Robert felt the ground slipping from under his feet. All his life, he had been the master of situations, the man whose word was almost always final. But here was his wife, whom he once called «sweet Mary,» now calmly laying out terms on multimillion-dollar deals. He knew he wanted this project. Without «Velara’s» support, his company couldn’t expand so broadly across the US. So, he’d have to swallow his pride, hide his confusion, and play by the new rules.
- Fine, — he said, striving to maintain composure. — We’ll collaborate. For the good of the common cause. But in private, we’ll talk more.
- I doubt I’ll want to talk to you in private, — Maryanne cast a cold glance toward Melissa, who stood wearily by the snack table. — See you at the negotiation table, Robert.
She turned and majestically walked away with the group of foreign partners awaiting the continuation of the conversation. Hayes felt an acute need to vent his outrage but couldn’t do it here. He clenched his teeth, straightened his back, and restrained himself. Approaching Melissa didn’t appeal—her presence irritated him even more now. He suddenly realized how pathetic the situation looked: he had brought his mistress to appear free and successful, but in reality, he was backed into a corner. All his maneuvers were exposed.
That’s how the first day of negotiations passed. The entire group, including Robert and Maryanne, stayed at a luxurious hotel in the historic center of New York City, where they had arrived for the deal. An evening gala reception was planned, where the new leadership team would be formally introduced. Hayes knew there would be toasts, congratulations, and Maryanne would be announced as the lead partner. Everything he had once considered his domain had become her triumph.
In the hotel lobby, he ran into his longtime business associate, Alexander Reed. He was a cheerful, tall man with a face always ready for fun. But now even his smile seemed strained.
- Rob, buddy, — Alexander began quietly, — how are you? I heard your wife is that new director.
- Already heard? — Robert smirked bitterly. — Yeah, exactly. She’s the great and formidable Maryanne Hayes. Though she used to carry my last name as an appendage to my persona, now it’s a symbol of her own power.
- But you realize this could be a problem? — Alexander patted his friend on the shoulder. — If there’s conflict in the family and you’re both in the same project, where will that lead?
- You’re right. But I have no choice but to collaborate, — Robert shrugged. — This project is vital for my company. And Maryanne isn’t inclined to smooth things over.
Alexander sighed regretfully:
- In such a situation, you need to play subtly. Maybe try to win her over again? Show you’re ready for changes.
Robert wanted to object that it was humiliating, but suddenly caught himself thinking: what if he really changed tactics? He was too used to bulldozing everything and never considered Maryanne’s feelings. If he showed flexibility now, perhaps he’d buy time and strengthen his position. Of course, all this needed careful thought—she was no longer the naive girl whose head he could easily turn.
- I’ll think about it, — Robert tossed ambiguously and headed to his room.
Standing in the luxurious suite of the hotel, he immediately felt the chill. The air conditioning was set to an unusually low temperature. Huge windows offered a panoramic view of the city lights. Melissa was in the adjacent suite: her things lay neatly in the wardrobe, and she herself stayed downstairs, loving to spend time with a cocktail at the bar or in the spa salon. Robert pulled his phone from his pocket and noticed several unread messages from her:
- Darling, how are things?
- I miss you, don’t go far, I’m bored alone.
He sighed and tossed the phone on the couch. With Melissa, everything was clear: she was a vibrant companion who made him feel young, strong, desired. But now, with Maryanne appearing in a new light, it seemed like an empty pursuit. If he had a choice now, he probably wouldn’t have brought Melissa on this trip.
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. On the threshold stood a hotel courier, holding a business suit in a cover and a small box.
- This was delivered from the clothing salon for you, — the courier said. — They asked to confirm if everything is in order.
Robert winced, recalling how Melissa had persuaded him to get a new suit for the evening gala. «You need to look stunning,» she insisted. And he had a whole collection of suits! But women couldn’t be convinced that an old suit worth several thousand dollars was no worse than a new one. He nodded and took the new attire. Maybe it was worth looking impeccable, since he had to face his underestimated wife at the formal dinner.
As evening approached, the negotiations wrapped up, and he went down to the lobby to wait for Melissa. The elevator opened, and she emerged as if from a glossy magazine cover: a stunning fuchsia-colored dress, slightly shimmering earrings, high heels. Makeup professionally accentuated her striking features. But the more Robert looked at her, the stronger he felt an internal dissonance. Once, he enjoyed shining with such a companion. Now, he thought about how partners would perceive it and, most importantly, how Maryanne would look at it.
- Well, do you like my look? — Melissa smiled coquettishly, adjusting a curl. — Or is it too provocative?
- It’s fine, — he replied dryly. — Let’s go, they’re waiting.
They entered the grand banquet hall of the hotel. In the center stood a long buffet table laden with snacks: from exotic seafood and exquisite desserts to traditional local dishes. Guest tables were arranged around the perimeter, and at the far end was an improvised stage adorned with «Velara» logos and partner companies. Live music played—soft jazz improvisations.
Robert scanned the room, searching for Maryanne. She stood near the stage with Gabriel Monten and several influential investors from the US. Her outfit stunned with its elegant and modest luxury: a navy blue sheath dress, a thin silver necklace around her neck, understated earrings. Everything so impeccable that no one would call her a «simple provincial.» Her manners, posture, calm smile revealed a person accustomed to high standards. And what irked Robert most—men around her looked with interest, women with respect and slight envy.
- Robert! — rang out Gabriel Monten’s resonant voice, spotting him. — Come over, dear friend! We’re having an interesting discussion about construction prospects in the northern regions of the US. And you, like no one else, know such projects.
Hayes nodded, released Melissa’s hand, and approached the group. Maryanne looked at him coldly and gave a slight nod—no hint that they were husband and wife. He had to play along with this scenario. Gabriel, aiming to amuse everyone, continued playfully:
- I’ve already told Maryanne I want to see you two present our joint project together. After all, you’re family, a business alliance—everything aligns in one bottle!
- I don’t think we should mix work and personal, — Maryanne cut in. — Let Robert present from his side, and I’ll do from mine.
- Oh, forgive me, — Gabriel spread his hands, — I didn’t mean to touch on your relationship.
- No problem, — Robert quickly replied, trying to ease the tension. — We’re fine. Just business ethics requires a certain distance.