I got a call from Noah that he needed some advice regarding the 'Matthew Whitman' offer. As Noah's towering company building loomed ahead, I maintained my vigilance, keeping a watchful eye on every detail of our surroundings. Today, we were entering the company for what appeared to be a casual discussion, yet my focus remained unwavering. The grandeur of the place never ceased to amaze me. The towering glass walls and the spacious, well-lit atrium exuded an air of affluence and sophistication. Employees in sharp business attire bustled about, appearing engaged in their various tasks.
Dressed in my carefully chosen attire, I felt a blend of confidence and style. The long beige trench coat draped elegantly, giving my silhouette a certain panache. Beneath it, my coffee-colored suit was impeccably tailored, while the rich, chocolate-colored tie added a touch of individuality. The crisp, white shirt provided a classic, clean canvas for the ensemble. Every detail of my outfit had been carefully selected, not just for fashion's sake, but to make a statement.
Walking alongside me was Henry, my loyal bodyguard, a silent but steadfast presence. His watchful eyes scanned the surroundings, assessing potential risks and ensuring my safety. Though we were here for a seemingly casual meeting, I knew Henry's commitment to my well-being was unwavering.
As Carol⎼Noah's new assistant⎼ began to open the door, Henry stepped aside for me to enter while he stood right beside the door, giving me privacy. "Mr. Lancaster?" Noah's head popped up, "Mr. Larsen's here to meet you."
"When Mr. Larsen comes, you never ask. He's family, and family doesn't require permission." She shook her head in understanding. I could've asked not to bother in the first place when she decided to walk me in, but she was just doing her job, and the way Noah enlightened her calmly directly shows how good of a leadership quality he has.
I took my place, settling into the chair directly in front of Noah. The distance between us was just right, allowing for a comfortable yet engaged conversation. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as we prepared to delve into our discussion.
"So, what did Whitman do again?"
"Whitman was just a pawn, I called you here for something else." I tilted my head with a puzzled expression on my face. My eyebrows furrowed in confusion while his face remained calm but bold. "What is going on between you and Josette?"
"You didn't actually call me all the way here for this, did you?" His eyes still searching for the answers. "Answers, Chris. Answers." He spoke with just one motive. His gaze was full of boldness and professionalism. "I already told you the truth, there is nothing."
"Then why'd you went all the way to her place, with a bouquet, just to apologize," I should've known, she would tell Audreya, and Audreya would tell Noah about my unannounced visit. "That too for not being able to pick her up yourself from the hospital."
"She was in the hospital because of me. It was my duty to be there for her at every moment."
"I'm pretty sure it's not about duty," He leaned in, his eyes locked onto mine as if seeking a beacon of wisdom hidden within me. "Audreya told me how you asked for her opinion on the best flowers which were eventually for Josette, weren't they?" His body language and words conveyed a palpable need for clarity and insights. "Why are you interrogating me as if you're some cop?"
"I see how you don't trust me even a little bit to share your love life with me." He's always been the first person to know everything related to my life, hearing him say those words made my internals scream. An exasperated sigh of melancholy left my mouth, "She doesn't like me back. She has been on my mind since the day I first saw her at Norside, but she doesn't feel the same." I could feel his expression change from determined to empathetic. "I thought she felt the same way that night, the night that changed everything," I didn't know thinking about that night still triggered me until my legs started shaking just at the thought of hurting her. "But I was wrong. I kissed her because I thought she felt the same, but I was wrong. She doesn't feel the same."
I swore that I would never let anyone see me vulnerable anymore, not even Noah, I'm no longer Chris anymore, I'm Christian Larsen, future CEO of The Larsen Group of Companies. "I just wanted to apologize to her, that's why I went to get her flowers. I never bought flowers before, and I saw Audreya pass by so I asked her for a mere suggestion."
He could see the distress on my face clearly, so he didn't question me anymore, instead changed the topic. "You know, the flowers she selected for you were the ones she liked the most. Purple and lavender are Audreya's favorite." He said and smiled, breaking off the steam.
"Did you talk to Doctor Bennett about her condition?" I nodded. "She said she'd be fine until she wouldn't overdose." He nodded slightly to show his approval. "You're all set for tomorrow?"
"Speaking of tomorrow, your girlfriend's going to be there too, I presume?"
"Yes, what about her?"
"Nothing, just asking." He cocked his eyebrow in abstruse. "I'm thinking of inviting her roommate." His smile curled up at the corner of his lips as he stood up. Without wasting any time, we left from there.