100 Days to Seduce Mr. Grande

Charlotte grasped the table edge, weighing her options. Should she confront the murmuring crowd or let Rachel handle it? Though never one to shy from public discourse, Charlotte hesitated, acknowledging the truth in their whispers. Her company couldn't rival CBI Events' stature. The contract she secured had raised eyebrows, and she wouldn't deny the whispers of favoritism.

"Charlie, are you going to say something?" Rachel whispered urgently.

Charlotte nodded, stood up, and began, "Good–"

But Sebastian swiftly intervened.

"Mr. Hugh, Grace, and Corporate Events team," Sebastian said, his voice deep. "As Vice President and project lead, I propose we refrain from criticism. Let's give this company a fair chance."

"Consider the media's perspective," he continued. "If we only award contracts to the best, we risk damaging our reputation. As the people's company, it's our duty to provide equal opportunities to all, regardless of stature."

Charlotte's expression fell as Sebastian's words sunk in. Initially, she thought he would defend her company, but his tone revealed a patronizing attitude.

"Charity case" echoed in her mind as Sebastian painted her business as deserving of pity, not merit.

The staff's nodding heads and murmurs of agreement only deepened her disappointment.

Rachel leaned in, her voice whispering. "He has a point, though."

Charlotte's eyes closed, wishing Natalie were by her side instead. With a uprising determination, she rose from her seat, "I acknowledge your concerns regarding the contract," she began, her voice confident. "Rest assured, our team's expertise and unwavering dedication guarantee outstanding results."

"We may not be industry giants or household names," she continued, "but our commitment to excellence remains unwavering. We consistently strive for perfection and will continue to do so."

"Thank you," Charlotte concluded.

*****

After the meeting, Charlotte swiftly followed Sebastian, leaving Rachel behind.

Rachel called out in a hushed tone, "Where are you going? I need to talk to him too!" But Charlotte didn't stop to listen to her.

At the hallway, she waited patiently as Sebastian finished his conversation with Mr. Hugh. Just as he stepped into the elevator, she darted inside.

"Thank goodness, I almost missed you," she exhaled.

Sebastian's stern expression softened. "Seeking me out, Orchid? I thought you'd returned to your firm." He adjusted his sleeves, his eyes sweeping her as he put in the floor number.

"I'm not seeking you out, Mr. Sebastian," Charlotte said, her brow furrowed.

Sebastian's lips curled into a smirk. "Then to what do I owe the pleasure? Perhaps you're thanking me for this morning's coffee... or planning our next date?" He winked.

Charlotte's eyes rolled heavenward. "This isn't a social call, Mr. Sebastian. We agreed to keep things professional in the office, remember?" Her tone was firm.

Sebastian chuckled, his eyes sparkling with humor. "Of course, Miss Orchid. Let's discuss this in my office, then." He gestured toward the open elevator doors.

Charlotte sighed, shaking her head as she followed him out. Her eyes narrowed slightly, her expression disapproving.

As they walked, Sebastian's whistling grated on Charlotte's nerves. She quickened her pace to the front of his office.

*****

Meanwhile Rachel paced the lobby, checking her watch again as she waited for Charlotte. Then she heard footsteps behind her and as she turned, she collided with a tall, handsome man.

"Oh!" Rachel exclaimed, her cheeks flushing. 

"Sorry," Raymond muttered, his eyes fixed on the floor.

"Wow," Rachel thought, taking in Raymond's chiseled features and piercing eyes. Whoa, handsome!

"Sorry," she echoed aloud.

"I'm Rachel," she added, her smile widening.

Raymond nodded slightly, still not meeting her eyes.

'Okay, not interested', Rachel tilted her head to the side, her smile dropping.

Rachel watched him go, her expression thoughtful.

A proud grin danced across her face as she turned back to wait for Charlotte.

"Two handsome men in one day?" she whispered to herself. "Must be my lucky day."

****

Sebastian observed Charlotte with a smile as she stood firm, refusing to sit. "You always seem to have a lot to say whenever we meet," he remarked, swiveling in his chair.

Charlotte's grip on her arms tightened. "You always give me something to say, Mr. Sebastian," she shot back.

"Alright," Sebastian sighed, intertwining his fingers. "I'm all ears."

Charlotte inhaled deeply. "I appreciate your assistance with the contract, but I'm concerned about how you represented our company to your team." Her foot tapped involuntarily. "You emphasized 'equal opportunities,' but it came across as patronizing – like we're a charity case."

A tense silence filled the office, with Sebastian and Charlotte staring at each other. 

"So, you're saying you're not a charity case?" Sebastian asked, his posture straightening.

Charlotte hesitated, taken aback by his unfamiliar icy tone.

"Miss Charlotte Bennett," Sebastian continued, his face warm but his voice icy, "did you secure this contract fairly?"

"I'm not saying I got it fairly, but—" Charlotte began, only to be cut off by Sebastian's abrupt interruption.

He stood up, his hands grasping her shoulders. "Orchid, let's face it – you didn't secure the contract fairly."

His gaze held hers. "You want to avoid tarnishing your company's reputation? Focus on delivering the best results. That's what will truly boost your standing, not small talks."

Releasing his grip, Sebastian returned to his seat, leaving Charlotte speechless.

His words struck a chord, and she saw the logic in his argument.

Just as she was processing her thoughts, Sebastian dropped another bombshell. "We have a date tonight. Be ready."

With that, he picked up his phone and dialed his secretary. "Natasha, come in."

"Wh...where?" Charlotte stuttered, as a frown settled on her forehead.

Sebastian's gaze remained fixed on his desk. "It's a surprise."

Charlotte nodded speechless. "Okay." as she slowly walked out of the office.

As the door closed behind her, Sebastian lifted his head, his eyes tracing the empty space.

"Was I too harsh?" He wondered, "I tried to soften the blow with a smile."

Just then, a knock came at the door.

"Enter, Natasha. No need to knock," Sebastian said, settling back into his chair.

But then Daniel walked in, catching Sebastian off guard.

"Hello, brother," Daniel greeted.

Sebastian struggled to hide his displeasure of his brother's sudden entrance. "Daniel, what brings you here?"

His mind flashed back to his dinner date with Charlotte, ruined by Daniel's meddling. The memory sent a shiver down his spine, recalling how Daniel's actions had nearly driven him to cross a line he couldn't undo.

A knowing smile cross across Daniel's face, revealing his pleasure in unsettling Sebastian.

"I nearly bumped into your new fling," he replied, settling into a chair. "I dodged her to avoid her gushing at me. You should thank me."

He paused, toying with the golden nameplate on Sebastian's desk.

"Also, rumor has spread that she secured the contract through... personal favors," Daniel continued, his tone dripping with insinuation. "Well played, brother. Well played."