Seven Years a Fool One Day a Queen (Kristine and Colton) novel Chapter 10

Chapter 10

Eliza hadn’t even managed to calm Cedric’s anger before he hung up.

She was just about to call back when Calvin’s number flashed across her screen.

She had no choice but to answer.

“Come to San Francisco.”

That was all he said before hanging up, his tone, as always, pure command.

Eliza hesitated for a few seconds, then decided to go.

But not for Calvin, for Helios Group and Cedric.

Helios Group was her project, one she had poured her effort into.

She had sought Cedric out multiple times, revising proposal after proposal to win him over.

She couldn’t just drop it now.

Which meant cancelling her appointment with Dr. Shelton. She could already imagine his scolding.

She promised him she’d cooperate fully with treatment once this stretch was over.

By the time her plane landed in San Francisco, it was late at night. Rain poured down, and the temperature had dropped.

She had come in such a rush, she hadn’t prepared anything. Her abdomen throbbed dully, adding to her discomfort.

Barely holding on, she took a cab to the hotel. It was past midnight when she arrived.

Even though it was late, Eliza still wanted to speak with Calvin in advance about the Helios Group issue–she was worried if they weren’t aligned, tomorrow’s negotiation with Cedric would be jeopardized.

She set her half–damp hair aside and called his number.

The phone rang several times before it was picked up.

Before she could speak, she heard Medea’s voice:

“Caly, it’s Secretary Grant calling.”

Calvin’s reply was muffled, indistinct,

Medea relayed sweetly, “Secretary Grant, Calv’s in the shower. Maybe call back later?”

Eliza’s throat closed inexplicably.

“It’s nothing urgent. I won’t disturb President Young,” she said, and hung up.

Midnight.

Hotel. A man and a woman alone together. Too easy for something to happen.

Rain lashed harder outside. Eliza stood by the window, a chill sinking straight into her chest.

So San Francisco was colder than Washington.

The heaviness in her abdomen worsened.

In the bathroom, she realized her period had come early, nearly a week ahead of schedule, the pain sharper than ever before.

Sweat drenched her back. She called the front desk for help, requesting painkillers and sanitary products.

When the staff arrived, her pallor startled them.

“Miss Grant, should we take you to a hospital?”

She shook her head. “No. It should ease once I take the meds.”

“Please call if you feel worse,” they urged.

“Alright.”

She managed to get through the night barely.

But in the morning, her complexion was poor. Even with makeup, she looked unwell.

She prayed Calvin wouldn’t pick on it; he hated seeing staff without energy.

Still, she forced herself to the hotel restaurant for some breakfast, timing it with her stomach meds.

Just then, Calvin and Medea were leaving.

They ran into each other at the entrance.

It was Medea who greeted her first. “Secretary Grant, just getting up? There’s hardly anything left in the restaurant.”

Eliza grabbed two pieces of bread to make do.

Just as she was about to sit, her phone rang-

“Come out.”

“Now?” She glanced at the bread in her hands, hesitating.

Though the bread in her bag was still warm, she had no chance to eat.

Calvin hated anyone eating in the car.

Seven years as his secretary, Eliza knew his preferences by heart.

They were muscle memory by now. Rules she abided by automatically.

Even now, when her stomach cried for food, she didn’t touch the bread.

Of course, Calvin didn’t give her the chance. He went straight to business.

“How did you negotiate with Helios Group before?”

His tone was accusatory, as if the setback were her fault.

Eliza kept her voice calm.

“The project’s been through two rounds, and we signed the term sheet. The investment ratio was agreed. Changing it now will naturally cause pushback-”

He cut her off. “As long as the process isn’t finished, everything can change.”

Their eyes met briefly in the rearview mirror. His lips curved, cold.

“After so long at my side, and you still don’t understand that?”

Eliza lowered her gaze. “Then can you tell me the reason for cutting the ratio?”

This time, it was Medea who answered.

“In my view, Helios Group’s drones aren’t commercial enough. The market prospects will never reach what their proposal claims. That’s why I suggested the cut.”

“Helios Group is an established brand with solid tech and full after–sales service. That’s why Everest chose them in the first place.”

“But businessmen look at profit, not sentiment,” Medea said lightly, dismissing it all.

Her lips curved in a smile as she teased Calvin.

“Calv, you really didn’t teach her well.”

Calvin gave a faint hum of agreement, then looked at Eliza with casual detachment.

“That’s why she can only be a secretary. She’ll never be a director.”

Medea chuckled. “In investment, you need brains and vision. Secretary Grant is just an undergrad. Handling projects is beyond her.”