Chapter 7

On Monday, I arrived at the office earlier than usual, beating Lyra by mere seconds. She was surprised to see me and followed me into my office, asking if there was an emergency. 
“Do I need a reason to show up at work at this time?” I retorted. 
“Of course not,” she said but I didn’t miss the worried look that crossed her face briefly. “It’s just that you have never been here before nine before. Is everything okay?”
“Yes,” I said. “Now, go find something to do.” 
She dumped her handbag on the desk and folded her arms stubbornly. “After last time, I thought …”
“That I would be depressed for the whole week?” I chuckled. “Please.”
“Okay. What’s really going on?” Her eyes dilated in confusion. “What am I missing?”
“Nothing?” I said with a careless shrug. 
“Something isn’t right.” she said skeptically. “You seem… I don’t know. I wouldn’t say happy but you have this zeal. I haven’t seen you this way for a long time.”
“Maybe you should get used to the new me,” I said smugly. “She’s here to stay.” 
Lyra gave me a dubious look. “I hope that’s a good thing.” 
“Speaking of work,” I changed the subject. “We have a second date to plan for tomorrow.” 
She pulled her eyebrows together. “Claire and Aaron? I thought Claire was flying to Europe for a couple of days.”
“No,” I said. “Our high priority clients.” 
“Who?” 
“Are you sure you don’t know who they are? I should fire you for gross negligence, you know,” I said, relishing in her confusion.
She shook her head from side to side. “Enlighten me.” 
I cleared my throat. “Cristo and Suzan.”
“They want a second date?” She exclaimed. Realizing her mistake, she adjusted her facial expression. “I didn’t realise it would be that soon.” 
“Yes,” I stressed, slightly irked by how she was handling me with kid gloves. “Schedule a lunch date. Somewhere fancy but not too crowded.” 
“Got it.”
Lyra did as she was told and this time, there was no news about Cristo and Suzan on the tabloids. I sensed Lyra still didn’t believe I was ready to move on from the whole Cristo situation and made sure to spare me from the anguish of reading about them being labelled New York’s iconic power couple or even better, ultimate couple goals. 
I appreciated her generosity of course but it didn’t mean that I needed it. As long as the bloggers didn’t make up stuff to spice up their stories, I saw no reason to deny them a chance to make money. Besides, it reflected well on our company if the background story was leaked. It could help to wipe the stain that Blair had painted on my name. The whole world would know that I was in the industry for business and not to poach the world’s most privileged sons for myself. 
It seemed like we were doing a fine job because in the span of just fourteen days, they had gone on three official dates. That was the usual limit of our control. From there, they were free to go on unsupervised dates. Since membership lasted for eight months, they were free to write to me if they needed my advice. In the event that they broke up, they could come back again and we would match them with other people. That rarely happened though and given the nature of Cristo’s deal with Selene, it was even less likely that they would need my services again. 
After discussing it with Suzan, I arranged for Selene to finally meet her. Not to scare her away, I told her that Mrs. Caron was a huge fan of her works and wanted to meet her before everyone else. 
“She loves your work,” I lied through my teeth. “Especially your most recent project in Africa.”
Thank God for social media, I muttered to myself.  
Suzan blushed. “Really?” 
Wow. She really is smitten with Cristo. That was so fast. 
“Yeah,” I reassured. “She thinks she can collaborate with you for her upcoming project in Greece.”
I hope this doesn’t come up in their conversations or I’m screwed. 
Suzan swallowed my lie, casting me a wide smile. “In that case, I can’t wait to meet her.” 
I left Suzan’s office feeling slightly guilty for manipulating her. In my defense, it was for the benefit of everyone concerned. If she broached the subject of charities, maybe Selene would do something selfless for a change. Maybe Suzan would be the person to change the Carons. The world would be a better place if more people like her existed. 
 “Suzan is a great girl,” Selene said when she came to see me in my office. “I like her.” 
I couldn’t tell if the praise was genuine. If there was someone I could never take their word for it, it was Selene Alexakis. The woman was a skilled manipulator and an excellent liar. On the few occasions I interacted with her, I was always tempted to ask her why she didn’t pursue a career in acting. What she had was an untapped talent that would have seen her win an Oscar if she had cared enough to join the industry. 
“She is,” I echoed. “Cristo and her seem to really like each other.” 
Selene gave an approving smile. “I knew I could trust you. You’ve exceeded my expectations.” 
“Thank you,” I said, ignoring the sound of my heart thumping in my ears. “So, what did you two talk about?”
“Oh, mostly about her work. You know, their family business and stuff.” 
I exhaled. So the subject of Suzan’s hobbies didn’t come up. Poor Suzan. If only she knew the person she met was a clown. The real Selene Alexakis is a sycophant and opportunist.  
“They are powerful people,” Selene went on. “Did you know that Mr. Abrams recently commissioned a hospital to be built in China?” 
They did? Why do I get the sense they are richer than the Carons? The members of the Three Commas Club liked to hide their wealth making their net worth inaccurate. This was likely the case with the Abrams too because I didn’t notice much difference when I was doing my research on them too. No wonder Selene was over the moon. 
“I wasn’t aware,” I admitted. 
“It’s a teaching hospital. The official launch is in a few weeks,” Selene said, smiling like a Cheshire cat. “By that time, Cristo and Suzan will be engaged. Can you imagine the powerful people who will be in attendance? The Who’s-who of the Abrams’ circle of friends. I hope it occurs to Cristo use the opportunity to mingle.” 
Enough with the bragging. My ears are bleeding, I wanted to scream. 
“I can see how this will benefit Alexakis Enterprises,” I said sarcastically. Selene was too distracted to detect the edge in my tone. 
“John can finally retire in peace,” she mused.
“Yeah,” I said robotically. Why was she still in my office again? To rub it in my face that Cristo will soon be off the market?
“I want your opinion on something,” she said suddenly. “I appreciate what you have done so far but I just want to be sure, you know.” 
I nodded for her to go on. 
“Between Blair and Suzan, who do you think is most suited for him?” She asked, studying my face carefully. 
I had the feeling I was about to go on record so I summoned a placid smile. “With all due respect Mrs. Caron, that’s up to Cristo to decide.” 
“But you must have a favourite,” she teased. 
Seriously? What game was she playing? 
“They are both my favourites. It’s why I chose them from a pool of ten other applicants,” I said. “Whomever he chooses is perfect for him.” 
Selene nodded. “I understand why you might think it’s unprofessional. But I promise this is between you and me.”
“Why don’t you give me your opinion of each of the ladies and maybe I can help you from there?” I said to buy time. “Let’s start with Blair.” 
Blair and Crito were yet to go on a date but that wasn’t happening soon for a number of reasons. One, Cristo and Suzan were getting along just fine and until one of them complained that it wasn’t working, a second match wouldn’t be considered. Two, Blair and Cristo were previously an item so if her turn arrived, I planned to suggest that they see a counsellor. I would have doubled as matchmaker and relationship coach but it would have been too awkward. I didn’t need to hear about the intimate details of their relationship or that I was partly to blame for their break up. 
“Fair enough,” she agreed. “There is no doubt that Blair would be able to help revive Alexakis Enterprises. Her determination is unrivalled. She is so focused and never afraid to take on a challenge.” 
“But?” 
“She is childish. I have had enough of her drama.” Selene laughed. “On the other hand, Suzan is a go getter like Blair. Her sense of style is wholesomely appropriate too. But… I fear her aspirations may not exactly align with what the Carons want. She is like Mother Teresa but with better hair.” 
I had to laugh at her last statement.  
“You fear she might change Cristo?” The words flew out of my mouth before I could think them over. 
“Yes,” she answered firmly. “But she is better connected than Blair so I guess that puts Cristo in a real tight spot. What is your professional opinion?” 
“That’s a tough question,” I exhaled through my mouth. How could I even phrase it? If I put my hate aside for Blair, Suzan still won. Unlike her, Suzan would never embarrass Cristo. She was wise and could always find a solution for almost everything without resorting to manipulation as was Blair’s style. Cristo needed someone like her. If John and Caron could put their son’s needs first, they would realize that she’s an absolute gem. 
“Honestly? I can’t choose,” I said, making sure to sound convincing. “Why don’t you and Cristo try to know Suzan better? In the process, he can make up his mind.” 
“That’s the thing, Lilith.” She crossed her arms. “We don’t have much time.” 
“A month should be enough,” I advised. “They can go on more dates.” 
“No,” she said. “Cristo has a week to make up his mind.” 
My jaw hit the jaw. “A week? That’s… too soon.” 
I refrained from using the word ‘nuts’. 
“If he wasn’t throwing tantrums and managing the company like it’s a high school social club, he would have had the whole of eternity to date,” she complained. 
I was dumbfounded. So that was it? Cristo was getting married? Just like that?  
“I know you think this might be a little premature,” Selene said, misinterpreting my silence. “But I can’t control my excitement.”  
She dug her hand into her handbag and pulled out a small box. 
This can’t be what I think it is. No!
“This is the ring that John’s dad used to propose to his mother,” she said shyly as she opened the box to reveal a light pink, oval diamond ring with at least seven carats. It reflected the light, sending rays that mocked me. 
Shit. 
I completely froze. I couldn’t move my hands or my mouth. My heart felt like someone was ripping it out through my chest. 
“It’s beautiful,” I managed. My voice sounded weak and distant. “I’m sure Suzan… or Blair, will love it.”
“Thank you.” Selene beamed. “I was speechless too when I first saw it. It’s a family heirloom.” 
I was saved from further mental torture when Selene’s phone vibrated. She glanced at the screen and rose from her seat. 
“I have to leave but I will be in touch soon,” she said as she dropped the small box back into her Dior bag.
 When Selene left, I dropped my head between my hands and exhaled loudly. I didn’t expect the sight of a pretty rock to take my breath away and leave a dull ache in my heart. I thought I was coming to terms with what was going on around me. I thought I could push away the pain. I thought I was stronger. 
You thought wrong, said the small voice in my face. 
“Hey.” It was Lyra. 
Quickly, I readjusted my posture and put on a brave face. 
“What was that about?” Lyra said, glancing at the door warily as if expecting Selene to come back.  
“You are so nosy.” It came out more harshly than I intended. 
A wounded look sealed her eyes. “Sorry. I didn’t mean…” 
“No, I’m sorry.”  I waved. “She showed me Cristo’s grandmother’s ring.”  
Lyra’s mouth hung open.  
“And asked who I thought should be her daughter-in -law.” I laughed. “Sometimes I swear that woman knows about me and Cristo and she is just doing this to punish me.”
“What the hell?” Lyra said, collapsing on the chair Selene previously occupied. 
“Distract me.” I massaged my temples. “Please.” 
“I have some good news.”
“Not even bad news could be worse than this,” I groaned.  
 “We have gone live!” Lyra squealed. 
“What?” 
“The website. You know, the one that you and Hugo Evans own?” 
We talked a bit about Hugo and then I went home. Lyra asked me to watch some crappy TV show to forget about what had happened. 
In the morning as soon as I switched on my TV, a headline popped on the screen: 
WHY IS SUZAN ABRAM’S SEXUALITY A WELL GUARDED SECRET?
Cristo Caron’s new girlfriend is rumored to be hiding her sexual orientation and using her ex Aron (and probably Caron too) as some sort of security blanket. According to Abrams’ classmate from Princeton who refused to be named, the twenty seven year old was ‘close’ with Charlie Wyland, her best friend to date.
“Suzan had a big crush on her,” she said. “You could see it from the way she looked at her. Or how Suzan’s face lit up when Charlie walked into the room.”
Could it be a case of bisexuality? It’s the question many of us are asking ourselves. However, a confession by a family friend seems to shed more light into the issue. The source claims that as a teenager, Suzan tried to date girls but her parents ‘forced’ her to be straight. They actively set her up with their friends’ sons, making it clear that Miss Abrams didn’t have a choice in the matter. Eleanor and Simon argued that they were protecting her from backlash but we can’t help but conclude that it was their own reputation and family succession they were concerned about. 
A year ago when Aron and Suzan parted ways, she was asked how she was coping with the breakup and she confessed that she was yet to experience true love. 
“I miss my ex but it’s more like nostalgia,” she told a friend. “I have never really been with someone and felt like I would walk through fire for them. Well, I have once but the universe was intent on working against us.” 
Was she referring to Miss Wyland?  
“WHAT THE HELL?” I yelled as I closed my laptop with so much force that I feared the hinges had disconnected.   
Suzan and Charlie? Her married friend? Are they out of their minds? 
“THIS IS BULLSHIT!” I shouted, not caring if the people walking down the street below heard me. Placing the computer on the balcony chair, I furiously tied the blue robe tighter around my waist and trotted through to my bedroom. 
My thumbs danced over the screen of my phone as I tried to think. 
Which heinous person had done this? As far as I was concerned, Suzan was heterosexual and I had no reason to doubt that. That’s what it had said in her application. But even if she did like women, how dare someone expose her this way without her consent? 
My clients trusted me. I made it clear that we didn’t judge them and also, our generation was far more accepting of sexual preferences so they really had no reason to lie. 
As their matchmaker, I was someone they paid to help them find love. They were well aware that if they weren’t upfront with me, I could match them with the wrong person. If that happened, I was completely blameless. Our agreement was a contract whose goal could only be achieved if there was complete faith. 
Whilst I couldn’t discredit the rumor based on what Suzan had previously told me, the Abrams didn’t strike me as callous people. When Suzan talked about them, there wasn’t a trace of bitterness but rather, pride. She admitted that they had set really high standards for her but it was only so that she could become the person she had the potential to be in future. And from the look of things, they had done a good job raising her. 
 From what I could tell, Eleanor and Simon challenged her. It was never about changing the person she was. Or their reputation. They just pushed their daughter because they believed in her. This story bore no credence. 
I searched the article and read through it for the second time. That’s when I realized something else. It wasn’t about either the Abrams or Charlie. They were just collateral damage in the quest for what? Revenge? I didn’t even know what the motive was. Suzan was a force to be reckoned with, someone clearly envied her success.  
Whoever it was that did this, had wanted to paralyze Cristo and Suzan’s relationship before it blossomed into something more intense. By painting Suzan as a hypocrite who only dated men because she feared her parents, the two were bound to go separate ways. 
Selene was the first person who came to mind. She wasn’t a fan of Suzan. It was more like jealousy actually. Mrs. Alexakis felt threatened by her. If Cristo married Suzan, she would outshine Selene. The former was adored by everyone and it was effortless from her end. She was just born kind, unlike Selene who had to put on a fake smile from the moment she exited her compound. 
However, I crossed her off the list on the grounds that she wasn’t so stupid as to risk her family’s reputation should it be leaked that the Alexakis-Carons were behind it. Second, Selene was caught between a rock and a hard place. Knowing her, it was likely that she would sacrifice her status as one of the most inspiring female philanthropists in New York and welcome Suzan into her home. The future of Alexakis Enterprises was more promising with Suzan Abrams in the picture. 
Lastly, Mrs. Alexakis didn’t know her son’s weak points. Cristo hated liars. If someone close lied or led him to believe something was true, they could never earn his respect back again. So that only left one person. The only person who, besides me, knew how to strike where it hurt most. 
Blair fucking Halls. 
It had her name written all over it. She had the motive and well, the means. For a schemer, she lacked imagination. It was only a few weeks ago since she spread rumors about me and now she was targeting Suzan? Could she be more transparent? She had to be delusional to think Cristo would forgive her, history or no history. 
I thought I told her not to screw it up. Argh. Why did I ever think this could work? 
The bitch didn’t just hurt Suzan. She complicated my job too. Usually, it wasn’t my responsibility to deal with the media. All I had to do was to organize for my clients to meet so that the party a rumor was being spread about could clear the air. If what was in the tabloids was confirmed to be true, the other party was given time to think about their next steps and get back to me. He or she had to state whether the issue changed the way they viewed my other client and if they were comfortable with the paparazzi meddling in their private life for the next few months.
Suzan’s case was different. Since I knew who the culprit was, I felt like I was partly responsible for the nightmare, like I’d brought it on Suzan or something. I had foreseen something similar happening and it was my fault for not taking stronger precautions. However, the damage had already been done. All that was left was damage control. I had to convince Suzan to simmer down lest she did something stupid like engage with the haters who were calling her all sorts of names. I could deal with the little brat later.  

“Hi Lilith,” Suzan answered the phone, sounding breathless. Was she crying? Shit. It really was worse than I imagined. Had she been reading the comments?
“Hi…” I said, not sure how to broach the topic. How do I calm someone down when they are bawling their eyes out? Telling her to stop crying will not suffice, will it? Damn it, Lilith. Maybe you should have let Lyra handle this. Too late now. 
Realizing I was anything but tactful, I went straight to the point, “I’m assuming you have read the story about Charlie.” 
I heard something fall with a thud. Was she throwing things? I didn’t think she had a tempter. That was strange. 
“Yeah.” She laughed.  “But it will pass. People are so creative and funny, aren’t they?”
She thought it was funny? And she was laughing? Has she lost her marbles? 
“You are not…?”
“Angry? Pissed?” She laughed again. “Of course I don’t appreciate it when people publicly say something about me that’s completely untrue. But this America and we support the freedom of the media. They will soon find someone else to bully.”
“Yes. This is a fleeting cloud,” I agreed halfheartedly. What I wanted to ask her was how she was managing this. How she was managing to hold herself together. If it was me…Well, if it was me, I would have hunted the blogger down already and it would have ended in a bloodbath. 
“It is,” she echoed. “What’s important is that my family and close friends; the people who know me, know it’s a complete lie.”
Did they? Wow. It really must be nice to have people who love you and have your back no matter what, I thought bitterly. 
“So…you haven’t contacted your lawyer?”
“Maybe when I’m done reorganizing my bedroom. I didn’t like the paintings and I have been procrastinating for weeks,” she chuckled. “I wasn’t planning to but I know how this reflects on Cristo.”
“Have you spoken to him?” 
“Yes.”
“How did he um, take the news?” I said, hating how I had to drag it out of her.
“Oh, he thought it was funny. He wouldn’t stop teasing me about it.”
“That’s good then,” I laughed politely. “Have your lawyer handle it. You know, just in case these people are motivated to troll you again.” 
“I couldn’t agree more.”
“Call me if you need my help,” I offered.
“Thank you, Lilith.”  

“YOU JEALOUS, INSECURE, LYING LITTLE BITCH! THIS WAS SUPPOSED TO BE MY FUCKING DAY OFF!” I fumed when I entered Blair’s office. “You just had to drag me out of the house to come and deal with your bullshit, huh?” 
The redhead managed to look innocent. She stopped typing on her computer, sat back and folded her arms.  “What the hell are you talking about?”
I dropped my bag on the floor and went to sit on her desk. Terrified, she pushed back her chair to create more distance between us, which was very wise of her. With the anger bubbling up in my chest, I was tempted to yank her hair by its roots. 
“Are you kidding with me?” I shouted. Blair’s office was the size of a decent two-bedroom apartment but I wouldn’t have been surprised if the assistant had already heard me and decided to call security. 
“I don’t know what you are talking about.” 
I dug out my phone from my trouser pocket and showed her the screenshot. “This.” 
“I…I didn’t do it!” This time, her voice shook and her face blanched like she was about to collapse. She couldn’t look at me and her eyes frantically darted from right to left.
“Yes, you did,” I seethed. “And we both know why.” 
“Why would I expose someone’s secret? Tell me, Lilith. Since you seem to know me so well.” She stiffened her shoulders with fake confidence. 
I rolled my eyes. “Oh please. The whole world knows you want Cristo for yourself. It doesn’t matter if he doesn’t want to be with you, does it? You just have to ruin people’s lives to prove that you are the bully he thinks you are.”
Blair flinched. “Did he tell you that?”
“He didn’t have to. Isn’t it obvious to the whole freaking universe?” I cackled. What was wrong with her? Did she love Cristo so much that she was blind to the unreciprocated effort from his end? 
“Look. You might not fully comprehend why Cristo or any other decent man for that matter, wouldn’t want you so I will break it down for you,” I said with exaggerated patience. “You tried to kill me, amongst other terrible accusations you made to the tabloids. And then, there is the stunt you pulled on Suzan. What I’m trying to tell you is, two wrongs don’t make a right. He hates you now more than he ever did!” 
“So what if I spread the rumor?” She shrugged. “I fight for the people I love, Lilith.” 

“Is he fighting for you?” I scoffed. 
“Not now, but eventually.” She leaned closer. “I want him, all for myself. And I will not sit back and watch another woman marry him. I’m doing something about it. The same can’t be said about you.” 
I smothered a frown. “What are you saying, exactly?”
“You have feelings for him but you are too much of a coward to do something about it.” Her lips stretched to form a sardonic smile. “You are even setting him up with someone else. You know…someone who isn’t you. How pathetic is that?” 
“That’s the thing, Blair.” I shook my head pitifully. “Even when you love someone, you should let them go. Maybe you are just not strong enough or you would have done it already.” 
“You don’t get to flip it over!” Her right hand clenching to form a fist, she brought it to the desk. “You preach respect like it’s something we should all give and receive. Tell me, Lilith. Is Cristo respecting you by asking you to find him a replacement? You are not the only matchmaker in New York. But why you? Huh?  What do you think he is trying to communicate?” 
That was the giant mystery. Unless I asked him myself, I would never understand why. It made perfect sense that he would want to open himself up to different experiences but why did I have to be the one to hook him up? Was he punishing me for what happened with Hugo? I thought he understood. 
“Until you find the answer to that question, don’t lecture me about boundaries.” She smirked. 
I ignored her. “You know what I’m gonna do? I will clean up your mess because apparently, it’s my mess too.” 
“You do that,” she said. “But I have already made my point. We both know it’s the first narrative that the public will believe more.” 
“Which point? Cristo doesn’t believe any of that nonsense.” I laughed. “Your methods need a little tweaking by the way. Next time, don’t pay bloggers.” 
Blair massaged her temples. “The bitch still wins.”
“Maybe you should have thought about it before leaking the ridiculous article,” I retorted. “You are the laughing stock now. How does it feel to lose, Blair?” 
She looked up. “If you think I will let Cristo marry that bitch, then you don’t know me at all.”
A diplomatic talk with Blair was never the answer. You had to be ready to fight back if she struck. If she went to the press about something she made up, you had to be ready to spend a lot of money discrediting ludicrous stories until your slate was wiped clean. Or, better yet, serve her with a taste of her own medicine. But that could backfire on me. I had to find a way to get even with her without resorting to her methods. I needed to blackmail her but first, I had to do a little digging. Surely there was something Blair cared about more than Cristo or her job. A secret she didn’t want to see the light of day. If I could threaten to use it, she could behave. 
“I’m warning you, Blair. If you dare…” 
“If I dare do what?” She leaned closer for a dramatic effect. “What will you do? Kill me?” 
“No,” I laughed. “I’m not the psychopath, remember? That’s you. Not me.” 
“You do realize that you should be thanking me, right?” 
“What are you talking about?” 
“This,” she pulled open a drawer and retrieved an envelope.  “I’m doing the dirty work for you.” 
I snatched it from her and checked its contents. There was a copy of the article I’d read online and a couple of others to be used in future. 
“Thank you. Yeah, right.” I smiled as a story about Suzan in rehab caught my eyes. “If I wanted to sabotage this, I would have come up with better strategies.” 
 “So that it wouldn’t be traced back to you?” She shook her head. “Then what’s the point? You can argue that my methods don’t cover my tracks but they are just as effective. It’s my love language. At least that way, Cristo knows I’m not giving up on him.” 
I rolled my eyes. “You call scheming and manipulating a love language? Attempting to kill me?” 
“Yeah.” She shrugged. 
“You know what, I have better things to do with my time.” I got to my feet. 
 “Lilith,” she called softly. 
I turned. 
“What?” 
“I will fight for the man we both love. I will take the blame,” she said. “But when the dust settles, it's every woman for herself.” 
For once, a part of me didn’t want to argue with her. “Goodbye, Blair.” 
The Billionaire Matching Club Books 1-6
Detail
Share
Font Size
40
Bgcolor