“Burn those who burned me!” Chapter 44

***Ethan’s POV:***

As we made our way to the conference room, Jameson was trying to make small talk. Though I paid him no mind, truth was I was there for one reason only, Clara Granger-Rouleau. I had no interest in JGP, honestly I found Jameson rather repulsive, but I acknowledged that as his daughter, poaching Clara would be close to impossible. So even if it meant partnering with this insufferable man, if it meant getting close to her, I’d endure it.

After arriving, Jameson and Edward began setting up proposals and paperwork. Edward spoke first.

*“Chairman Taylor, let me just say, on behalf of JGP we are so excited about the possibility of working with you! Now-”*

Before Edward could finish, Jameson cut him off.

*“Yes, we’re delighted to partner with ETP! And I say this as the Chairman of one the most influential pharmaceutical companies in the world, I’m glad you had the resolve to come to us for help.”*

Arrogant.

Was this jackass for real. He honestly thought I came to this company for him. I would need to end this meeting quickly before I lose my reserve. I glanced over at Edward who was now looking at Jameson with nervous annoyance.

*“A-As I was saying Chairman, we’ve compose an entire proposal regarding our recent advancements with nano technology as well as medicinal breakthroughs that I think you would find very imp…-”*

I held my hand to cut Edward off, I wasn’t trying to be rude to him, honestly I had no qualms with Edward. But I didn’t want to waste anymore time if I didn’t have too.

*“VP Lawrence, forgive me for being curt but I actually have another meeting I’ll be intending soon so I don’t want to take too much of your time. While I’m sure your proposal is impressive, ETP has already begun nano treatment research as my father and brother runs one the largest tech companies in the world.”*

Both Jameson and Edward stared at me with confusion. I could tell Jameson’s annoyance was rising but I couldn’t care in the slightest. I knew their company’s finances weren’t in the greatest position. Granger had been spending his company’s funds quicker than he was producing. Over the past few years their medicinal production grew stagnant, and the talent was dwindling. Edward exhaled and began to speak.

*“Chairman, if you don’t mind my asking, what exactly did you want this meeting for?”*

Fair question.

*“Actually VP, my interest is in Chairman Granger’s daughter, I-”*

Before I could finish, Jameson’s eyes beamed with joy.

*“Well, why didn’t you say so! You didn’t have to hold this meeting. If you were interested in my Sophie all you had to do-”*

*“I’m sorry Chairman, who is Sophie?”*

Jameson looked at me with confusion. For some reason he thought I was referring to his idiot daughter Sophie. I’d done my research on the other Granger daughter, I’m not sure what the spell was she’d cast on her father, but there was nothing special about her at all. She was a lackluster student at best that clearly only got into the schools she went to because of her father’s connections.

*“Who’s Sophie? She’s my daughter. How could you be interested in her and not know her name?”*

I could see Edward slightly roll his eyes in annoyance; we clearly were on the same page. Clearly his throat, he began to speak.

*“Um, Jameson I think the Chairman is referring to your other daughter, Clara.”*

Jameson shot Edward hard glare.

*“Why on earth would he be interested in her!”*

His voice raised higher than a normal tone. Clearly his held a disdain for her, though I wasn’t sure why, I had my speculations. Looking over at my assistant Owen, I gave the signal it was time to leave. Clearly I would have to think of another way to work with Clara. Standing up, I could see panic rising in both Jameson and Edward’s eyes. Edward held his hand up.

*“Wait a second Chairman Tyler! If you’re interested in working with Clara, you made the right decision coming here.”*

Jameson shot Edward a cooled glare. You could clearly tell they were not on the same page, and I had no time for games.

*“VP Lawrence, with all due respect, it doesn’t look like you and your chairman are on the same page. I came here for one reason only; I want to work with Clara Rouleau. If she’s not here there’s no reason I would be.”*

As we turned to walk out, Edward spoke again. This time with urgency in his tone.

*“Ch-Chairman wait! Look, we never said Clara wouldn’t be here.”*

I stopped walking and turned slowly, staring directly at Jameson.

*“Is that right?”*

As Jameson glared back at me, Edward continued.

*“Well, of course. I mean with all due respect, after she’s finished with her degree she’s of course going to work for her father’s company. That stands to reason does it not?”*

He had a point, in fact that was the whole reason I decided on this meeting. I assumed she would naturally come here once she graduated. Jameson decided to chime in, this time his expression was more relaxed and his tone slightly smug, although you could still see the subtle hint of annoyance.

*“Edward is right. My daughter will undoubtedly come to JGP after she graduates from Lexington, so if you want to work with her you will have to work with us.”*

My annoyance reached its breaking point. I was curious though, something told me Jameson had no idea about what his daughter had accomplished during her two years at Lexington so far. I decided to put that theory to a test.

*“Tell me something Granger, are you aware of why I’m so interested in your daughter?”*

Jameson’s face twisted up, and at that moment, he realized he never even asked WHY or WHAT my interest in Clara was.

Scoffing, he began to speak.

*“Look Taylor, I’m afraid I don’t have time for riddles. Whatever your reasons, the matter still stands, Clara will be at JGP so if you want to work with her, you’ll have to make a deal with us.”*

Edward looked at his partner with exasperation, clearly this wasn’t how he wanted this meeting to go, but Jameson’s arrogance overpowered it.

I let out a light chuckle and scoffed.

*“You really don’t know do you?”*

I looked over at Edward who now looked as if he wanted to faint. Suddenly, I noticed an invitation on the table for a gala. I walked over and picked it up reading its contents. It looks like Granger was throwing a graduation Gala for his precious mediocre daughter. Just then, an idea formed in my head, smiling smugly I walked over to Jameson.

*“This gala, is Clara going to be there?”*

Before Jameson could answer, Edward interjected.

*“Of course she is! She’ll be there to celebrate her sister graduating high school! In fact, this invitation was for you as Jameson was hoping to invite you after we made our deal. Isn’t that right Jameson?”*

Edward looked over at his partner with nervous eyes. I chuckled slightly.

*“High school huh? I’d almost forgot she and Clara are the same age since Clara has already completed two years of college.”*

Jameson’s face twisted up, he knew exactly what I was insinuating. Speaking with Edward but keeping my eyes on Jameson, I continued.

*“I’ll tell you what, after I meet with Clara, I’ll make my decision. The proposal we have would lock JGP in on a multi-billion-dollar deal for research and medicinal creation.”*

Both Jameson and Edward’s eyes bulged. ‘Did that catch your attention Granger.’ I nodded to Owen; it was time to go. I’d wasted enough time on this jerk.

Owen looked over at me with slight amusement, he knew better than anyone what working with Clara meant to me and was eager to see what my next plan was. Handing him the invitation I made a request.

*“Find out everything you can on Clara’s relationship with her father.”*

Owen smirked.

*“I assumed you mean the relationship he doesn’t want people to know about.”*

I faintly smiled at Owen; he knew me too well.