“Burn those who burned me!” Chapter 154

**Chapter 26: Fools are those who think they’re clever.**

James strutted into Watts-Corp feeling smugger than ever. The previous night he’d participated in a meeting that he was sure would secure him the position of CEO. Three days before the holiday of Thanks, James received a phone call from someone he never thought he’d hear from again.

Adrianna Delgato.

Adrianna and James knew each other from college. Both attended the same business school institution. For the entire four years, the two of them were inseparable. Everyone thought they were the perfect couple and destined to be married one day. And Adrianna, she loved James with all of her heart. Unfortunately, what she didn’t know was that James was merely using her as steppingstone to reach his own selfish goals. The prodigy of House Delgato; Adrianna was business mogul genius while James was lackluster at best. Unfortunately, he was every bit like his father, constantly riding off the genius of others while passing it as his own.

The night before their senior projects were due, James got Adrianna severely drunk. He knew whenever she would get drunk she was like a walking diary. Spilling all of her business and secrets. That night, she revealed to him what her senior project was going to be. She’d created an entire business proposal on how to manage a company’s equity while excelling their profits and bottom-line. Once she passed out, James snuck into her room to steal her proposal. It was immaculate. All of her research and data showed various ways to improve and increase a company’s profits while never having to dig into their own capitol. The proposal was outlined with ways a company could gain public interests and trust through various philanthropic charities and events. She’d devised a way to ensure employees get their maximum dollar on their pensions and 401k. The proposal was perfect.

The next morning, still reeling from a hangover, Adrianna arrived at school late. By the time she showed up, however, James had already submitted the proposal as his own causing the instructors and students to praise him.

*“Damn James! I knew you were smart, but this is brilliant!”*

*“What do you expect! He’s a Watson!”*

*“Way to go James!”*

Adrianna could hardly believe her eyes and ears. There clear as day on the projection screen was HER proposal! Only the name attached wasn’t Adrianna Delgato….but James Watson.

Heat immediately coursed through her body as she ran towards him knocking the projection player over.

*CRASH!*

Silence.

Before anyone could say anything, Adrianna stormed towards James.

*SLAP!*

Adrianna slapped James hard across his face causing the other students and instructors to gasp.

*“You son of a bitch! You stole my fucking proposal!”*

The room irrupted in gasps and whispers. What was Adrianna talking about! Suddenly, one their classmates spoke up.

*“Adrianna….what the hell are you talking about? This is James-”*

*“No it’s not! He stole my work! Is that why you got me drunk last night? So you could steal my work like some gutter trash thief!”*

James’ eyes widen with horror. Tears began to slide down his now redden cheek. In a meek voice; he began to speak.

*“Addy…why would you say this? I would never steal your work. I’ve been working on this project for weeks now. Why…I can’t believe you would say this.”*

Suddenly, the classmates started making snark remarks towards Adrianna.

*“Wow that’s fucked up.”*

*“She’s horrible! Trying to steal someone’s work!”*

*“Oh my gosh…I thought he was her boyfriend! Who does that to the person they love!”*

Adrianna’s eyes widen as she frantically looked around the room.

*“I’m not the one who’s lying! He is!”*

But no one would listen to her pleas.

*“Yeah right Adrianna! We’ve seen James working on his proposal for almost a month now!”*

*“Yeah I barley see you do homework let alone a proposal.”*

*“That’s so true! How has she been passing her courses?”*

*“She probably cheated! Probably used her connections as a Delgato.”*

*“Trifling”*

Adrianna stared directly at James who was still looking like a helpless victim.

*“Tell them the truth!!! Tell them you stole my work!!! You bas-”*

*“Enough!!!”*

Suddenly, the room fell silent as their instructor Mr. Blanco walked forward. Adrianna’s eyes frantically darted towards him.

*“Instructor Blanco! Please! You have to believe-”*

*“That’s enough Adrianna. The lies have to stop now.”*

*“Lies…what are you…”*

Instructor Blanco sighed as he pulled out a red colored folder.

*“Adrianna, these are James’ notes, thesis, and outlines. There’s no way he stole this from you.”*

With shaking hands, Adrianna took the documents. Staring at the all of her hard work in someone else’s handwriting, tears began to fall onto the pages. With a low shaky voice, Adrianna tried to explain.

*“M-Mr. Blanco….this my wor-”*

*“Fine…then where’s your proof Adrianna. If this is all your work…and James stole it…show me your predated work.”*

The classroom began to whisper as they eagerly awaited what she would do next.

*“Do you think she really has research documents proving her innocence?”*

*“Doubt it.”*

*“Shhh let’s see!”*

A spark of relief popped in Adrianna’s eyes. That was it! That’s all she had to do was show proof of her research from months ago! Digging in her computer bag, Adrianna whipped out her laptop. Everyone stood in silence as she opened her mac and began to type her password. James never saying a word, calmly stared at Adrianna as she frantically typed in her password.

*“See! Look! This is my-”*

Adrianna’s eyes widen in horror. Everything was blank. All her notes, her research, her thesis papers, even her bibliography….all gone. Every file she’d ever saved, completely wiped out. Instructor Blanco shook his head as he sighed deeply. He was truly disappointed in Adrianna.

Suddenly, Adrianna turned to James. He face was that of a concerned friend, but she could see the smugness deep within his eyes. As if possessed, she ran towards James swinging her arms as she tried to strike him again.

*“You son of a bitch!!! You did this! You fucking did this!!!”*

Instructor Blanco along with several other students immediately grabbed her so that she couldn’t attack James any further.

*“Stop it Adrianna! You’ve already embarrassed yourself!! Stop this!!”*

But Adrianna continued to struggle, trying her best to claw her way to James who was now being protected by the other classmates; a slight grin on his face.

*“That’s enough!!!!”*

Instructor Blanco pushed Adrianna back causing her back to slam against the wall. Breathing heavily, Adrianna stared at her entire class and instructors. Tears pooled out her eyes like waterfalls. Not only had James stole from her, but he’d also humiliated her. She trusted him…loved him….and all along he was just waiting for the right moment to strike.

Suddenly, a sardonic smile appeared on her lips causing everyone in the class to feel uneasy; even James felt slightly uncomfortable. Adrianna looked like a complete mad woman. Without saying another word, she collected her things and left.

Shortly after, she left the institution. That was the last time James saw or heard from her; that is until November 13th. As he sat at the VIP table sipping his wine, James looked smug as ever. The day before, his assistant informed him that Adrianna Delgato wanted to have a meeting with him. Sitting in his tailored pinstriped suit, James felt like he was the king of the universe.

*“Well…it’s been a long time Adrianna. I must say…you’re as beautiful as ever.”*

Adrianna stared at James; her eyes still that fiery sharp glare. A mischievous smile across her face.

*“Thank you James. It appears you haven’t changed much either.”*

Smiling smugly, James leaned closer so that his words were only of ear shot.

*“Referring to my handsomeness are you?”*

Adrianna chuckled leaning closer. Speaking only above a whisper.

*“No…I was referring to your talent of theft.”*

James jerked back. His eyes widen. The color slightly draining from his face. His eyes darkening, he spoke with a heavy voice.

*“What the hell is that supposed to mean Adrianna?”*

Adrianna laughed sardonically.

*“Oh relax James…that was twenty years ago. No need to pretend anymore. We both know the truth.”*

James began to feel nervous. Is that why she wanted this meeting; as a chance to expose the truth? That business proposal was the main reason the board at Watts-Corp backed his father’s request making him President. If the truth came out now, it could ruin everything. Nervously, James leaned forward.

*“Look Adrianna…what do you want? Is this blackmail?”*

Adrianna couldn’t help but laugh hysterically.

*“Blackmail? So you finally admit it? That you stole my proposal.”*

James began to get irritated.

*“Fine…yes okay. I stole your proposal. Jesus Addy…it was over twenty years ago. Don’t tell me you’re here-”*

*“Oh trust me James. I’m not here for that. Tell me though…Why me? Why’d you do it?”*

James took a sip of his wine and casually spoke.

*“Because I needed the best. You were the best. It was nothing personal…I knew you’d be okay.”*

Heat began to burn throughout Adrianna’s skin. She could feel herself getting angry all over again. Taking a deep breath, she quickly composed herself.

*“You ruined my reputation James. I was in love with you, and you ruined me.”*

James looked at Adrianna, a slight hint of guilt.

*“I loved you too Addy. But let’s be honest…whether you did well at that school or not…as Delgato’s only child, your future was already carved in stone. I needed to create my own stone for mine.”*

Adrianna raised her eyebrow.

*“Hm. I’m sure being the bastard son must have been hard on you.”*

James eyes darkened. Adrianna’s words felt like a paper blade. It didn’t matter how hard he worked; he would never be able to escape that stigma.

*“So what do you want Adrianna?”*

*“Well…a little birdy told me you’ve set your sights on stealing Watts-Corp. I’d like to help you with that…for a price of course.”*

James eyes widen. How the hell did she know that!

*“How did you-”*

*“I’m a Delgato sweetie. I find out everything. Especially when I plan on expanding to the Northern Region.”*

James nervously loosened his collar.

*“So…how about it…do you want my help?”*

Intrigued, James listened to Adrianna’s plan. It was brilliant.

*“Ha! I must say Addy…you’re still a fucking genius. That is brilliant! My foolish little nephew will never see this coming!”*

Adrianna chuckled lightly as she ate the olive from her martini.

*“Well…you know what they say.”*

*“What?”*

*“Fools are those who think they’re clever.”*