"Is that really true?"
"Wow, weren't we actually considering signing a contract with that fashion brand? Who knew that was affiliated with KIV?"
All the other directors were both shocked and pleased to know this new piece of information and all of them shifted to give the positive vibe yet again.
"If it's true that fleur-de-lis is affiliated with KIV, what was the reason for being undercover all this time?" one of the directors said.
"That's merely a business strategy as the CEO of fleur-de-lis one-handedly handling the fashion brand for the aesthetic purpose. When we do not know who the creator is, we seem to have more attraction for the creation of that unknown creator."
I waited for a bit as the reaction from my target was yet to come. He did look quite amused than before but somehow was not that much surprised, instead, his expression remained unbothered.
To think there would be a day when I can feel uncertain about the outcome of my attempts was pretty unimaginable.
"May I ask who is the CEO of the clothing brand, then?" curiosity kills the cat, so I wished to kill that one director who voiced such a foolish desire.
I am humble but not desperate right now to show all my cards for nothing.
"I'm afraid I can not answer that question as we have boundaries to how far we can reveal," I replied instantly, gaining a frown from that fool. "So I hope this is a proposal good enough to consider, isn't it?"
My confident remark amazed a few of them but it only made Jack worry.
Everyone looked convinced but I could read the mind of that one person. He was hard to read.
Well, maybe just not a bit, but a lot hard to read.
I waited, in anticipation and with a little bit of annoyance. Why does he have to take so much time when I offered such a nice deal? Did not get how much of a profit they can do only if a famous fashion brand agrees to sign the deal with them?
"We will let you know as soon as possible. The meeting is dismissed."
So, he is going to keep us hanging? Keep me hanging?
I could not believe what I witnessed for a few moments but then my secretary brought me back to the present. I did not realize when almost everyone left the room that I was crushed in my own thoughts.
"Miss, shall we….," my secretary was interrupted by a powerful hand.
"Mr. Lee," I forced out a smile.
"Looks like your secretary is into bending over too much. Your back must hurt," CEO Lee threw his last statement toward Jack. why do I feel like he is gritting his teeth?
"No, he is stout. I do not prefer weaklings to be by my side," I replied, though it was totally unnecessary to do that. It felt like I was helping a kitten get out of the dragon's den.
I assembled my documents and handed them to Jack, preparing to leave.
"It was a pleasure meeting you," I cracked a smile that people call 'confident' while extending my right hand toward him. I may have lost to seal the deal instantly, but I will make it regret him in the future delaying closing the deal. I, Rose Bennett, never back off from challenges after all.
"It's already past 12. How about we have lunch together, Miss Bennett."
I definitely was not expecting this. Well, to be honest, it was not the first time someone asked me to get a meal after the business but I always seemed to refuse. The matter which amazed me is that I never expected someone like Vincent Lee to offer me lunch. He is a busy man, probably the busiest man in the city. He would rather spend his time on his document analysis than have a meal with a director of a company that is technically below his.
I moved back my hand as he never shook it. I had to admit it made me annoyed. Does he have to be that much conscious about being touched? Tabloids did say he is an asexual, but isn't that just all a façade? Why is he trying so hard to pretend anyway?
I hated pretentious people, so I have to hate Vincent Lee too.
"Well, I do not have anything in my schedule after lunch, so I don't mind," I replied as well as shocked by my own response.
Fu*k! Yeah, I was annoyed, so why did I agree to tag along?
… … …
It was an Italian cuisine restaurant, pretty popular in this area. It took us less than two minutes to get there by walking. We were seated facing each other.
Two hours ago, if someone had told me I would be having lunch with this man, I would not have believed it. But maybe my fate was unfortunate enough to make me go through this when I had to skip my important lectures too. Simply not worth it.
"I will go with course B," I chose a course from the menu.
"Likewise."
I avoided looking at his eyes the whole time. I do not know why I am acting this way but normally, I like to lock eyes with people when I communicate. But something about this man kept intimidating me. The tabloids which featured this business tycoon all seem to say the truth.
Vincent Lee is indeed a person who can intimidate you only with his presence. Even I had the urge to avoid those deep oceanic eyes. They were mesmerizingly beautiful. I had a feeling if I look at those again, I will not be able to remove my gaze from them.
"I should not be judging a person by his rumors, but people do say you never do anything if that does not profits you. I was actually trying to find the benefit of this lunch and your precious time invested here, but I really can not find any," I stated quite casually.
He looked amused. That look again. He kept it plastered on his face the whole time of the meeting.
"Maybe I do have my reasons," he chuckled. Something inside me changed instantly, and I felt a sharp yet vague arch on my lower belly. Humans are dangerous.
"And may I ask what are they?" my words, they wavered a little. And I pathetically know why.
"I will if you want to hear the reasons today," the answer was tactful.
"Why do you bother delaying and not just get it over with?" I frowned because I could not help it.
What he was implying? The task could be easier if I got the chance to read his mind right now. But that kind of action is not possible in a place like this. I do not want to get into the news when the place we are sitting in is 2 minutes away from the company.
I took a deep breath and finally decided to lock my eyes with him properly.
I do not know how to phrase the power settled inside those eyes.
The creator of this planet did not phrase the feeling between evil and goodness. But if he did, Vincent Lee's eyes could be somewhere in the middle between demonic and angelic. His one side is pure as an angel and the other side is filled with wickedness. But for some reason that made him more attractive than confusing.
Asexual? Such a waste of that sensuality he carried with him. And I am among those who absolutely do not believe that he is asexual.
"The way you are boring your eyes on me, you might create a hole in my face," he replied with that same amused voice.
"You are yet to tell me the reasons, Mr. Lee," I probed.
"Call me Vincent outside the office. Mr. Lee sounds too heavy," then again he tried to change the subject.
"If this is a request then I will think about granting it after you grant mine, Mr. Lee," but I was persistent while emphasizing Mr. with more vigor.
"Whatever you say, Miss Bennett. I would like to take responsibility for that night."