While Clara and Austin were busy sharing glances, Clifford's voice drew their attention toward him.
"So we also have a new person apart from your naughty assistant, huh Adrian" Clifford's playful remark made Austin look at him in surprise.
Adrian who was yet to introduce Clara to Mr. Quin turned his eyes to her before he said," She is my new assistant"
Clara quickly greeted Clifford," Hello Mr. and Mrs. Quin, myself Clara. I am Mr. Emerson's new assistant" She kept her tone professional, which impressed Clifford and he quickly stretched his hand for a handshake.
Clara gladly accepted the reflex unaware of the eyes that were throwing daggers at the interwind palms.
"Nice to meet you, Clara" Pulling back their hand from the handshake, Clara took a step back and stood next to Austin.
Slowly leaning next to her Austin whispered," I think he likes you" his words made her turn her attention to him," He rarely initiates the handshake, especially someone who stands out in his eyes"
Austin accompanied Adrian to many business events where he happened to meet Clifford quite often but never once he was seen shaking hands with people who ranked lower than his status.
It was only the high-ranking, influential people who were honored with his handshake. But now when he saw him giving one to Clara, he couldn't help but feel that the man had a liking towards her.
Clara who was about to answer him, heard Adrian clear his throat," Should we start the meeting?" his voice startled both of them and they stood still with their eyes and ears focused on the conversation that soon began.
Having a brief knowledge of the meeting, Clara knew Adrian was here to negotiate with Clifford. Since they already knew someone from the company was helping his rival, he wanted to clear up the misunderstanding that led Clifford to withdraw from the project.
"I don't think I need to build up things to let you know the purpose of this emergency meeting" Adrian began speaking, while the rest kept listening to his authoritative voice talk politely as he came directly to the point without playing with his words.
"I know it's hard for you to trust us but without any solid proof, you can't conclude anything" he stated a fact that made Clifford frown.
Adrian didn't want him to slip into a decision without listening to them.
"I don't take decisions based on flying words Adrian and you are very well aware of it," Clifford said and he leaned back staring at Adrian with a firm gaze.
Clifford didn't like it when someone questioned his ability. He wasn't someone who would just cancel the deal with Adrian when he had already given his word to him.
But when he found that the same design Adrian had proposed to him was presented by some other company, he couldn't help but doubt his decision. He just wanted to be safe.
There was a possibility, that either one of them had stolen the work and he wasn't ready to accept anyone of them that would lead to any loss.
Adrian bobbed his head in understanding and went silent for a while. Clara who had been listening to their conversation frowned when she found Adrian quiet. She wanted him to tell him everything and come out clear but the more he kept mum, the more she felt the tension building up.
"Then give me some time to prove myself, Mr. Quin. I promise to justify that the design is purely our creation. My team had been working day and night for a better outcome and I don't want to let them down" Adrian said in determination.
Yes, he knew someone from the company tried to backstab them and he would soon find the culprit. Until then he wanted Mr. Quin to have faith in him.
Clifford observed Adrian, pondering on his words that seemed genuine. Thinking for some time, he nodded his head," One week... I give one week. Prove that the design is yours and get me to sign the deal" he said with an assuring smile and agreed to give Adrian a chance to expose the culprit.
Adrian felt a huge burden lift from his shoulder and he let out a satisfying smile. Now that Clifford granted him a week, he had to buckle up and work his ass hard to find the person who dared to mess with him.
The meeting ended on a good note and both Mr. and Mrs. left from there.
"Austin, arrange my meeting with the designing team. I would like to have a word with them regarding this meeting" Adrian said.
"Right away boss," he said and walked out of the room heading straight to Skylar Corps.
Clara who stood behind Adrian waited for his instruction, but even after a whole minute passed she didn't hear him say anything. She watched him lean back leisurely and suddenly heard him say," Miss Mathew, are you going to stand there forever"
His words startled Clara and she shook her head. She didn't know why Adrian remained seated when the meeting was already over. Should they too head to the company to start their day, she thought to herself as her eyes watched his masculine back over his suit.
Adrian waited for her to take the seat but even after a minute she remained rooted behind him without taking a step ahead.
Annoyed with the disobedience, he turned to look at her, and their eyes met," Come let us have breakfast" his words were simple but they stirred so many emotions inside her frozen heart.
"I-I am not hungry" she quickly retorted.
"But I am and being my assistant you must follow my words without obligation. Aren't you here to take care of me" he stated, reminding her of the clause mentioned in the contract and her eyes widened in shock.
Adrian quickly turned away from her and his lips curled into a light smile. He had always liked the startled look on her face, which made her look like a child and he liked watching it.
"So without any question, kindly come and join me for breakfast, or else I won't eat the entire day" he threatened her and the next second her legs found their way towards the table and she quickly took the opposite chair, sitting in front of Adrian.
This time Adrian couldn't hold back his contentment and he smiled, letting the girl in front of him witness it.