Chapter 10: OFFICE DATE
Rachel gazed at the Elite Group building in wonder, her voice high-pitched. "Girl, this place is massive!"
"Huh?" Charlotte turned, her expression distant, lost in thought.
Rachel repeated, her eyes narrowing, "I said, their headquarters is big and stunning."
Charlotte's eyes refocused, but her anxiety lingered. She had researched CBI Events, the original contract holder, and felt daunted by their size and reputation compared to her small business.
Noticing Charlotte's tense expression, Rachel asked, concerned, "You're feeling nervous, aren't you?"
"I don't know, Rach... I'm scared," Charlotte admitted, with a vulnerable look.
Rachel's expression turned sympathetic, her lower lip caught between her teeth. She wished Natalie were there to offer her calming expertise.
Mustering courage, she assured Charlotte, "We've done this before, Charlie. Not on this scale, perhaps, but the process remains the same."
Meeting Charlotte's darting eyes, She continued, "You're talented at planning unforgettable parties. That's what you do best." Her hands enveloped Charlotte in awarm and comforting. "Trust yourself, you've got this."
Charlotte's eyes sparkled with gratitude as she met Rachel's gaze. "Thanks, Rach. You really boosted my confidence. I think we can actually pull this off." Rachel's unexpected warmth had touched Charlotte, who hadn't anticipated such kindness.
Just then, Taylor interrupted, appearing in front of them, "It's time for the meeting. The Vice President is en route."
Charlotte nodded, rising to her feet. "Alright, let's go," she said to Rachel, her voice firm.
As they followed Taylor, Charlotte muttered under her breath encouraging herself, "I've got this."
****
As they approached the meeting hall, Charlotte, Rachel, and Taylor almost collided with Sebastian and his secretary, Natasha, standing outside the door.
"Good morning, Mr. Sebastian," Taylor bowed slightly.
Her gaze shifted to Natasha, and her tone turned neutral. "Miss Beni, a good day to you as well."
"You too miss Taylor." Natasha's stern expression didn't waver, her eyes narrowing slightly.
Charlotte bowed her head respectfully, avoiding direct eye contact. She had noticed Sebastian's flirting interaction with Natasha earlier as they were approaching the meeting hall.
Having witnessed their interaction, she silently scrapped her plan to thank Sebastian for the coffee, sensing it might be misinterpreted.
Meanwhile Rachel's eyes gazed at Sebastian, her gaze mesmerized by his chiseled features. Her thoughts wandered, momentarily forgetting she was in a professional space.
"Wow, Charlie, he's gorgeous!" Rachel whispered urgently to Charlotte, her voice low.
"Hmm." Charlotte responded with a faint smile.
Sebastian's gaze swept across the trio, his smile broadening. "Welcome, ladies. Shall we proceed?" He gestured toward the meeting room.
Just as Rachel opened her mouth to compliment Sebastian, Charlotte discreetly grasped her arm, guiding her into the meeting room.
****
THE MEETING HALL
AFTER SOME MINUTES OF INTRODUCTION
"Last but not the least, Hugh, your turn," Sebastian said with a playful grin, rolling slightly in his chair.
Despite being nervous, Charlotte's gaze lingered on Sebastian, unsure of what to make of him. She was puzzled by his playful behavior in a formal meeting.
Hugh Smith, Head Team Manager, stood up, adjusting his glasses and clearing his throat. "I'm Hugh Smith, Head Team Manager."
The staff members applauded in unison, but Sebastian's raised hand halted the applause. "Alright, that's enough."
Sebastian stood, his expression turning serious. "As you're aware, these ladies will lead our upcoming gala event." He gestured to Charlotte and Rachel, inviting them to stand.
Just as Sebastian began to elaborate, Mr. Jin, Team B Manager, interrupted. "If I may comment, Vice President, but what about CBI Events? We've always partnered with them."
Charlotte's heart plummeted as her worst fears were confirmed.
"That's correct, Vice President," Mrs. Grace, Team A Manager, joined in. "Our research shows their company falls short of our expectations."
Charlotte's frustration intensified as she clenched her fist, her gaze drifted to Rachel, who seemed equally speechless.
****
Jessica stormed into Daniel's office with an angry expression and sensing this, Daniel straightened up, uncrossing his legs.
"What's going on, Daniel?" she demanded, slamming her Hermès bag onto his glass desk. "My secretary said your team failed to send the contract as scheduled."
Daniel's expression turned quizzical, his head cocked to one side. "You didn't receive my text?"
Jessica's brows furrowed deeper. "What text?"
Daniel sighed, motioning for Jessica to take a seat. "Sit down."
Jessica hesitated, then complied, crossing her arms as she settled into the chair.
"There's been a change of plans," He began. "Father decided to assign the project to Sebastian."
But Jessica cut him off, her voice rising. "So what? You're the president, for crying out loud!"
Daniel's expression darkened, his jaw clenched. "Enough!"
Jessica recoiled, startled by his sharp tone.
His voice dropped to a low, measured pace. "Let me finish, okay, babe?"
She nodded hastily, her arms still crossed, but her posture slightly subdued.
"Father handed the project to Sebastian," Daniel explained, a wicked smile spreading. "But that's exactly what I wanted. It's all part of my strategy."
Jessica's brow furrowed. "You're saying you intentionally let Sebastian take the project?"
Daniel rose from his chair, his fingers tracing gentle patterns in Jessica's shoulders. "Sebastian's chosen company is a struggling events firm, no match for yours. He'll inevitably fail, and then we'll step in to rescue the project."
"Hmm." Jessica's eyes sparkled, enlightened. She knew Daniel's long-standing hatred toward his brother, though the reasons remained unclear to her.
"You could have explained over the phone," She teased, her lips brushing against Daniel's hand. "You enjoyed watching me rush over here, frantic."
Daniel chuckled, rolling his chair closer. Their eyes met, and he claimed her lips in a deep kiss.
As they broke the kiss, Jessica suggested, "Let's celebrate our plan tonight?"
Daniel's eyes danced with amusement. "You can't get enough of me, can you?" He nuzzled her neck, his hands tracing the contours of her body.
"I'm unable," Jessica murmured.
Daniel beamed with satisfaction and leaned in to whisper a intimate message in her ear. "I am going to make you scream so hard."
"I'll be ready. Come early," Jessica replied, her voice husky, as Daniel planted a kiss on her neck.
Just as they were about to share another kiss, Daniel's phone pierced the air.
"Damn," Jessica muttered under her breath.
Daniel's eyes rolled in frustration at the untimely interruption, but upon seeing the caller ID, his expression shifted to one of obligation.
"Tonight, then," he said, ushering Jessica out. "It's Father. I need to take this."