❤ VIVIA:
Walking in the restaurant, I asked the reception for any reservations on their name. It was easy enough to find.
Cynthia was very annoyed when I asked her to tag along. She didn't want to meet eye to eye with her ex and she was pissed at me for accepting their invitation. But even she knew how important this is, so despite complaining she came along. Sam on the other hand was easier since she wanted to meet the oh so famous S.S guys. Never heard of her facination with them before.
That annoying man appeared instant at the reception as we asked for them.
"Miss Lee, thank you for coming. And your companions are?" He asked knowing full well who they are. I just hope Cynthia doesn't lose it with her anger.
"Cynthia Delos, my partner as well as Vice President of Triple C and this is Samantha Miles, my Secretary. I'm sure you know her." I introduced while both of them just stood there. Sam smiled professionally but Cynthia was nonchalant as always without as much as a nod. I wonder who's the more unsocial one now.
"Ah, Pleasu-" His face twist into an annoying smirk again but stops when Cynthia looks up at him finally.
"This guy knows me, he's only playing. Ignore him, Vi." Cynthia suddenly interrupts.
"Miss Delos have attended many events where we were present." He says holding back his smile.
"Yea, whatever. We're done here. Come on." She stops him again which makes his jaw clench as I hide my laughter.
"Pleased to meet you too, please this way." He says grimly before ushering us toward their table which seem to be at the end of the hall's VIP section.
Luxurious much?
"Rafael, they're here." He informed to a man who sat deep inside the booth.
Once I step inside, my eyes immediately met a pair of amazing pale sea green eyes that almost made me remember a winter fog in a forest. In fact, I wasn't sure it they were green or blue, maybe aqua green? I'm sure.
He wore a tailored perfectly fitted grey blazer paired with black, obviously hugging his muscles and curves at the right place. When he stood up and the overhead light flickered on and my breath hitched as I got a clear view of him.
So firstly, I understood the obvious fact and settled it in my brain. He was a very attractive man, if I want to be honest with myself. Close to 6 feet tall and well fitted, he'd be hard not to notice. He'd probably stand out anywhere. His casually styled dark dirt blonde hair which were too dark to even call it blonde made him stand out more. His face held the most charm, slitely thin perhaps, but his eyes held power in them, which were presently checking me out as every damn men does. Except his didn't have judgmental look rather a curious one. His mouth were equally attractive and at the moment it twisted into a smirked as I dropped my eyes and cleared my throat before speaking.
Stupid Vivia!
"Nice to meet you, Mr. Sinclair." Recovering myself I put my hand out with a small professional smile, probably to hide my stupid unusual checkout session I just did, almost embarrassing myself.
"Pleasure, Miss Lee. And this must be the infamous Vice president of TRIPLE C." He shook my hand and turned to Cynthia.
"Cynthia Delos." She replied which he also returned with a nod.
"Ah, I may have seen you in some events." Cynthia nodded to his statement. He turned toward Sam politely asking her identity while still eyes on me, suddenly letting go of my hand as if realized he was still holding it.
"Samantha Miles, Sir. I'm the head of Secretary at TRIPLE C." She replied with a smile.
I guess her decision of changing out of her usual Corduroy dress which works for being adorable but not a professional meeting into a trendy ready to wear knitted top and skirt was an amazing decision.
"Pleasure, please have a seat. Derek, where's Mark?" He asked as I immediately felt Cynthia perk up which didn't get unnoticed.
His sharp eyes immediately turned toward her then me then back at Cynthia and smiled.
"Is there a problem, Miss Delos?" He asked slowly which made me realize, he knows exactly the same thing as I do.
Asshole.
Cynthia didn't realize her stupid flinch didn't get unnoticed, as such she instantly replied in negative.
"Oh, no, everything's fine." She failed to hide her expression but he thankfully decided to drop it and nodded sitting down as we all followed.
"Please be at ease, even though this is a meeting for the project deal, it's still just an informal dinner. We don't have to be all static and nervous about the situation. Please order, we can talk after." He said as two waiters pass us the menu.
Me being me, it's not unusual I avoid dinner plans. I'm not so familiar with my relation to food and I avoid them so. But that doesn't mean I have no knowledge about gourmet food. I just avoid food altogether. Some might call it unhealthy but I eat as much I need and avoid unnecessary addition. And no, I'm not dieting, I never had that idea either. I never get fat anyway so I don't need that. And personally I don't care for a so called barbie figure too. Why would I if I have no use of it.
This guy is extremely perceptive with how sharp he is. Up front he looks like just an ordinary businessman but then you notice how he carefully studies your everything before speaking. Obviously he's not successful for fun. I can see why Cynthia mentioned him being dangerous. He carefully chooses words before speaking and listens before replying. It's almost painful how carefully I have to choose my words to not, you know embarrass myself or something. He seems calm and understanding but there's a saying every calm man has a raging storm hidden. And I personally have no interest in being on the bitter end of that.
🌟🌟🌟
🖤 RAFE:
I was surprised when I saw her. Actually that'd be a less word, I was shocked would be the correct word. Not that I expected her to be old or something since I knew she was young for her position. She's a talk around the business world since anyone barely ever seen her. And being a woman running such a bit establishment is seen as unbelievable to most. But I didn't expect how young and how attractive she was though. I heard she was over 25 but she seems much younger than that and very beautiful too. As I simply could not look away.
Her captivating feature that hit me first were her wild catlike honey gold eyes. They held the sharpness of an experienced individual despite the age. Her dark auburn hair perfectly ironed like silk on her back which shaped out her not so thin face and jawline perfectly. My eyes shifted to her lips that held the innocent tint of pink, making me wonder how she would taste. She looked bold in her maroon suit that hit and hugged her curves in every right turns. I couldn't deny how desirable her figure is. I felt a crave to know how she'd look in a dress suddenly. Or maybe even better, undressed at that.
A smiled pulled out on me when I noticed how she was getting her first judgement set on me. She may seem young but her demeanor said otherwise. Looking close you'd notice her tired eyes hidden under her attempt of makeup that expressed her overworking nature. I hoped as much that she'd be an experienced individual since I was worried about handing over the project to them. I've heard they're one of the best in this sector and have a genius group. At least that's what NYPR approved to their benefits.
When she spoke up, I expected a high tuned sweet voice but then my expectations were returned by a much stronger low toned voice which held control. That definitely took me by surprise. So did her tiny hands which I didn't think would be so vulnerable, unmatched to her authoritative voice. My guess she doesn't seem to mix much with people with how awkward she was to the handshake.
"Miss Lee, may I ask a question?" I asked slowly which seem to have taken her by a bit surprise but she immediately eased up to hide it.
"Sure." She replied smiling, I can see the hint of nervousness in them.
"I've heard about your and your team's works. They seem spectacular and without as much as a flaw. TRIPLE C's records have been perfect since 5 or 6 years now. And I believe the credit goes to you?" I replied honestly.
"As I'm young, it is hard to grow a company being at my age since I'm held responsible for being inexperienced. We're all familiar with the term that a young woman running a company is bound to fall. And such, it hampered my work procedures a lot. But if it's regarding TRIPLE C's experienced background and employees, even I can assure you that they are in truth, an extraordinary team. Therefore the credit goes to them." She replied confidently.
I realized she seem to have doubts to be in her position which is natural I guess since she's not just a woman and all but also young. That could annoy a lot of people in high positions since Mr. Smyth was very old when he retired handing a big position to these girls who would come out as inexperienced. But somehow I feel like that's a cover and he knew it too. He knew how good they are. As far as I know Joseph Smyth, he doesn't make stupid mistakes like this and thus I believe this was a well thought out plan. And I'm being honest, the growth in their company is not a hidden fact. And its unusual how she joined exactly when the growth started. This is getting me curious as to how she grew into this.
"I've heard. So tell me why are you so reluctant to accept the project? Because if I'm not wrong you're much more than capable of solving this. And this could profit you greatly." I explained my facts again curious to her answer.
"Mr. Sinclair, if you've checked us out, you'd know that we avoid risky projects that involves legal terms. We are capable of solving it, but in case we fail, the blame and ruin that will befall us might put us out of business. I'm sorry to be blunt, I mean no offense. But being as big of a company Sirens Talent is, it's also famous for the big scandals. I have no issue working with you but I need to put a solid ground for my employees in case things go south." She explained confidently.
She seems to know exactly what this is about.
Interesting.
"What requirement do you need? If they're acceptable terms, I won't reject them." I answer back.
"We don't need much. All I'm asking for is a stated fact that if things does get bad and we need to take measures against them, we won't be the only one held accountable for them, since we'd be doing it for your company." She replied cleverly.
Whoever said she is inexperienced is indeed a fool.
"So, you need a sighed and documented condition added to the deal that we won't deny the acquisition on us on behalf of you." I stated the obviously but she shook her head.
"No, I'm not that stupid to ask for something that will tarnish the reputation I'd be working to fix. I just need a condition added to the deal that since the project was handed to us by you we are and will be working on your company's behalf. Thus we won't be the only party to blame or held responsible for but that is only if things do go south. Which I can assure you won't unless our circumstances gets worse." She elaborated with confidence that she knew she held and I indeed don't have any doubts in that.
"Very well, you add the conditions exactly as you need, we'll add them to the deal, after I've reviewed them that is." I replied knowing now they have no way out.
But before she can reply, her partner cut her in.
"I want to ask something." She stated, and she was a bit disturbed.
I just hope it's nothing like she won't work as long as Mark is involved. that would be very much non professional to me.
"Please go on." I replied smiling which she didn't return. She doesn't seem to like me much or anyone for that matter.
"The case you gave us, I'll be the one handling it, since it's my team of programmers and publishers. Kylie Jill is famous for her affairs so far. We're aware of her long list of clean up you had to do for her. I know she's an extremely famous actor and model, but she got a pleasant amount of haters too. After I got the files on her, I immediately asked for a check-in and guess what, her haters have become extremely hipped up. Removing those can be very dangerous for both of us. People wouldn't know exactly that it's us doing it but the company will be held responsible for meddling on public opinion and the hate will increase. Are you aware of this?" Cynthia Delos spoke up in a way which made realize how clever and sly she really is.
I've heard that in dark she's an exceptional hacker but there's no one to prove that fact, which shows how good she is. In one day, she picked on things, we had to drill our entire information team for. I can see why Smyth made her VP. He's only a sweet old man in words but his mind is as deadly as his inheritors.
"I'm aware, Miss Delos." I nodded grimly since this is something I've been worried about too.
"Then why did I not notice this facts on the file you provided us with. In fact, there was no mention of her hater group or stalking problems. Do you not know that in cases like these negative feed-backs are vital?" She asked looking surprised but there held annoyed ridicule in them.
"I wasn't aware how big of a deal the haters community for her was, Miss Delos. If I did I'd have asked to add them as well. We do not handle such thing, since it's preferably your job to find such things out." I lie since giving in to her would only bring more trouble for both of us.
Just as she was about to start drilling again, Mark and Derek comes back who seemed to have forgotten we were supposed to have a meeting together. And a glare from me made them aware of their stupidity. Although I'm thankful because since they sat down, Miss oh so sly and clever Cynthia Delos shut up.
"This is SINs brand chain's director." Derek motions to Mark who was all but ogling at this Cynthia Delos.
"Mark Ivans, pleasure meeting you." He says looking nowhere but the woman who took most of his attention.
"Likewise Mark." Viviana Lee answers turning a bit to Cynthia Delos who was quiet as mute. While my dear friend was staring as if he's hoping for either a reaction or a reply.
I can't blame him since she was involved with him and adding to the fact with how stunning she is, I can see why he's ogling her.
Viviana Lee slowly cleared her throat and we immediately turned to her.
"We'll need more information on the woman in question that you have, just in case we miss anything. Since our works are all online based, we might miss out on some grounded details." She replied with directly in me and a for a split second I noticed a curiosity I didn't see through out. But it was gone as fast as our eyes met.
"We'll hand them over as soon as we arrange them, Miss Lee." This time Derek replied, finally doing the job I've been doing for him.
"How was the ASIC's project? It was all over the media. TRIPLE C was handling the marketing online, right?" I look up to see Mark speaking to them or precisely looking at the woman who have been avoiding even eye contact with him.
"How do you-" Viviana Lee seemed a bit confused at first but then turns to her friend who was very intensely admiring her drink.
"Ahem, yes. It was a major success. And working with such a big company gave us a bigger stage to prove our capabilities. Isn't that right, Cynthia?" She turned to her friend who finally looked up glaring at her.
"I've seen the presentation done by TRIPLE C at their seminar. It was brilliant." He says sipping his drink, still staring at his long lost ex. Damn, he's whipped or what.
"If I'm not wrong, it was Miss Delos who gave the presentation, correct?" I try to help him out since he's getting nowhere with this conversation.
What are friends for, right?
"I was the one handling the project then. And since I was so involved in their marketing, they asked me to present as I knew the details better." Finally she snapped out of her bubble ans replied straightening herself.
After that we only made small conversation with them as our dinners were served. I noticed how she ordered so little. Was this place not favorable to her? But she seems more than humble to the waiter with her food. Although I didn't miss their smile on her and whispers behind her. It's an obvious fact that she gets noticed everywhere with how bold and beautiful she looked. And I admit, it did annoy me a tiny bit how every man surrounding us at least took a glance at her. She wasn't the only beauty here but she seemed to catch attention a lot. And wearing a marron body fitted suit and drawing our her eyes didn't help to reduce any of the attention she was getting. Maybe she liked it too, since she doesn't seem too bothered by them.
By the time we were served desert, I got a lot of information on them. Viviana and Cynthia both graduated from NYU as computer majored students. Viviana was a scholar top student there and majored in two more subjects including public relations and marketing which proved why Smyth made her the President. She joined as a part-time intern when she was only in her second year. Her skills was evaluated immediately by her superiors and since Smyth recruited her from his friend's as in their professor's suggestion, she elevated in promotion as well. Cynthia joined the TRIPLE C with her help but knowing how good she was as well in her job, she rose in position as well in the information department. When I was too focused on them, Derek found out from her secretary and she's no less either. She graduating from Eastern University in management and finance which made her vital for their company and position possible. Personally when Smyth was the owner, I went their once. Back then all and everyone seemed to be glued to their computers like a bunch of nerds. Since I work with talents and fashion, it didn't impress me then. But hearing from these girls, things may have changed a little.
And it made me more curious in her. She doesn't say much about her unless you ask a direct question and most of them are her friend's or secretary's compliments of her. She speaks on point with a direct question or answer. Her replies are static like she doesn't want to give away details of her life. She avoids anything regarding family and thus didn't ask anything about my brothers either unlike everyone else. Luc would have had fun in getting into her head. He's better than me in getting into people's head.
But he isn't as curious as me and so I have this intriguing interest in knowing how she really is behind her so called front of confidence.
"Miss Lee, will you have a drink with me?" I asked once we were done with our dinner.
"Now?" She asked looking surprised then turned to Cynthia was seemed more busy having an stare battle with Mark.
"I wanted to at least get to know you since we will be working together." I replied pointing toward the bar section.
She seemed hesitant but then her secretary asked her to go, so she gave in informing Cynthia Delos about it who didn't really seem to care still involved in the eye fight with him. Derek was busy talking with Samantha who seemed more than interested in the conversation.
Once we reached the bar, I asked for a cucumber gin and tonic.
"Gin and tonic?" She asked raising an eyebrow.
"I have to drive home." I shrugged.
"What about you?" I asked curiously.
They say the drink a person chooses speaks. I wonder how that works.
"Classic margarita." She replied to the bartender who nodded and left to get us our drink.
"Interesting choice." I replied nodding.
"You say that word a lot." She commented observing carefully. But she wasn't looking at me.
"Well, I would, wouldn't I, if I find something interesting?" I replied smirking.
"I guess. So, why the offer to drink?" She asked finally turning to look at me.
"Just simply. You look like an excellent companion to drink." I replied honestly.
"Someone who haven't said even as little as few words?" She asked curiously.
I just shrugged looking deep but then after a moment she looked away.
"Although, someone who wants to get a woman drunk would say that." She stated.
"Maybe?" I boldly replied which made her look at me again thankfully letting me indulge in her eyes. For some reason I can never get enough of them. Almost as if I'm hypnotized.
"That's not a nice motive on a business client." She replied looking away again as I cursed inside.
Why does she have to look away always.
"Maybe I didn't want a business client as a drinking companion." I replied sharply catching her attention back again.
"Then what type of companion did you want?" She asked slowly. Her eyes held mischief in them.
"Perhaps just a companion." I smiled hoping to make her pull up one too. And successfully I did let a tug of smile appear on her.
"You drinks, sir, ma'am." The bartender gave us our drink as I kept looking at her.
Her movements are perfect as if she knew every bit of her best posture. Her eyes always seems to glows even in low light. Nonchalantly and unintentionally she seems to attract attention. Her entire demeanor called to make you turn at least once to look at her. And she doesn't even seem to realize it. or maybe she didn't care.
"I think your going to burn a hole in my head staring like that." She turned her attention back at me.
"Ah, don't blame me. You're a sight to see. I'd feel unfair if I looked away." I replied turning up front with my back to the bar.
I wasn't lying. There were men all looking at her. And it did annoy me how they checked her out despite clearly knowing she's with me.
"Buttering me up won't get you anything, Mr. Sinclair." She replied pulling my attention back from glaring at other men. Why the hell was I even glaring.
"I wasn't. I'm not sure if anyone ever mentioned. But you're a stunning woman. It'd have been a shame to not share even a single drink with you." I replied tilting my drink.
"Is that how you impress your long list of lovers?" She asked smirking.
So she knows about me. But then again why won't she, she's going to be working with me.
"Honestly, don't have anything called lovers in my life. In the business your in, I'm sure your familiar with the term friends with benefits." I replied honestly thinking if I might have come out as rude or offend her or something.
But then she surprised me without even reacting.
"I am, in fact I don't deny that term. Everyone has needs. It's better than petty relationship people have just to get their hearts broken and lose sight of who they are." She nodded.
Damn she's even better than I expected her to be.
"You don't believe in love? I thought all woman does." I asked honestly curious to what she thinks.
"It's not what I believe in, it's more like if it really exists. Love in it's purest form doesn't exist. It's a superficial thing. You find someone attractive, like their attributes that matches your expectations and then you call that love and put your trust in them. When it changes and it doesn't match your expectations, you lose the love as well as breaking your trust. I personally think, if a person falls in love, they can never lose even in death. Trust may alter, but love doesn't. But that kind of pure devotion or feelings doesn't exist." She replied as if she have experienced what she just explained.
Somehow I felt a difficult urge to ask her why she thinks like this. Maybe if she was hurt like me. Or is it because she lost someone she loved. Or is it simply cause she thinks like that.
"You're right. You explained it far better than I ever could." I simply replied suppressing my inner questions. It's none of my business anyway.
"What do you think?" She suddenly asked taking me by surprise.
This might be the first question she ever asked. But I'd rather not indulge on honesty here.
"I don't know frankly. Maybe I simply don't believe in it. Have you ever had your so called friends with benefits?" I asked changing out of the subject. She looked at me like she caught me doing it but as expected she was much smarter to let it drop too.
"No," she made a small laugh. It held more disbelief than a joke.
"Not that I heard of." She shrugged.
"Huh? Your lying. You never had any man to you know satisfy you? Maybe a past boyfriend?" I said letting out a laugh.
"I never lie, it's a default system in me. When I do I fail miserably. So no, I don't and never had one to satisfy me as you'd expect. Boyfriend, I haven't heard that term in my life for many years. Unlike your case." She mocked but seemed to be telling the truth.
Although I wonder were all men around her blind. She's an exceptional beauty but no one came close to her? Or maybe she just refused everyone.
"Do you plan on having one anytime soon?" I asked boldly.
She turned to me again and a half smile pulled on her bold lips. It felt like maybe the alcohol eased her up a little indeed. It's the only reason I asked her for a drink.
"If that is your way to ask me to spend a night with you. I'll say it's a smooth move but thanks. I'll have to pass." She replied confidently.
Damn, she's no ordinary woman.
"I suspect you've been asked that a lot." I asked somehow feeling rejected.
"Who knows. It doesn't really concern you though." She said in a half serious tone.
"It might be since I'm trying to ask you out." I replied moving closer but then I stopped when she put a finger on my chest and pushed me.
"To that, I'll also have to reject. I do not go out with anyone, even if it's you." She said removing her hands as I felt her lit a fire inside me that I doubt I'll be able to control.
"You act as if you'd explode on a mere touch of involvement in your life." I stated the fact which seemed obvious.
"Isn't that's what called being smart to avoid people you know would end up ruining you?" She shot like it's a fact.
"You think I'd ruin you?" I asked surprised.
"I never said you would." She replied cleverly. I knew I couldn't push on her anymore or she'll bolt.
"Friendship is also off limits?" I asked as she finished her drink in one last gulp.
"It wouldn't have been if you hadn't asked such an uninteresting and off-limit question." She shrugged picking her purse.
"My interest in you is the truth I stated. Who knows I might just one day get more involved in your life and you won't even realize it."
"I'd be afraid of that thought of yours if I were you. You should be careful." She replied like she'd be up for kill if I said anymore.
"The way you choose your words is risky but addicting. You know to play with fire Miss Lee. It can get dangerous." I commented feeling a little annoyed.
"I think you should learn to abstain from it more. Who knows next time you might get burned." She started walking away.
"Are you sure, it won't be your fire that will burn me?" I asked which indeed succeed in stopping her.
"I assure you Mr. Sinclair, my fire will never touch yours unless forced. Have a good night." She said with fire which I really did fear might burn me. And left leaving me as cold as I felt.
In my guts I felt, this wasn't over. This woman will be back in my life and I knew it wasn't far off.