Damien placed the glass on the table with a sharp thunk, startling the Veltoir director mid-sip. The man's brows jumped up with a flicker of confusion in his eyes as he looked between Damien and his wine glass.
"Mr Albercht. Are you alright?" Although he was just a director, he was still well respected in the business line. The man looked at Damien's dark and flushed face in confusion.
Diana sweetly picked up the bottle and filled the glass for the man. He hesitated and looked at her when she smiled. Diana was a beautiful and confident girl. When she smiled like that, even the man flushed and looked away.
"I apologize on his behalf, Mr. Damien must have had more wine than usual. He gets like this when… well, when he misses capable people."
The director exhaled through his nose, half amused. "So he is missing Evelyn?"
"She was good at what she did and she would always be missed." Diana said calmly, with just enough pause to allow the man's assumption to settle in. "But that is no reason to mourn when there is still work to be done. Perhaps we should go over the proposal before the hour gets too late?"
The man chuckled and nodded, grateful to move away from the awkwardness. "Yes, of course. Let's get to it."
Damien stared at Diana for a second before opening the folder and giving designs to the man. He explained what they had in mind about the construction of their new building and discussion resumed. Diana handed over the building layout and the proposal notes she had compiled herself. They looked clean, professional, and thorough. The Veltoir Group was planning a high-rise glass building near the financial district. Twenty-three floors, primarily intended for commercial leasing, with a private penthouse suite for exclusive clientele.
"We want a modern open-floor plan," the director explained. "Something clean but not sterile. And plenty of room for conference halls. we expect to host international clients so flexibility is key."
Damien smiled and made some adjustments. He leaned forward to discuss the structural choices and subcontractors. He preferred local sourcing where possible and wasn't shy about cutting off unnecessary embellishments from the cost sheet. His voice had regained its cold authority.
"And the rooftop garden you mentioned," Diana added gently, flipping to the last page. "We included three blueprint options from our landscape partners, all within the stated budget."
The director raised a brow, impressed. "Efficient. You have already thought of everything."
"We never disappoint the clients." Damien said curtly, signing the papers without ceremony. The director signed his copy as well, and they shook hands.
When the man finally left with a satisfied nod and a promise to connect again next week, silence fell over the table like a heavy curtain.
Diana stood, clutching the folder. "I will have this filed by morning. If I will be late, I would not get the last bus home."
"Sit," Damien said, still staring at the signed contract.
She paused, her posture subtly stiffening, then eased back into her seat.
He didn't look at her. His voice was low, almost unreadable. "You handled that well."
"Thank you, sir." she replied.
"You are good," he added, finally shifting his gaze to her. "But don't get carried away."
Her fingers froze slightly around the folder. "I did not get what you mean, sir?"
"I noticed what you were trying to do," he said flatly. "You kept refilling my glass. Were you trying to get me drunk?"
Her heart skipped a beat, but her face remained composed. She smiled at him with her expression cool and unflinching.
"I was only trying to ease you. Once you heard the name, you behaved like you would burn this place." she explained in a low but curious voice. "Though the contract is not important, it would still affect our image if we have an argument with a client over an ex secretary. I have no other purpose. I am not that stupid. I know you don't like me."
He didn't interrupt, and that silence gave her courage to continue.
"I wasn't trying to cloud your judgment or impress anyone. Sir, you looked tense and your posture was so stiff. He was watching, and you weren't even pretending to enjoy the evening. I only thought, if I kept your glass full, maybe it would look less like you are affected by her.."
She gave a short sigh, then met his gaze directly.
"I am not here to seduce or manipulate you, Mr. Albercht. I am here to work. This job meant a lot to me. Do you remember the men following me? They are loan sharks, my father had taken a large amount of loan and then disappeared without a trace. Now they want me to pay for it. And this job matters a lot to me. Even if I could not pay the principal, this would help me in paying the interest and surviving out there. If I made a mistake, you would fire me. Would I be able to live then?"
For a moment, he said nothing, but he kept staring at her for a long time that made her palms sweaty. She had already spoken so much. If he still did not trust her.
"You better remember what you have said tonight." Then he stood up abruptly, gathering the folder and slipping it into his briefcase.
"Car is waiting. Since you missed the last bus, I will drop you home for the night." he muttered. "Let's go."
It took her a second to respond. The man was going to tear her apart a second ago and now he was dropping her home. Had he lost his brains? She looked at him dumbfounded but when he started walking away, she followed quietly, her heels clicking softly against the marble floor.
In the hush of the elevator, Damien didn't look at her again, but when they stepped out into the cool night, he opened the car door for her.
It wasn't kindness, but it wasn't indifference either. And that alone was enough to keep Diana guessing what did this man want?