Chapter 14 Violet, I Order You to Come to My Office Now! Chapter 14 Violet, I Order You to Come to My Office Now! Violet, still sniffling, looked at Wayne's earnest expression and suddenly felt a laugh bubble up. "I... I'm not crying because of you," she explained. Wayne, already feeling bad, grew even more uneasy. He pressed his lips together. "Good to know. Then who's it about?" His eyes narrowed, glinting with danger. "Someone splashed you, didn't they? Who's got the guts? Give me a name-Ill handle them!" After her cry, Violet felt the knot in her chest loosen. She took his handkerchief, wiping her tears awkwardly. "No need. I already took care of it."" Worried he wouldn't believe her, she repeated, "Mr. Braxton, I really handled it myself." Wayne saw she wasn't budging and didn't push. "Alright. Want to tell Gavin?" Violet's smile faded instantly. "No need. He's probably busy-let's not bother him." Wayne gave her a long look but said nothing more. At the hospital, the doctor cleaned her burns and applied some ointment. "You're lucky-no blisters. Keep the area dry, apply this cream three times a day, and the redness should fade by tomorrow." Violet took the medicine, thanked the doctor, and let Wayne drive her home. Wayne's car stopped at her building. He watched her disappear inside before pulling a cigarette from his pack, the tip soon glowing red. "Mr. Braxton, heading to the office?" his driver, Pete Cain, asked. Pete had been Wayne's driver since he was a teenager, and now Wayne was in his thirties. In all those years, Pete had never seen him this worked up over anyone, What shocked him more was that the woman in the car was supposedly Gavin's fiancée. Wayne exhaled a final smoke ring, his eyes deep and unreadable with emotions Pete couldn't decipher. "Pete, keep today quiet," Wayne said pointedly. Pete, loyal to Wayne, got the message. "Yes, Mr. Braxton." Inside, he was reeling-something big was brewing. Wayne's voice was cold as he spoke into his phone. "Check the surveillance from the coffee shop downstairs at Nexus Tower around 1:30 p.m. I want results within the hour." "Gavin, look at what she did! She didn't just insult Luna-she threw hot water at us! I'm fine with a little burn, but Luna? Her health's fragile-how's she supposed to handle this?" Chapter 14 Violet, I Order You to Come to My Office Now! Gavin's heart ached as he saw Luna's slightly reddened collarbone. "Luna, the doctor said you're okay? Your skin's all red." Luna shook her head. "I'm fine, Gavin. Maybe I shouldn't have gone to Violet. I just wanted her to stop being mad at you." She lowered her head. "Sorry, Gavin, I messed this up." "Silly girl," Gavin ruffled her hair. "You're too kind. Next time, protect yourself-don't make me worry." "Violet went too far this time. I'll deal with her at the office tomorrow!" He turned to Cora. "Cora, I know Violet and her dad don't get along. I'll handle her for you, so don't tell your dad about today." Luna's faint smile froze. What did Gavin mean? After all this, he still cared about that woman? Cora's voice rose, indignant. "Why not? Gavin, she threw hot water at us!" "She even insulted Luna! Aren't you being too soft on her?" Gavin's jaw tightened. "Don't worry, I'm not playing favorites." The wedding was at the end of the month, and he didn't want to push Violet too far. The next day, Violet checked her reflection. The redness on her neck had faded significantly. She pulled her hair up, slipped on an off-shoulder sweater, and paired it with apricot wide-leg pants. The doctor had said burns needed air, not to be covered up, or they'd heal more slowly. At the law firm. Lily spotted her right away. "Oh no, Violet, is that a burn?" Violet smiled lightly. "Yeah, got a little scalded yesterday. It's fine-looks worse than it is. A couple days of cream, and I'll be good." As Lily urged her to take a few days off, Victor called Violet into his office. "Boss, you wanted me?" Violet plopped into a chair. Victor frowned at her red neck. "How'd you manage to burn your neck like that?" Violet grinned calmly, 'Guess a dog knocked over my cup or something." Victor shook his head, exasperated. "You're sharp as a tack at work, but in life? Total klutz." "I'm not rushing you, but you split with your ex, right? I've got your wedding gift ready-think I can hand it out next year?" Violet gave a quiet smile. "Boss, you can't force these things. I'll try." "Alright." Victor tossed her a stack of files. "Ever heard of Wayne Braxton?" Violet's heart skipped. She casually took the files, flipping to the first page, where Wayne's striking, stoic face stared back. "Wayne Braxton, thirty-three. Young, but the real power behind the Braxton Group. He's been abroad expanding their overseas markets, just got back a few days ago. Word is he's diving into the domestic market now." "Boss, you got a plan?" Chapter 14 Violet, 1 Order You to Come to My Office Now! Victor tapped the desk. "He's been back a few days, and I already got a tip: Braxton Group's eyeing a buyout of Nexlify Tech. If we land their merger contract, we're in with the Braxtons!" Violet wasn't so optimistic. "Boss, the Braxtons are top tier. They've got a crack legal team and always worked with Luminary Law." Victor's smile was cryptic. "Nothing's set in stone. I heard Wayne's first move back is to switch their law firm." "Violet, if we snag this Braxton deal, your shot at non equity partner next year is pretty much locked in!" Violet's pulse quickened. Non equity wouldn't get her dividends, but her income would double. Her grandma's nursing home fees would be a non-issue then! Tomorrow, I've got a dinner lined up with Braxton folks. You're coming." Violet's excitement surged. "Got it. I'll start digging into all their projects now. I'm heading out, Boss." Victor watched his star protégé leave, smiling to himself. He'd always seen that fire in Violet-she had a grit her peers lacked. Back at her desk, Violet's phone rang with Gavin's name. She hung up on the first call. On the second, he called the front desk. Violet swallowed her anger and picked up. "Mr. Braxton, what can I do for you?" The formal "Mr. Braxton" made Gavin's temple throb. "Violet, I order you to come to my office now." Violet turned away from the front desk, rolling her eyes. "Mr. Braxton, I'm swamped today. Can I send Mr. Woods instead? He's a mid-level attorney with five years' experience-don't worry, he'll take care of your company." "No way, It's you or nothing, Violet. I'm giving you one chance. Keep stalling, and I'm calling your manager." Violet froze, stunned into silence. Fine, I'll be at Pinnacle Entertainment in half an hour." ( (0)