Chapter 17: Chapter 17

The security officers caught up to him before he could escape. He pretended to be surprised.

" Who told you to do it? Asked Audrey coldly

" I don't know what you're talking about. Why am I here? I'm just a bartender" he retorted

" Say it or I'll hand you to Mr. Hamilton" she threatened to make him shudder. He was trembling like a scared puppy.

" I wasn't aware of its content. Someone gave the wine to me that's all I can remember"

" Perhaps this will help," said a cold voice. Audrey stepped out of way surprised to see him

" I'm telling the truth. Okay, I'll tell you who gave it to me. Ava maxwell. It's her. Yes it's her" he said still trembling in fear

" Liar! Ava will never hurt anyone. You're lying" she snapped hitting him

" Perhaps this will refresh your memory," said Lucas giving him a dirty slap that can disable the face. He couldn't feel his face for almost twenty minutes. He couldn't utter a word. The shock alone makes the security officers step out. Audrey sighed. He surely isn't her type. He's too connected.

" Does that jog your memory? He asked fiercely as he wets himself

" Great. Another mute" he muttered staring at his hands which was extremely strong.

" I'll have him arrested but he's lying Ava will not do that. She has no means to. I've known her for years. She's like a sister to me" she said ready to go on and on till he learns the truth

" Audrey, I'll be the judge of that. I'm meeting her tomorrow, right? Leave the boy to me. You've done your job and it's a fine one. "He said ordering his guards to bring the boy.

" You'll listen to her right? Please listen. That company is her sweat. Please Sir Lucas" she pleaded. If she knew it was going to turn out like this she wouldn't have. Told him about the investigation.

" Manager, don't cross the line. I said I'll be the judge of that" he emphasized in anger. She can't lose respect for him because of their previous encounter.

" I'm not crossing the line here. I want you to give her a listening ear. She means the world to me so does the wine industry" she stated earning a scornful look from him. He left the room without a word.

Within seconds Lucas released their warehouse but still wanted to see Ava. His interrogation produced results so fast but he didn't tell her what he found out.

The day of the meeting arrived. Audrey took her to her office to talk.

" Ava, please make me proud. He's a difficult man but he listens ok? I'm counting on it. Just ignore his coldness and express yourself. "

" Relax Audrey. I know how to handle clients like him. When did you get closer to him? She asked suspiciously

"I don't know since the poisoning incident I guess. Anyway explain your position to him "

" I got it. He's a difficult man right? I can handle him. Just relax. Go and boss people around. " She said playfully

" Ok good luck with the devil. " She whispered then left.

Lucas arrived one hour late. He sat down and took a sip of the coffee after the waiter left.

" Mr. Hamilton, it's a pleasure to meet you. I'm honored to be here. Many have tried to see you but failed I guess luck is on my side" she flattered smiling

" Why are you here?. He went straight to the point ignoring her ranting

" I'm Ava maxwell: the owner of starlight wines. My acting CEO said you accused us of theft hereby issuing a lawsuit on us. And my warehouse was seized though it was released. I want to clear my name. I shouldn't have trusted Ian. He wanted to bankrupt my company using you as a shield. I apologize for causing you trouble" she explained while he was busy operating his PC.

" Here's the evidence. The wine that was delivered wasn't mine. Ian swapped it. He's in police custody as we speak. I hope this won't affect our partnership? She asked curiously

" hmm. Does it depend on your proposal?

" I'll replace all damaged wine and issue a refund for damage repair. I'm truly sorry Mr. Hamilton" she apologized sincerely

" And my health that was put on the line?

" If you like I can hand Ian to you" she suggested making him grin. She's talented indeed. She knows how to strike a bargain. He was impressed.

" You got it. Problem solved. You can go" he stated standing up from the chair he noticed David's presence and frowned. Ava followed his gaze and smirked. It seems the big bad wolf wants Audrey to ride him.

She went to Audrey and smiled

" I told you I can handle him. He agreed. Your investigation was a big help. Thank you so much " she announced hugging her. She held her tight staring at his exiting back. She had mixed affection. Did he do it because of her or was it strictly business? She recalled his touch and caresses. It's not worth it. There's no way he liked her. She has that effect on men maybe he's one of them. All they want is her sexy body but he doesn't like women. She shook it off. He'll check out soon. problem solved.