Chapter 6 TRUST ISSUES

Natalia's POV

The moment the question left my mouth, Wesley turned visibly pale.

I couldn't tell if this was just in my head or he truly lost all color suddenly. Was it guilt? Was he here to gang up against me? Did Robert send him here. Was it all a game?

Just as I started to overthink it, he smiled.

"I'm not here for him, if that's what you are thinking." He let out.

Heat flooded my cheeks as an itch of embarrassment crossed my mind but I quickly crossed my arms, covering up my emotions.

"Okay, so why are you here exactly? The last time I checked Diamonds had nothing to do with your company..."

His smile deepened- and I could have sworn I saw a flicker of something in his eyes just before he pocketed his hands.

"I'm actually here because we are looking to partner on a sustainable luxury line with Diamonds," he said but my eyes only narrowed further.

"Mr. Wesley, your company is an energy saving industry. What sort of partnership can you possibly want with a Jelwelry line?"

The same flicker I saw earlier flashed through his eyes again as my questions echoed, intensifying the tension in the room.

"Miss Carson, understand the emotions aren't entirely right and maybe this is wrong timing- but this could be great. Think about it, Jewelry made with ethically sourced metals and lab-grown stones. No blood, no waste, just beauty." He countered, his voice suddenly taking an emotional tone as it softened.

For reasons I couldn't explain, my heart jolted and it felt like I was being the jerk here. I mean, he didn't have to spell it out but he was right...

-Just because his brother broke my heart, it didn't mean I had to close my eyes to potential deals.

Especially one that could help erase the news of Diamond using child labour- thanks to Ciara's administration.

But at the same time, I couldn't just jump on the deal blindly. What if this was all a game?

I let out a sigh and clutched the edge of the large table before me. "Okay, let's assume you are right. And this is truly just a deal. But am I supposed to believe this pitch just happens to come now? After I took over?"

Without flinching, he simply shrugged. "Timing is everything in business."

"And in damage control." I added and he tensed.

It was only a small shift in his posture. Barely noticeable unless you were looking for it- and luckily, I was looking.

His hands pulled out of his pockets and he ran them through his hair in frustration.

"Listen, I know we can build something impressive here," he said. "And I understand you might want some time. I am ready to wait because I have never seen a strong CEO like you in a long time."

Flattery didn't work on me. Especially not from a Brooks. Especially not after what his brother did.

"You contradict yourself Wesley. I thought timing was everything?" I put in watching him intently.

But this time, his smile appeared genuine as he nodded. "If you notice my contradiction it means you have been paying attention. It means, I stand a chance of getting info this partnership."

His reply got to me. I carefully watched him. The tailored suit, charcoal gray with a subtle blue pinstripe sat perfectly on him. His watch- a vintage and understated piece was not flashy but I could tell it was expensive.

The kind of expensive, I knew Robert didn't come close to getting. Maybe he wasn't here to swindle me of my company or hurt me. Maybe he was genuinely just a business man who wanted to make more money...

And maybe partnering with him wouldn't be so bad. I mean, what better way to get back at my ex-husband if not through his own brother?

"Okay then." I clapped my hands. "But I will like to see you proposal. You may send the request via Ciara.

His perfect eyes darkened as he went over my words. "You want to keep working with her? After everything?"

"Well, I have been taught to keep my enemies close... or do you have a problem reaching out to her?" My voice was low, yet calculating as I watched his reception.

He held himself calmly still. Not defensive. Just... present.

Then a light chuckle escaped his throat. A deep gruttal sound that made my stomach knot. "You still think I am working with my brother, don't you?"

"You wouldn't blame my trust issues now, would you?"

"Miss Natalia, I am not Robert."

I tilted my head, unconvinced. "Yet you share a last name."

"That's where it ends." He countered in a calm certainty that made me pause.

There was no flash of anger. No defensiveness. Just a quiet, measured fact.

"I know you have no reason to trust me," he added. "But I admire what you've done here. How you took the reins, cleaned house, didn't blink. That takes grit."

I didn't respond. Because part of me, strangely enough, wanted to believe him- and that was dangerous.

As if my silence troubled him, he nodded and held his chest. "I'll send the proposal as you have suggested. I hope I get a call when you go through it."

"Hmm, sure. I will definitely check it," I said, watching him.

He looked like he had more to say. His eyes still carried that strange glint that I couldn't place. I didn't know if it was guilt, evil or something else.

Whatever it was, remained there as he stiffly nodded and turned away. But just before he completely stepped out of he door, he paused and turned to me.

"Sometimes blood isn't thicker than ambition," he said. "I learned that the hard way."

Then he was gone.