382 Reynolds-Harper collaboration 5 (1/2)

Mr. Reynolds saw that his wife is about to blow a fuse at the sight of Brianna behind Quentin's desk like she owns the place… and then on the side, there is Mia seated at the table and eating while ignoring everyone's presence. Quentin is pouring coffee. Is he acting as a server in this whole ridiculous situation? What is going on? Did Brianna take over Reynolds Publishing and forced Quentin to serve her? Not possible, right?

Mr. Reynolds held onto his wife's arm and gave it a gentle squeeze, silently reminding her that they are here to talk and that she should not allow her emotions to take over.

”Your mother wants to speak to Brianna.”, Mr. Reynolds said to Quentin.

”You mean, with Miss Harper.”, Quentin corrected his father.

Mr. Reynolds cleared his throat, and he didn't respond. It was obvious that Quentin is telling them that Brianna is not someone they should act too familiar with. Well, after the Christmas dinner and the meeting which ended ten minutes ago, he is not surprised.

'CLACK!'

Everyone (with exception of Mia) turned to Brianna when she put a palm-sized device on the surface of Quentin's executive desk with more force than necessary.

”Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds, I want you to be aware that we are being recorded. Now, why do you want to talk to me?”, Brianna's icy tone matched her expression.

”Why are you at that desk?”, Mrs. Reynolds snapped.

”It's just a desk. It's not like I'm wearing it out or stealing it.”, Brianna said flatly while enjoying the not-so-subtle arm squeezes and eye-flares that Mr. Reynolds is directing at his wife.

It seems that the woman got her husband's nonverbal messages because she cleared her throat and adjusted her attitude.

”Miss Harper…”, Mrs. Reynolds said in the sweetest voice she could muster. ”I want to apologize…”

”Save it.”, Brianna cut her off curtly. ”I'm not interested.”

Mrs. Reynolds blinked a few times rapidly. She imagined that Brianna will listen either so that she accepts the apology, or to mock her. She didn't think that Brianna will not be interested to hear her out. ”Excuse me?”

”I told you in the conference room not to bother with apologies because I will not buy them. You are not here because you regret your words, but because you want to keep your non-existing position in this company. The insults you directed my way caused me deep emotional trauma that can't be soothed by empty words. You will hear from my lawyer.”

”How can you be so harsh? Give me a chance to explain!”, Mrs. Reynolds did her best to stay calm, but that was nearly impossible in these conditions.

”What will be enough?”, Mr. Reynolds asked stiffly while trying not to think that Brianna will ask for a lot of money. Or maybe their house.