Ailee was once again going to the office today.
Last week when she spent the day there, she realised it was not that bad. All she had to do was to complete the assigned work in her peaceful cabin. She was glad her father chose the quietest corner of the top floor. She doesn't have to worry about getting disturbed or having to deal with the chatter of other employees.
Xavier would be coming to meet her as well.
When she told him about her day at work and that she is considering to attend the office atleast once a week to build her confidence, he was very supportive of her and said he'll come to wish her goodluck.
He also said there were some problems due to which he would not be able to visit her much or talk for sometime. She was confused but didn't pry, he will tell her himself whenever he will deem appropriate.
She donned a white dress with white stilletos, all ready to hit the office.
___
"Morning ma'am."
"Good morning Ms Laurent"
"Good day to you"
came the wishes from the employees on the first floor.
She replied smiling as best as she could in her nervous state and almost sprinted to her cabin.
She breathed in relief upon reaching in the comfort of her office room and sat down texting Xavier about her arrival so that he could come whenever possible now that she is here.
___
Xavier was in one of the restaurants he owns for brunch but it somehow turned into an inspection when he noticed how incompetent his workers were.
"S-Sir give us one more chance, we will not disappoint you." the manager pleaded while Xavier sat scrolling through his phone uncaring of what was happening around.
He already fired half of the staff and recruitment has been started.
Its useless to ask for forgiveness now.
After going through the e-mails sent by his HR he left to meet up with his little friend.
On his way he noticed some cars following him, he knew it must be the doing of Igor and sat back.
He gotta do something about him and quickly.
He was in the parking lot getting out of the car with more guards around him then usual, most of them in disguise to not make their presence obvious.
He was led up to the chairman's office for the excuse of a meeting he arranged as a facade.
"Mr Romano" said Mr Laurent standing up to greet him.
"Nice to meet you Mr Romano" said Emma shaking hands with Xavier.
"Mr Laurent, Ms Emma" replied Xavier and nodded in acknowledgement towards all the other directors present in the room.
"Alex is on the site so lets proceed with the meeting right away" he said and sat down reading the analytical data related to the topic of today's conference.
They discussed about the current depreciation of the currency and how it may affect their budget for the construction of the DV Manors.
It unexpectedly took them an hour to wrap it up and when they came outside Ailee was already there waiting for them to come outside.
They paused looking at her and Mr Laurent introduced them because as per his knowledge they couldn't meet each other on the day of the party and hence were still unknown to each other.
Xavier shook his hand with Ailee while nodding just like his usual self.
They started walking towards the elevator and Ailee tip toed to whisper something in her father's ear to which he nodded in response.
___
Xavier waited in the private lobby of the building for Ailee considering he can't take the risk of being seen with her in public in time as critical as now.
After a few minutes Ailee came and smiled at him, happy to see her only active friend after so long, well technically after a week.
"Hi" she said softly.
"Hmm how is everything going?" he asked sitting down followed by Ailee.
"Better than I anticipated actually."
"That's good." he said looking ahead.
"Are you doing okay?" she asked observing his solemn expression which she is not accustomed to.
"Mhmm" he replied.
"You don't look like that at all Xavier. Is it something very hard to deal with?" she asked worriedly.
He didn't want her to worry about him, he will manage like he always does.
"I just need some time to figure everything out. Its nothing I am not capable of handling." he assured her.
"If you say so" she said sounding least bit satisfied with his justification.
"Here" he said passing her a paper bag.
"What is inside?" she asked suddenly getting very excited. This brought a slight upward pull of his lips.
He shrugged pretending to not know.
"Oh my sweet Chocolates! How did you know I was craving some?" she asked wide eyed as if it was the most confidential thing ever.
"I don't know maybe because you consume it an infinite number of times a day?" Just the thought of it was making him feel diabetic.
She gave him a sort of pouty smile.
"Thank you" she said nevertheless.
He just hummed in response.
"So you planning to be regular here?" he asked facing her.
"uhh I don't know just yet. Maybe after 2-3 more times I'll be able to decide." she said shrugging.
"It is okay, you can take your time."
She smiled and nodded at him.
"Oh I should go now. Emma is waiting for me at the entrance. And thank you so much for coming here and for these" she said and holding up the bag near her face.
"Mhmm" he replied walking with her to the door.
"You going somewhere?" he asked.
"Yes. Mama wants us to accompany her for shopping."
He nodded and they both reached the door.
"Bye tata! and take care Xavier. It is going to be okay. Hmm?" she said facing him.
"Mhmm thank you Coco"
Ailee left waving her hands while Xavier stood there watching her leave.
He sighed moving towards the parking lot.
He has got to do something before Ailee's association with him comes to light.
He settled in his car and left for his office.
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