Cali's insides are churning with various feelings that defy description, including disbelief, shock, and pure joy. Despite the fact that these emotions leave her speechless, she is aware that a smile is beginning to appear on her face. She fixes her gaze on Nik's ocean-blue eyes and notices a spark of astonishment and possibly excitement (is it joy?) on the expression on his face. But Nik immediately gathers himself back together.
"Cali, I never thought we would meet again," Nik says in a silky, deep voice as he cries out her name.
Cali feels a chill when she hears his voice. When she is near Nik, she finds maintaining control of her body difficult.
"It is a pleasure to see you again, Mr. Pierre," the speaker said. Cali feels relieved that she can regain her calm.
"Call me Nik. Please take a seat." Cali feels shivers go down her spine as Nik approaches her with his long legs, then guides her to the leather sofa while lightly touching her tiny back.
Cali instantly grabs her tote bag after sitting down in an attempt to disguise her response. Inside, she pulls out an invitation card that has been carefully packed.
"On May 25th, the DelaRoy Mansion will host the birthday party for your father."
Nik snatches the invitation card out of her grasp and slams it down on the table recklessly.
"How did you know my father?" Nik examines her in a manner that suggests he is curious about her.
This question has been posed to her twice in a single day. She knows the question contains additional information; nevertheless, she could not decipher it.
Cali is still deciding whether or not she should tell Nik the truth. It is Nik speaking. Cali is aware that she may put her faith in him. But now that she is aware that he is Mr. DelaRoy's son and does not appear on the photo wall inside the DelaRoy estate, Cali is knowledgeable that she must navigate the waters of this world of wealthy people with extreme caution to make it. In addition, by explaining to Nik how she was aware of Mr. DelaRoy, she would disclose her past to him for all to see. She is not prepared for it in any way.
"I met him at the job interview." Cali lied. And she could see that Nik did not believe what she was saying. However, he does not continue to investigate the matter.
"Are you planning to attend the party?"
"Yes, I'm responsible for taking care of a few important guests during the day," she said.
Someone has just knocked on the door. The interruption is caused by Nik's secretary, who says, "I'm sorry to bother you, sir. The meeting is scheduled to begin in just 5 minutes."
"I'm going to leave you alone." Cali raises herself up.
"Then I'll see you there at the party."
Cali acknowledges Nik's nod and then moves toward the exit. Nik's hand sneaks up behind her and softly grabs her arm just as she is about to enter the room. Cali looks away from Nik and then back at him.
"Would you be available for dinner later on tonight?" Nik's eyes are blue, and they are focused intently on her. Is he making a dinner reservation for her? Do we have a date?
"Yes." Cali simply cannot contain her curiosity to discover what he will say next.
"That's awesome. I'll send you a text message later with the location and the time. "Until then, take care!"
"See you then." Cali's attempt to suppress her grin was futile.
Alex was having trouble concentrating on the man speaking in the conference room. His thoughts continue to go back to Cali. As soon as she enters his office, he is immediately reminded of how much he has missed her and how badly he desires her.
She has changed her appearance but is just as attractive and beautiful as before. She uses minimal makeup, and the Barkley curls in her hair frame her beautiful face. In contrast to her laid-back appearance, she now exudes the air of a competent businesswoman thanks to the grey business suit she's wearing. The grey pencil skirt she is wearing highlights the beauty of her legs. She is very stunning.
The news that Cali would be working as his father's new assistant came as quite a surprise to him. He didn't say goodbye to Cali before he abandoned her in Germany so that she might escape his complicated life. But here she is; is this some cruel joke played by destiny?
When Cali claims that she met Alex's father while there for the interview, Alex immediately recognizes that she is lying. He is familiar with his father. It is strange that the old man would hire Cali so soon, considering the betrayals his previous assistants committed against him. Is it possible that the elderly man knows something about Cali? If that's the case, then tell me: what exactly is it?
If this is the case, a question will inevitably arise. How can he keep Cali safe from Anthony and Antonia, who are both predators? How can he ensure that Cali will survive the conflict that he is having with his father without causing her any harm?
The most significant question is whether or not she would still accept his invitation for dinner after she learns the truth about him, including how sinister he is and his intentions are.
"Mr. Pierre, we are confident that the success of this campaign will assist in firmly establishing Pierre Technology's brand in customers' minds for many years to come." The other man is keeping a watchful eye on him in anticipation.
"Mr. Goodwill, we will discuss the specifics of our upcoming collaboration." Jack steps in to mediate.
"A penny for your thoughts?" When everyone else has left the room, Alex's uncle, Alex Pierre, asked.
"Nothing."
"This is obviously not nothing. Something is going on in your head right now. It was brought to my attention that the old man's assistant stopped by your workplace before the meeting. What's the word?"
"Nothing new that you don't already know."
"I could picture Anthony's smug face if it was announced that he would be the next CEO of the Emerald group," Nik gritted his teeth. Oh, how I wish I could punch him!
"If he is ever in charge of this group again, we know he will bring it to its knees. I have no problem with him destroying Emerald in any way. However, I will not permit my mother's hard work and possessions to go to waste, even if this means going to war with my father." Nik clenches his teeth in determination.
"Do you believe that we will be able to benefit from the new assistant that he has hired?"
"No, she is not touched by anyone. She is forbidden from getting involved in the unpleasant family business." The forceful tone that Nik uses surprises his uncle.
"You know she can't remain uninvolved in this situation. The elderly gentleman uses her as his assistant. No matter what happens, Anthony and his goddamn mother will find a way to talk to her. They were able to contact Lindsey. All that is required of us is to maintain discretion."
"No, I told you not to touch her," He said. Alex affirms once again. After hearing the idea, Alex could see that his eyes became even more icy.
"It's settled then. She's off-limits". Alex raises both palms into the air at the same time, surrendering.
"Is there something going on between you and her?"
"Nothing."
"Nik, you won't be able to trick me. I'm your aunt's brother. Since my sister's passing, I've tried to take on the role of a father figure for you. Are you having sexual relations with her?"
"You are making too much of this, so stop it," Nik answered hastily.
"Then why are you being so protective of her?"
"You are head over heels for her! Am I right?"
Nik retorts to his uncle in disgust, "You have a wild imagination, uncle," and then sits up to leave the gathering room before his uncle can interrogate him further.
Does he have feelings for her? He contradicts the idea that this is a possibility. He has a difficult time giving his heart to another person. Whether he likes it or not, he inherited his father's DNA. There is nothing he can do about it. He doesn't want to inflict the same kind of unimaginable suffering on a woman as his father did to his mother. He is physically attracted to Cali, but it's nothing more than that. And it would be to everyone's advantage if he kept it physical.