Sleeping With The CEO
Chapter 265: Preparation Is Key

Chapter 265: Preparation Is Key

"Oh my goodness, Der-bear! I cannot believe we get to spend time together. The last time we talked, I thought that I would never see you again. Well, not see you, see you.. We see each other around a lot. I just thought you would be too busy to talk to me, like you were last time. Oh my goodness this is so exciting, Der-bear," Only years of practice kept Cassandra Haven from outwardly flinching at the girl’s too loud voice.

How could anything sound so shrill and annoying?

She definitely understood why her son was not romantically interested in the girl.

Not only was Penelope’s voice far too loud for anyone to be able to endure on a regular basis. She also did not seem to have much thought going on upstairs. She would make an awful girlfriend. There was no way she was even in consideration for the running as the next Mrs Haven.

But that was not what the current meeting was about. For you see, Cassandra Haven had a plan and the girl, as stupid and loud as she was, would do well in that plan.

Sitting between Cassandra, and Penelope was none other than Derek himself. He did not look as though he was enjoying himself at all. In fact, he had barely said a word, choosing instead to just sip quietly at his drink and to be honest, Cassandra wanted to do the same. But she had to play host and pseudo matchmaker. It was Friday evening and it had taken a lot of arm twisting for her to get Derek to come over to the manor.

After all, Fridays were the days when he met up with that gold digger of his.

And just looking at the way that Derek kept glancing at his watch in a not-so-subtle manner. He wanted nothing more than to be away from the manor, and with her.

It was irritating, but Cassandra could bear it. When she was done, her son would see that woman for exactly what she was, and would not be thinking about her at all. Too busy moving on with his life, and marrying somebody more appropriate who did not see him as just a bag of money.

"Mother, as lovely as catching up with you, and the lovely Penelope has been, I have an appointment in the city, I must ...umm...go..." Derek finished lamely, and Cassandra resisted the urge to shake her head.

Clearly the situation was worse than she’d thought. Derek was a better liar than that. For him to come up with something so awful, he was clearly severely compromised.

That woman really had her claws dug in deep.

Luckily, Cassandra knew just what to do to get them out. Casting her eyes to the side, she made contact with one of the maids and the young girl nodded, signalling that she had carried out the little mission that had been laid out for her.

"Take pictures of my son with the girl I invite tonight," It was a simple order, and Cassandra was certain it had been executed well, which meant that Penelope was no longer needed.

"Oh, of course, you are a busy young man. Just remember that Paul and Rachel’s engagement party is coming up. We should discuss more on it. Attending would open a few doors," Cassandra said, standing. Then she turned to Penelope. Penelope, "It has been lovely spending the evening with you," It had not been lovely at all. There was only so much an unintelligent conversation about TV shows, and the latest fashion trends Cassandra could take.

"But I need to discuss some business with my son before he leaves. Would you mind going on ahead so that the two of us can talk?" Penelope looked like she minded a whole lot. But when she opened her mouth. Clearly intending to state her objection, Cassandra infused just enough coldness into her voice, and her eyes to let the young lady know that it was not a suggestion.

"Please, I will have one of the maids see you out," Penelope nodded hastily, with that she stood, and one of the staff showed up to escort her to her car. The girl leaving the outdoor patio without a backwards glance. Cassandra relaxed knowing that the girl would be seen out.

With those types, it never hurt to be sure that they were truly gone and not lurking around, eavesdropping.

"Walk with me, Derek," Cassandra said, and her son stood as well.

As they made their way through the manor grounds. Derek grew more impatient the longer they walked, and nothing was said.

"Mother, I really do have important business to attend to in the city. Is there anything that you wanted to talk to me about?"

Looking up from where she was inspecting a leaf, Cassandra turned fully towards her son.

Infusing softness into her voice, so that he was more at ease. She addressed him.

"Derek, you would tell me if there was anyone important in your life, right?"

He took a breath, and for a moment he seemed to hesitate, like there was something he wanted to say. But then he shook his head. "Of course, mother, I would. Where is this question coming from all of a sudden?" Cassandra shrugged.

"Oh, nothing. Just a mother being nosy. Is there anyone though?" She pressed. Derek paused, looking at her.

He opened and closed his mouth several times, and then he shook his head again.

"No, mother, there is not," And Cassandra had to bite back a sigh of relief. In all honesty, her reason for the visit had been twofold. At first it had been to gather pictures of Derek and Penelope together. Then it had been to make sure that whatever it was that Derek had going on with that girl in the city. He had not become too emotionally invested.

It was one thing for her to go after a girl who had ill intentions towards her son. But she did not want to hurt him along the way.

Derek was not collateral damage. He was someone to be treasured. She was doing this to protect him, and with him admitting that there was no one important in his life. That meant that the girl, even though she had managed to wiggle her way close to him.

Had not yet made it to his heart.

So that meant Cassandra could tear apart the frail bond that was forming between them, without worrying about her son. They talked for a little while after that, and then Cassandra let him leave, watching as her son all but ran to his car. No sooner had Derek disappeared, Cassandra felt a presence next to her.

There was nothing about him that stood out. Dark hair, even darker eyes, a slight build, very easy to forget in public. And that was why he was one of the best information gatherers that Cassandra had. "Speak," She commanded, and Alexander fed her with information on the gold digger. Someone close to home.

Emily Molson, personal assistant to her son.

...Lives with her mother, father dead. Went over to the penthouse every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. There was obviously more to be unearthed, and Cassandra dismissed Alexander with an order for him to do just that.

The attack on Emily Molson would be in defence of her son. She could not afford to go in unprepared.