After meeting her friends, especially Brianna who is like a younger sister to her, Anna's mood has improved by leaps.
Although Brianna is not as important and dear as her brother Kyle, she is only second to him.
Kyle has been her lighthouse during their childhood and Brianna did the same later on.
So, both of them has different place in her heart and couldn't be compared.
After making the required arrangements for the staff from the Global Pharma team, Anna left with a pleasing smile on her lips.
She was even humming her favorite classic song, A Thousand Years, while she walked past the lounge into the president's office where her workplace is allocated.
However, she failed to notice a charming man, clad in a dark gray turtleneck and jeans, watching every minor movement of her like a hawk.
Her brightened face, that full blown smile and melodious humming didn't go unnoticed by him.
'Interacting with Allen does brighten her mood' was the first thought that rose up in his mind.
Seeing her humming with those twinkling eyes, he couldn't help but remember their time together.
In the past, she was a lively and happy go lucky person with a simple mindset. He remembers that version of Anna very vividly.
She was the light in his life who brightened every second of his life that time. Those were, in no doubt, the best days in his life.
But in these few years she changed a lot and though he doesn't know the reason, he could tell that her life is no longer simple and carefree.
So, this is the first time he had seen that carefree version, which, he thought has disappeared, appear again.
And, it left bittersweet traces in his heart.
He is happy that she still has that vibrant vibes in her but it left bitterness in his heart because it got evoked by another man and not him.
"Good morning, Mr. Fletcher" Allen who just came out greeted Aiden who was still looking at the way Anna went.
A hideous scornful smirk appeared in his lips but he did his best to conceal it.
Aiden quickly recomposed himself and gave a perfunctory response to Allen. He could see that Allen is enjoying the brief disorientation he suffered just now.
Allen didn't stay there for much longer. After their formal pleasantries, they parted their ways.
While Aiden walked towards the right wing where Kyle and Anna's workspace is situated, Allen took the elevator to the terrace to take a quick breather and make a quick call.
"I sense some tension between Mr. Fletcher and Allen." Brianna said. She and Clinton were standing a few feet away and were able to sense the tension between Allen and Aiden.
"I didn't notice," Clinton answered.
His voice was soft and laid back like always but his eyes didn't hide the fog swirling in his mind. However, Brianna was too occupied to notice that.
"I feel like Allen and Mr. Fletcher has some bad blood." Brianna speculated.
"Come on! It is obvious that they have met their equal match. Both are sinfully handsome, highly intellectual, despotic and notoriously influential."
"They could either become friends or competitors but not enemy's. They are well aware that they shouldn't cross each other's path as enemies as it would only lead to endless self-inflicted trouble." Clinton voiced his opinion.
They could be competitors who respect and get along well, at least on the surface. Getting into each other's bad side would only cause trouble and these both are busy enough to engage in an unnecessary rivalry.
"I hope so." Brianna muttered.
They can't afford to create any ripples in this city. They were strictly 'requested' not to create 'trouble' to Anna and her 'ex-family'.
But little Brianna and Clinton know that this rivalry started long back and the ripples have already started disturbing the river which is Anna's family.
—-------------
"This could help you to make connections. Connections are important to get a strong foothold in the business world." Aiden said when Kyle asked him about the charity banquet invitation the old secretary passed to him an hour back.
"It's next week." Kyle pouted.
The invitation was sent to the president's office a few days back but because of his grandparents death, it was put aside.
Even now, though the old secretary knows that this is not the right time, he advised Kyle to attend.
This charity banquet is organized by a renowned international club and many business magnates would be attending it.
So, it is prestigious and noteworthy.
"You still have around eight days to prepare mentally and professionally. That is more than enough time to prepare for it." Aiden said.
"You are no longer a student, Kyle. You are a businessman and it is crucial to be flexible and resilient." Aiden added.
Anna who just entered the office after a knock has heard the conversation between her brother and ex boyfriend.
"Your outfit will be sent in a couple of days. I have made an appointment with the stylist and he will be coming to the office on that day to help you." Anna informed her brother.
She didn't keep up with honorifics as Aiden already knows that she is close to Kyle.
And, he also knows that she is working here as secretary not because she needs the job.
Although he is unaware of why she started working here, he at least knows that she doesn't belong to the business world and would leave after a while.
"Ms. Lopez, it would be helpful for Kyle if you gather the details of the event and make a brief summary about the organizers, guests and the background of them." Aiden said.
As Kyle is clueless about the event and anyone attending it, this could be immensely helpful.
"I have already started it. I will be sending you the required information every evening as homework. You must be diligent" Anna told her brother, ignoring her ex-boyfriend.
Kyle nodded his head but the nervousness in his eyes was obvious. He is a kind of introvert who loves to play games in his room and spend his leisure room in solitude.
Attending these kinds of events is hard for him. It is difficult to adjust.
"I will be attending as well. I will be there by your side from start to the end. You need not worry about anything other than attending it." Aiden assured Kyle.
"Just read whatever Ms. Lopez will send you and make sure to remember it well," he added.
"Ms. Lopez, after you are done with that summary, show it to me once before sending it to him." Aiden told Anna.
"I will mail you after I finish, Mr. Fletcher." Anna answered.
"Meet me in my office, Ms. Lopez. It will be easier to come up with the final draft." Aiden said.
He is here in the Danver Corps everyday not because he has a lot of time to waste. He is here because of Anna. So, he has to make the most of it.
The thought of her visiting his office every day for the next eight days made him happy.