For some offenses, there is only retribution. One Woman's Vengeance ― DENNIS R. MILLER

"Oh no. I totally forgot. I was just going through the annual-" She started belatedly.

"-Ask Claire to show you to the boardroom. I'll be there in five." He hung up abruptly.

Arrogant asshat.

Seeing as how Alex himself was late, his irritable and pompous tone made her skin boil and stomach cramp. She reminded herself yet again that she was here to do a job, not to reminisce or act on her emotions.

Deciding to ask him a few details about his company's past deal, Cat left with her notes and files after getting directions from Claire to the conference room. She apologized to Cat that she should have checked in on her and given a reminder. But Cat assured her it was totally her fault that she'd gotten so busy as to forget about the meeting. Claire was after all Alex's secretary and not hers.

Seated on Alex's right on the rectangular table, she felt hypersensitive to his presence. Ignoring it, Cat tried to focus her attention on the work at hand. The board members were discussing various issues regarding the internal management of the company. She witnessed Alex's ruthless dominating side as the first ever debate about a Government contract popped up.

A gentleman with distinguished gray hair and regal personality questioned Alex, "Your great-great grandfather built this company from the ground up. Your grandfather pushed this company to even bigger heights when he started taking Government contracts. Yet here you sit, cold as ice, and tell us that you will not undertake any more profitable Government contracts."

"We're all aware of this company's golden history and also the fact that my grandfather was an acute businessman. But like, I have previously stated, Mr. Shore my decision is final. We are not going to deal in Government contracts at this time."

"You can't just decide to cut off a major source of our revenue. With the economy being in the greatest slump since the 30's and nixing Project Theta, we decided that any further decisions will be taken by all-"

"I have decided that for the betterment of my company's future - no Government funding and associated work contracts will be entertained as of now. The market is in flux and with big players like Lehman, Merill Lynch plus other financial institutions being supported entirely by short-term funding, we can't take unnecessary risks. Forecasting new policies and measures till the market becomes slightly more stable while shifting focus towards our other ventures is our top priority."

"What? You expect us to just take your word for it. Who knows how long this bear market will last? Our stocks are at an all-time low, our financial subsidiaries are struggling, and with your ban on military contracts now, how exactly is this company going to survive?" Mr. Shore enquired.

In a tone that brooked no argument, Alex's voice was a ribbon of steel, "All the ongoing projects and deadlines will be met as per schedule, but no new projects will be signed. I still own the majority of Knight Inc.'s share capital and it's my name on the building, is it not? The final decision rests with the Chairman and CEO."

After that heated discussion, the meeting continued, but she felt herself observing Mr. Shore with more intensity. He looked like the usual rich and privileged businessman, but the look of pure loathing in his eyes as Alex cut him off made her re-evaluate her opinion. Her ears had also perked up at the mention of Theta Project.

Was it what I came here for?

After the meeting ended Cat decided to make her way back to her office figuring she'd talk to Alex in his office. He was busy mingling and as she'd walked around him when he grabbed her elbow.

"Cat, let me introduce you to my Board. I'm sure a more personal introduction will help you in your report of the company's evaluation."

One after the other she'd met all the other eight members until finally, Mr. Shore stepped up to shake her hand. A chill pervade her bones and she felt Alex inch nearer to her. Cat couldn't tell if it was a protective gesture or a threatening one.

Alex continued in the same affable tone he'd used with the others, "This is Mr. Richard Shore, one of our most valued board members and a dear friend of the family. Rick, meet Ms. Catrina Banning, our military liaison and an old friend."

Mr. Shore regarded her rather intently that belied his charming tone, "Old friend?" His wily brown eyes looked speculatively at Alex and then turned to her, "Ah, I see why Alex is so taken in. I'm at last meeting the infamous Ms. Banning." He chuckled, "Pleasured to meet you, finally."

Bending a little, Rick took her hand and brought it up to his mouth. Quickly realizing his gross intentions, she withdrew her hand and spoke in a more polite tone, "I'm sorry but have we met before?"

"No, I don't think so, my dear. I knew Alex since he was a boy and after Seb, his grandfather got him home, he told me about the girl Alex had been seeing. How he was so broken up over it after she disappeared suddenly before winter break. After all only you could be the one and only-"

"-Rick, I'm sure Cat isn't interested in boring, old stories," Alex remarked with clenched teeth.

The rest of whatever the wily coot had been about to say was lost forever. As Cat politely smiled back at Mr. Shore she saw that Alex's eyes held a silent warning for the older man.

"But I am interested in your stories and I'm sure whatever you must've heard from Alex was biased. Please, Mr. Shore, forgive Alex's rude behavior. He gets grouchy when he doesn't get his way," She volleyed playfully trying to change the tone of this weird encounter.

Or was it to make Alex feel more comfortable?

"Looks like you'll be having your hands full with this one, Alex," Rick chuckled and whispered loudly to her, "Perhaps some other time Ms. Banning when Alex isn't there to supervise whatever I say. I promise to tell you all the scandalous and lurid details."

His eyes gleamed with malevolence that was quickly masked with good humor as he looked up at Alex.

"Please call me Cat and I'll look forward to it. It's been …interesting to meet you," She murmured.

"Likewise," He bent and squeezed her fingers lightly. He turned one last time at the door casting a rapacious look at Alex's back and was gone.