“Burn those who burned me!” Chapter 147

**Chapter 19: Elizabeth Bowen.**

The day Josie met Joshua Watson was the day she would finally begin putting her plan to take the Taylors down into motion.

*“Nice to finally meet you Ms. Josie Taylor.”*

Josie sat in shock as the heir of one of the most powerful families in the entire region smiled at her. Even she knew who Joshua Watson of House Watson was. But what the hell he was doing in her brother’s kitchen…that was the million dollar question.

*“U-Umm…nice to meet you as well Mr. Watson.”*

Josie nervously shook his hand while her eyes cut over to Marlon.

*“Is that ravioli?”*

Joshua’s eyes glanced over at the stove. The smell was already intoxicating; making his mouth water. Josie turned toward the food she’d just prepared.

*“It is. I made homemade chicken and cheese stuffed ravioli.”*

*“That sounds delicious…do you mind if I join you for dinner?”*

Josie’s eyes darted back over to Marlon. He nodded at her gently indicating it would be fine. Smiling nervously, she nodded her head in agreement to Joshua.

*“It would be my pleasure Mr. Wat-”*

*“Josh…please call me Josh.”*

Josie’s eyes widen slightly as she smiled.

*“Josh. Marlon…could I have word with you for a moment?”*

Josie pointed towards the breakfast room indicating for her cousin to follow. She had a million questions running through her mind. Marlon smiled lightly at Josie; he knew she was probably confused about what was going on.

*“Sure. Josh, you can make yourself at home. We’ll be right back.”*

Joshua’s lips curled into a mischievous smile. He knew she was probably confused as to why he was there. Originally, Joshua had no intentions of getting involved in whatever was going on between this Josie person and the Taylors. Now however, after meeting her, he’d found himself deeply intrigued. The girl was most definitely interesting.

As Joshua took his seat, Josie and Marlon went into the breakfast room. Gripping Marlon by the collar, Josie barked at him in a low but panicking tone.

*“What the hell is Joshua Watson doing here and what the hell did he mean by ‘finally’ meeting me?! What have you been telling him!!”*

Josie’s face was scowled as she tightened her grip on Marlon’s collar. Marlon chuckled lightly as he pried Josie’s fingers off his collar.

*“How do you expect me to answer your questions if I can’t breathe?”*

Josie’s eyes darkened; she was in no mood to play with her cousin.

*“Marlon I really am going to choke you to death if you don’t tell me what’s going on!”*

Marlon laughed a little louder.

*“Relax Jojo…I brought him here for you.”*

*“What? What are you talking about?”*

Marlon tipped his chin towards the kitchen,

*“You said you want to become one of the most powerful people in Bridgeton right? Well…you’re going to need a sponsor.”*

Josie eyebrows relaxed, she understood what Marlon was indicating. In order for her to move up the high society food chain, she’d have to be connected to someone with power. Still,

*“Yeah but Joshua Watson? That’s just….how do you even know him?”*

*“College. He was my roommate…we’ve been friends ever since.”*

Josie’s eyebrows furrowed as she recalled a time her cousin complained about his roommate eating all of his cookies.

*“Wait…you mean HE was the cookie thief!!!”*

Before Marlon could answer, Joshua walked into the breakfast room. He’d been listening on the other side of the door.

*“I resent that…if I’m not mistaken Ms. Taylor, you wrote on those beautiful stationaries for Marlon to share with his roommate.”*

Josie slightly blushed as Joshua smiled at her.

*“I supposed that’s true.”*

Marlon scuffed.

*“She said SHARE….you practically ate them all!”*

All three of them broke out into laughter at Marlon’s outburst. Josie’s face suddenly became serious as she stared at Joshua.

*“Mr. Wat-”*

*“Josh.”*

*“Josh…I assume my cousin has explained my situation in detail to you?”*

Joshua’s gaze became intense. Realizing he wouldn’t be able to simply walk away, he’d decided to at least hear her out. Her work was worth that much, he told himself.

*“He did. I have to say…your situation is unique, and your family is beyond vile.”*

Josie’s eyes shifted. So Marlon really had told him everything.

*“That’s putting it mildly. Josh…I know this isn't the ideal way to conduct business; but I can assure you….if you help me….I can be of an asset to you.”*

Joshua stared at Josie for several minutes before speaking. He could see the fire and determination in her eyes. Whatever happened to her over these last four years had clearly harden her heart. He found himself wondering just HOW harden her heart truly was.

*“I’ve seen your blueprints and sketches Josie…so I have no doubt that you would be an asset. That’s not my concern.”*

*“What is your concern.”*

*“That my business and name will take a fall.”*

Josie nodded her head. She could understand that. She was seeking revenge. She wanted to tear her family apart…and on top of that…she was an ‘ex-con’. Dealing with her would certainly become a risk the minute her name dropped.

*“And if I told you I had a way to make sure your name and company would remain protected?”*

Joshua raised his eyebrow; curious as to what she had planned.

*“I might be willing to work with you.”*

Josie’s eyebrows furrowed.

*“Mr. Watson…I can’t work with ‘maybe’. For understandable reasons, I don’t trust anyone except my cousin. I won’t disclose my plans, intentions, or work with someone that may still tell me no.”*

Joshua stared at Josie; never had he met someone so intense. Whatever her plans were, she was serious, and she was guarded.

*“I can appreciate your reserve Ms. Taylor, but surely you can appreciate that I wouldn’t go into business with someone without at least hearing SOME of their business plans and proposals. Especially when that person may also bring mess and chaos.”*

The air began to feel thick. Josie and Joshua stared at each other as if they were at an impasse. Each held valid reasons on why they were reluctant. Marlon suddenly raised his hand as if to cut into the conversation.

*“Might I make a suggestion that could possibly please everyone?”*

Both Josie and Joshua turned to look at Marlon.

*“Why don’t we do this…Josie, you’re going to have to share some of your plans in regards to what you want to do regarding the Taylors. BUT…not without reassurance that Joshua won’t either steal your plans or work…or run and tell the Taylors. Does that cover the biggest issues?”*

Josie and Joshua each looked at one another and back at Marlon. Nodding their heads in agreement, Marlon continued.

*“Then lets draw up a contract. We’ll call it a pre-arrangement contract. That way, there will be legal ramifications should either party default.”*

Both Josie and Joshua agreed. A contract would be made between the two before she shared her overall plans.

*“Wonderful! Now, can we eat!”*

Everyone laughed at Marlon as they made their way back to the kitchen dining area. After making everyone’s plates, Josie took a seat between Joshua and Marlon. Joshua’s eyes widen as the aroma of the ravioli danced up his nose. Just as he was about to eat one of the raviolis, Josie suddenly grabbed his arm.

*“I’m sorry! I forgot to ask! The ravioli is stuffed with chicken breast, cream and cheddar cheese, bacon bits, and candied chestnuts. Are you allergic to any-”*

Before she could finish, Joshua stuffed one of the raviolis into his mouth. A satisfied smile appearing on his face as his eyes closed with satisfaction.

*“Guess not…”*

Josie slightly smiled as she began to eat. Marlon’s eyes narrowed at Joshua; his gazes at Josie didn’t go unnoticed. Marlon was aware his cousin was extremely beautiful; add that to her brilliance and cooking skills…it would be hard for any man not to fall for her. He wondered if that also included Joshua.

*“I’ll have my legal team draft a contract. It’ll be ready by next week. Will that be okay?”*

Joshua looked at Josie as he stuffed more ravioli into his mouth. Josie smiled lightly, nodding her in agreement; she responded.

*“That’s actually perfect. Just one thing.”*

Joshua looked back at Josie with a curious expression.

*“Address the contract to Elizabeth Bowen.”*