looking innocent. That doesn’t mean she’ll get away with ridiculing me.
“That’s awful generous, Ms. Simons.” It takes great effort not to growl the response. The scowl straining my features bellows the animosity loud enough.
“I’m just doing my job, Mr. Winters. Am I going above and beyond? Perhaps. But you deserve having the most reliable support for these endeavors.”
The way she flips my meaning makes my head spin. I clench my teeth, trying to keep my voice low. “You’re in a clever mood.”
She flutters her lashes at me. “Thank you.”
Paul chuckles while I pay the price of losing my manhood to this ballbuster. If our roles were reversed, I’d probably be laughing too. But, as it sits, this show is being offered at my expense.
The trio across from us exchange a glance. Betty is the one to speak. “Just goes to show that everyone needs reinforcements in their corner. You can’t do it all alone. Right, Landon?”
I will admit no such thing. No one has dared to address me in such an outlandish manner while under the pretense of being professional. That’s the only reason my composure is floundering. “That depends on the situation.”
Riley is studying me like there’s an unsolved puzzle on my forehead. “I didn’t take you for a team player.”
“I’m not,” I retort.
“Oh, who are you kidding?” The dramatic swat Vannah gives my shoulder is almost comical. This woman should be an actress. She missed her calling. There’s a shelf of unclaimed awards with her name on them. Without further delay, she dives back in. “Landon loves getting my opinion. I was surprised at first, since he’s obviously well versed in making money and investing wisely. But who am I to disagree with his methods?”
A sizzle skates across my skin as I deflect her atrocities. What the fuck is she trying to accomplish? “You’re overstepping, Savannah.”
“Are you finally ready to take the lead on this? I’m so proud of you.” Her wink is the icing on this shit sundae.
Three matching smiles are aiming at Vannah. They’re eating the trash she’s serving by the mouthful. Fury seeps under my defenses with every labored inhale. Investing in their solar panels might’ve been a grave mistake, extremely profitable or not. This is backfiring faster than I can salvage the wreckage.
The tie around my neck suddenly feels too constricting. I reach to loosen the knot, but falter at the last moment. Showing weakness to this woman is an error I won’t make again. She can’t know how her behavior—her sheer proximity—affects me.
At our ongoing silence, Vannah takes the opportunity to plow full steam ahead. “I keep telling him to have more confidence, and not rely so heavily on me. But alas, here I am. Maybe I should take it as a compliment that Mr. Winters refuses to accept any info as fact without me approving it first.”
And that’s the last straw.
I need to end this charade before she gains more momentum from her captivated audience. With a definitive slap, I slam my folder shut. “I need to speak with Ms. Simons in private.”
Vannah cups a palm around her mouth, stage-whispering to them. “Mr. Winters probably wants to compare notes before moving forward. His shortcomings can be somewhat of a touchy subject and I’ve revealed too many secrets. He’s super private about his strategies.”
“Enough,” I bark.
“See?” She nods at me as if they require a visual to connect the dots.
I seethe quietly while pretending she doesn’t exist. “We’ve seen enough numbers for one morning. Any concerns can be discussed over email. We can reconvene later next week. Feel free to show yourselves out.”
Betty, Paul, and Riley just gape at me. I’m too far gone to consider how this will impact our working relationship.
Vannah waves at them with the exuberance of a child hyped up on cotton candy. “Bye for now. It was wonderful to meet you.”
I grip her elbow and stalk from the room. “You’re coming with me.”
“Someone’s in a hurry,” she coos.
I haul us into my office, slamming the door behind me. “What the fuck was that?”
She crosses her arms and leans against the wall opposite me. “I could ask you the same question.”
“This is my investment you’re fucking with. They probably think I’m an idiot.” I wonder if there’s steam pouring from my ears. It sure feels like it, based on the heat spouting off my head.
“Oh, I’m sorry. Did I spoil your fun?”
“You fucking steamrolled me,” I spew.
Vannah snorts. “Hello, Pot. Can I introduce you to Kettle?”