His Dangerous Love On Ice Chapter 136: Zane's Pov

"Yes," I confirmed. "As long as I remain anonymous. No public announcements. No board meetings where I have to show my face. I run things from the shadows."

"Done," Grayson agreed immediately.

"And one more thing," I added. "Whoever is after your company—whoever threatened you—they won't come after you or your family. I'll make sure of that."

Grayson studied my face, searching for something.

"I believe you," he said finally.

"Good." I turned toward the door. "I believe that's all for now."

"Actually," Grayson said, stopping me. "Since we're going to be business partners, I need to give you an update. About Olive."

I turned back immediately, my entire body going tense again.

"She's currently working at your company," Grayson said.

My brows furrowed. "My company?"

"The Mercer Company," he clarified. "She was transferred there yesterday for a project. The AI Quantum brand collaboration between Hopkins and Mercer. And—"

He paused, studying me carefully.

"You haven't received the notification, have you?"

As if on cue, my phone rang.

I pulled it out and saw it was from one of my assistants at the Mercer Company—the one who handled all my brand partnerships.

I answered. "What?"

"Mr. Mercer," the assistant said nervously. "You have an appointment at the Mercer Company offices for the AI Quantum project assessment. Miss Olive Monroe sent a confirmation email for your attendance."

My hand clenched around the phone.

"When did you receive this email?" I asked, my voice dangerously quiet.

"Last night, sir."

"You received it last night," I repeated slowly, "and you're just telling me now?"

My voice came out sharp, cutting him off before he could make excuses.

"I'm sorry, sir," he stammered. "But you specifically instructed me not to inform you of any appointments until today. You said you were busy and didn't want to be disturbed."

I closed my eyes, remembering my own goddamn words.

I'd been so wrapped up in dealing with my father's situation that I'd told all my assistants to hold non-urgent messages.

"When is the meeting?" I asked through gritted teeth.

"It's been rescheduled to 10:30 AM, sir. This morning."

I checked my watch. That gave me exactly forty-five minutes.

"I'll be there," I said and ended the call.

Only one thought consumed my mind: I was going to see Olive Monroe.

Even if it was purely business. Even if she refused to look at me. Even if she hated me for what I'd done.

I was going to see her.

And then I was going to ask her why the fuck she'd been avoiding me for a week.

I turned back to find Grayson watching me with an expression that looked almost like amusement.

"I guess you received the message?" he asked.

"Yes," I said flatly. "It came later than expected."

I started walking toward the door, and Grayson fell into step behind me.

"So what are you going to do now?" he asked.

I stopped at the door and turned to look at him.

"I'm going to officially work with your daughter," I said. "And I hope she's as competent as you believe. Because if she's not—"

I let the implication hang in the air.

"She is," Grayson said with absolute certainty.

"We'll see," I replied.

And I walked out, my mind already racing ahead to what I was going to say when I saw her.

How I was going to handle seeing her face again after a week of silence.

How I was going to keep myself from crossing that conference room and pulling her into my arms regardless of who was watching.

Because the truth was, I'd meant every word I said to Grayson.

I would burn the world down for Olive Monroe.

And if working with her—even in this cold, professional capacity—was the only way to be near her right now?

Then I'd take it.

Even if it kills me.