believe what these little girls are saying? They are trying to slander my name!” He raised his eyebrows as he spoke to the board members. “Please, I am an honorable member. I have a wife and children. How could I even approach a simple secretary?” That just infuriated me even more. I clenched my jaw.

“It is for her, your wife, and your daughters–if you have any–that you should not behave like a filthy degenerate,” I said angrily. I couldn’t believe his level of nerve.

“Alaia!” Darius spoke for the first time.

“It’s the truth.” I looked at Darius.

“Darius, you can’t believe those baseless accusations. I’ve worked and been a partner in this

“I’m going to sue you. Cameras should not be allowed in offices. It’s a violation of our privacy.” González shouted.

“That doesn’t absolve you of guilt. You can take whatever action you deem appropriate,” I said, leaning on the table.

González looked at me with hatred and walked out of the boardroom. Before closing the door, he looked at me, and I could see him silently mouth, “This isn’t over,” and slam the door shut.

“Adjourned,” Darius said after that, making the board members stood again.

“You did well, my dear. We cannot allow that kind of behavior.” My father hugged me proudly.

“Thank you for supporting me, Dad,” I said as we walked together towards the door. Darius looked at me before leaving the boardroom.

I returned to my office and met with my two telecommunications engineers, my assistant, Erika, and three other team members with whom we organized immediate actions. I had to be in Los Angeles in five days.

When we finished, I looked at the time and realized that I was running late already. I was supposed to leave two hours ago. I took my things and walked out of my office.

“Thank you, ma’am,” Erika said to me when I passed by her and Ignacio.

“That was interesting.” Ignacio stood up. “Remind me not to mess with you. I pity the one who crosses your path.” I laughed at his comment.

“It was nothing.” I took Erika’s hands and looked at her. “And please, if it happens again, don’t hesitate to talk to me. And call me Alaia, not ma’am,” I said with a smile. She nodded.

I smiled back before I hurried home. My little ones must be anxious to see me already.