Claire went on to give a few more instructions regarding projects and other things. Aiden paid close attention to the way she didn't leave a single one of their complaints out or how she seriously considered all of their suggestions. All in all they had only spent about half an hour in the meeting, yet she had easily covered a large amount of topics without rushing. She was truly talented in doing so. Watching her gave him an idea of how she was as a CEO.
He noticed how she was starting to wrap up when she finally addressed the elephant in the room.
"I know it's odd that we have an outsider present today, so I appreciate that none of you held back during the meeting as we discussed important topics." She was thanking them sincerely. Besides Adrien, nobody caused disturbances. Something she diligently took a mental note of. "You will be seeing him more often as he is now our collaborator. So having you start on the right foot with one another is both reassuring and time saving for me." She stopped talking and looked at Aiden.
Seeing it as a clear sign to finally speak, he obediently complied to her silent request.
Never in his life had he held his tongue back or spoken on command before. But since it was his Angel, he didn't mind indulging her. "I hope our newly founded relationship brings nothing but prosperity." He decided to keep it short and objective. If Claire simply wanted him to say a few words as an introduction, he would say just as much. It was something only she had the right to ask of him. Even if she was aware of it or not.
"We'll leave it at that for today. Dismissed." Claire said as she stood up. Aiden followed her example. However as soon as he did, he was surrounded by everybody except Claire and Adrien.
"It's a pleasure to meet you Mr. Villan. My name is Tildy." The woman who had who had been in charge of the briefing said to him as she shook his hand. "I didn't get the chance to introduce myself last time we saw each other. I hope you don't mind me asking, but is it true you have the latest model of the security thermal detection system installed in your southern construction development office?"
"Please, of course he has it." The man who had started the bickering earlier interrupted as he approached to also shake his hand." Martin Sole, it's truly an honor to meet you Mr. Villan. I ask you please ignore her ignorance. She tends to get too excited about that geeky tech stuff. Although I must say, I'm extremely curious about your A list security team. It's rumored you have them trained in every form of weaponry. Is it true?"
One by one they introduced themselves and started to bombard him with questions as Claire held in the urge to laugh. He looked like a newly transferred student that everybody was intrigued about. She was about to intervene when she felt somebody's brooding stare by her side.
She inwardly sighed. There were always downfalls to working with people you held dear and this was certainly one of them. Turning around, she was forced to look up at Adrien who had been waiting for her to notice him. She gestured towards one of the two doors at the back of the room before facing Aiden.
"I'll be back in a few minutes." Aiden nodded in her direction before he refocused on the people in front of him. He didn't comment on how she went into the other room with Adrien on her own, but without anybody noticing, he started to inch towards the door as he conversed with them. He didn't like the thought of them being alone. The man was bad news and Aiden knew it.
Claire stepped inside the room and closed the door behind her. The room had only one chair in the middle of it. It was small in comparison to the one outside and the walls where all concrete. Putting it nicely, it was an interrogation room.
Adrien was facing her. As soon as he saw her close the door shut he yanked his mask off. "What the hell are you thinking Claire?" His tone was rough and demanding.
Claire faced him and noticed everything about his face. His hair was black and cut into a close trim. His eyes were so dark they almost seemed black as well and his chiseled jaw was clenched tight do to his obvious anger. She couldn't call him the most handsome man in the world, especially after meeting Aiden, but sure enough he was good looking. If it were based solely on his looks, he wouldn't go through much trouble to find someone for himself. Which was exactly why she was even more irritated by his attitude towards her.
"Watch your tone Adrien. Just because we know each other for years now doesn't mean you've earned the right to yell at me." Claire's voice reflected the more than evident displeasure she had on her face.
"How do you expect me not to yell when you brought that man into our meeting! Not to mention you strolling him around the base."
"Instead of continuously questioning my actions you should be explaining what in the world gave you the idea that you could act like a complete ass during a serious meeting and on top of that ask me to meet you privately just to poke into matters that don't concern you." Her voice wasn't loud like his, but the seriousness in her tone should have been enough of a warning for him. Something he decided to ignore.
"Doesn't concern me? Really?" Adrien chuckled as he took a few steps closer to her. He was taller than her, as most people were due to her height, but he wasn't as tall as Aiden, Colton or even Ben for that matter. "Just like you said Claire, I've known you for years. And I also know the kind of man that douchebag is. Did you really believe I would stay quiet after knowing your little boy toy is trying to weasel his way into your life?"
"You're being stubborn and petty Adrien." She said in a low voice. It was a final warning he also decided to ignore.
"And you're being blind!" He raised his voice at her again making what little patience she had left snap in half.
"BLIND TO WHAT?!" She raised her voice so much that it took him by surprise. It was rare for her to do so. "Blind to what huh? To the obvious matter of you still not having gotten over the fact that I didn't pick you? Because trust me when I say it's clear for everybody to see!" Her words made him still on the spot. His jaw clenched even harder as he tried to avoid the topic.
"That's not what this is abou-" He began to say before she interrupted him.
"Save yourself what little dignity you have left Adrien." Her voice was back to normal but her tongue stayed sharp. She was beyond over the subject, but she knew she needed to make it clear one last time. "I'm tired of having to do this Adrien. Like I said, we've known each other for years. Because of that I stupidly thought you would understand why I could never see you in the same light you see me, but I was wrong. I was so wrong that now it's affecting our ability to work together without you feeling the need to let your macho ego and hurt pride get in the way."
She scolded him as she let her sentiments about the situation clear. It wasn't surprising that he looked hurt by her words, but she needed to do it. She needed to make sure he would move on or else things would never truly work between them.
Her voice turned softer as she continued. "You are very important to me Adrien. I don't want to have to cut you out of my life just because you can't accept the fact that the possibility of us being together like you want us to isn't there. But if I have to I will."Her words were resolute. There was no doubt she meant every single one." So please....don't make me do it." She looked at him as she sincerely hoped he wouldn't ruin their chances of still being in each other's lives.