Violet’s words were like a cold splash of water in his face.  How could she say something so heartless? Then he thought about Tyler and Violet’s mother, Violet was never exposed to what a loving and healthy relationship look and felt like, so she didn’t know or believe in it.  She has a long list of trust issues and York couldn’t break down her walls with just the few conversations they had.

“What a coincidence meeting you here.”  Carrie said as she placed a firm and soft smile on her lips.  Her eyes shined gently as she stared down at York and Violet.

“This is Carrie Mener.”  York introduced the two women, however he was annoyed at Carrie for interrupting them.  Now Violet would have a bad impression of him and think that he was exactly like her Father.  Unfaithful and a liar. “Ms. Mener, this is Violet Tate.”

“It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Ms. Tate.”  Carrie said as she smiled brighter. She smiled through her jealousy and anger.  The nicer she was, the more calm she was and the deeper she’ll be able to hide her feelings. “I’ve heard and read a lot about you.  You’ve accomplished so much in such a short span of time, and at such a young age. It’s very admirable.”

“Yes, well, I wish I could say the same thing about you, however I don’t know who you are.”  Violet said as she stared at Carrie.

“Apologies, I’m Carrie Mener, Vice President of Tate Inc.”  Carrie said as she smiled brighter and held her anger back. “You should know my father, Thomas Mener, he was Vice President of Tate Inc. until I took over five years ago.”  

“Ah, no wonder I don’t know you or heard anything about you.  I’ve been gone for 8 years, you must excuse me.” Violet then turned towards York and addressed him.  “No wonder the quality of Tate Inc. has gone down and it’s growth became stagnant. Father must have become senile in recent years.  As the future President of Tate Inc. don’t you think you have to choose your employees wisely?”

“I’ll do as you say and look into implementing an overhaul of the company in the coming days.”  York told Violet hoping to win her trust and make her believe in him.

“I just consulted for you and gave you an advice, it’ll be $9,000.”  Violet told him.

“Ha.”  York snorted out his disbelief, however he was entertained.  She really was as shameless as he is, asking for full payment when she just said a few words. “I believe our agreement was $9,000 an hour for your consultation.  I still have…. 50 minutes left.”

“Very well.”  Violet gave in, however she was enjoying their banter.  

“Do you have anything else you would like to report, Ms. Mener?”  York coldly said.

Carrie had stood awkwardly there the whole time as York and Violet flirted with each other and ignored her completely.  Never in her 30 years has she been so humiliated.

“No.”  Carrie softly said as her smile tightened.  

“Then you’re dismissed.”  York told Carrie as he turned back to speak to Violet.  

Violet tilted her head and drank her wine as she watched Carrie walk away as nonchalantly as she could.  

“Ah, a love rival before we could even begin.”  Violet said as she looked over at York. “So with the many years shadowing my father, you have picked up his skills after all.”  

Violet reached around and pulled his hands and arms off of her body and placed it next to himself.  She then distanced herself away for York and leaned her elbow on the table as she played with her empty wine glass.  

“You men are all the same.”  

“I’m not like them.”  York desperately said as his eyes begged her to believe him.  “You’re misunderstanding me and the situation. There is nothing between me and Ms. Mener.  And I’ve never encouraged her actions.”

“And yet, you’ve known about it for how long and still haven’t put a stop to it?  How cruel of you to let her keep hoping that there could be something between the two of you for so long.  Now that she sees me as a rival, you want to put an end to her fantasies? You think crying wolf will make me believe your words?”  Violet said as she glared at him. “Scum like you, just like my father, make me sick.”

“Violet.”  York whispered.  He felt as if Violet just tore his heart into shreds.  

“You pronounce your intentions towards a woman, declare your love, trust and protection.  And yet have so many bees and butterflies around you, never once trying to get rid of the vermin.  And I’m just suppose to give my all to you, blindingly believe you, when there has been no actions or results to make me believe your declarations and promises.”  

Violet stood up which in turn made York stand up.  

“I would like to leave now.”  Violet told him. “For the 20 minute consult, it’ll be $3,000.”  

“That’s cold, Violet.”  York told her as he made way for her to leave.  

“I’ll give you this advice for free, seeing how we’re related.”  Violet said as she turned to look at him. “For me, there are two things that can never betray me.  Math and money.”