11: Chapter 11 – Slow and steady

Chapter 11 – Slow and steady

Sabrina and Devin's packaged food arrived when Martin said, "I guess I arrived late." He meant that the siblings would soon be leaving. Inching close to Sabrina, he asked fervently, "Can we talk somewhere private?"1

The corner of Sabrina's lips raised but her eyes were emotionless. Politely, she responded, "Mister Dane, I divorced my husband 24 hours ago and in order to not waste your time, I will say it plainly. I am nowhere near ready to enter into any relationship."

Martin's eyes dulled and Robin was looking the other way. He knew that Sabrina was finding it hard to get over Robin but never comprehended this part of her ambition. Martin was rather surprised by how she saw through him so easily.

"God, you are so raw. I wanted to talk about business."

Sabrina shook her head. She could not be fooled. The only time someone fooled her was when she fell in love with Robin. Having his seed growing in her, it was enough to keep her going. She did not want Robin but neither was she interested in Martin or any other man in general. She spoke casually, "Then there isn't a need to go somewhere private, is there?"

Martin pursed his lips. He always thought Sabrina was shy. She might not remember him but he knew her since high school.

"Okay, I will say it here. Your brother was thinking about bringing your company to the next level and that means partnering with me."

"Mister Dane.." Sabrina was about to speak when Martin interrupted her saying,

"Martin. Call me Martin."

Sabrina took deep breaths. Politely, she addressed, "I prefer keeping formalities. Truth be told, I have a lot to learn since I've been a housewife for three years. Before then, I never worked. Give me time to know the company well before knowing what to do."

Martin's gaze flashed with disappointment but he soon got over it. How could a housewife be so smart? Indeed, this collaboration was more in favor of Martin but he made it look as if Devin and Sabrina were the ones to benefit most from it

"Opportunities don't come everyday and I'm doing this because of your brother," he tapped the table with his long fingers, crossed his legs and leaned back against his chair. Sabrina was a little uneasy with the request and thought about investigating further. She could not stand to disappoint her father again.

"I understand but please give me at least a month," she requested. Martin was not liking the idea. There were minerals he so desperately needed, aside from his intention to have Sabrina as well. For the reason why he wanted her, it was only up to him.

"I…."

"Martin, let me have a word with you," Devin interrupted.

"Sure," Martin agreed.

"I will use the ladies room," Sabrina said and stood up from her chair. As soon as she was out of view, Devin revealed,

"Martin, there is a problem."

"Which is?" Martin's brows knit together while he asked. Devin contemplated a while before saying,

"Let me hook you up with Lizzy."

Martin frowned. "I told you from the onset that I wanted Sabrina."

"Before the divorce, you were considering Lizzy," Devin forced a smile and said. He wondered why both of his sisters were not liking Martin. He was rich and had an attractive persona yet, even Lizzy did not entertain the idea.

"I never did. I had decided to not partner with you until you informed me last night," Martin said defensively. After his chance encounter with Lizzy, he had insisted on Sabrina, though she was married. From the news he kept hearing about Robin and women, he discerned that the marriage was going to end one day.

"Till this morning, I did not know that she was pregnant," Devin dropped the bomb. Martin gulped but it was as if a lump formed his throat.

"Does Robin know?" He asked seriously. He could already guess that even if Sabrina did not reunite with Robin, there will be the issue of co-parenting, which meant that Robin would still be in the picture.

"No."

Martin breathed out a breath he did not know that he was holding. "Then it's not a problem. Help me to get her and we can merge our companies together. If that happens, we shall be bigger than the Jewels and Robin would fall."

Devin smiled brightly for the first time that morning. It was such a relief, as he thought of how to break the news to Martin when he heard last night about the probability.

"To bring Robin down, I will try my best," he promised.

"She is the key," Martin insisted.

Devin saw Sabrina headed their way and said, "just don't push it too much. She can be very difficult. Be slow and steady."

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