"You," Gabby hissed the question under her breath, her voice barely audible amidst the low hum of the fluorescent lights. "What the heck are you doing here?" she demanded, her eyes narrowed at Sebastian.
He lifted an eyebrow, a playful smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "Isn't it obvious, Dr. Lockwood?" His voice held a husky undertone. There was a hint of something else by the way he pronounced her name— something that she found infuriating.
"I thought you would follow me around!" she said, maintaining a calm facade.
"Why would I do that when I can work next to you?" he answered.
"Lying about A and Co is not going to be a small matter. That company is huge. Why would you— "
"A and Co Pharmaceuticals is deeply interested in CIAR's expertise, particularly yours, Dr. Lockwood," his voice was low, almost as if he was simply murmuring her name. She was not able to stop the shiver down her spine.
"I am not talking about that," she hissed. "Why would you lie about A and Co? You could have used another company. I don't know a start-up one?" she asked.
"Who told you that I am lying about A and Co?" Sebastian arched an eyebrow.
"You— "
"Gabby?" a cheerful voice sliced through the tense atmosphere.
Both Gabby and Sebastian turned to find a blonde woman standing a few feet away, her gaze flitting between them with curiosity. "I heard you were showing someone from A and Co around?"
Gabby internally cursed her rotten luck. Of all the people to appear at this precise moment, it had to be Melanie— another junior researcher from another department.
"Yes, I— Mr. Devereux, this is Dr. Melanie James. She's working on the artifacts from the Aztec Civilization," Gabby said. "Why are you here, Dr. James? Don't you have something important to do for your research?"
"You just had an accident." Melanie smiled. Decked out in a pencil skirt that accentuated her curves, Melanie approached them. "How could I let you tour Mr. Devereux when you're supposed to be on a break?"
"Right." Gabby did not know what to say. Gabby almost stumbled when Melanie suddenly squeezed in between her and Sebastian. However, she didn't have the time to complain as Melanie was already talking to Sebastian.
"I didn't think that the son of the Chairman of A and Co would personally come today," Melanie said, her eyes darting towards Sebastian, seemingly appraising him as they started walking. "I can't help but be flattered at A and Co's interest."
Gabby felt a familiar prickle of annoyance. Melanie's blatant flirting was like nails on a chalkboard, especially at such an inopportune moment.
"For a while, A and Co had been showing interest in archaeology." Sebastian remained unfazed; however, Gabby already noticed a change in the man's atmosphere. Still, she chose to maintain her silence.
"Really? How fascinating. Working with A and Co sounds like quite an exciting opportunity. Perhaps I could offer some insights on the Aztec artifacts we've been studying. Collaboration is key, wouldn't you agree, Mr. Devereux?" Her voice took on a suggestive lilt, the subtext clear. Gabby gritted her teeth, internally rolling her eyes. Melanie's tactics were as predictable as they were annoying.
"I'm sure your expertise would be invaluable, Dr. James, but I am not exactly here to study Aztec artifacts," Sebastian said, his tone calm. Hearing this, Gabby didn't know what to say.
"Then perhaps at a later date?" Melanie said.
"Unfortunately, I would be busy with the business and Miss Lockwood," Sebastian answered, once again leaving Melanie speechless.
Almost immediately, Melanie's flirtatious facade crumbled. Her smile faltered, replaced by a glare so sharp it could have cut glass. It was aimed squarely at Gabby.
Gabby met the gaze unflinchingly, her jaw clenched tight. What the hell did she do? She didn't even say a single word! Why was she being blamed here? She held Melanie's glare for a beat, then turned back to Sebastian, her voice laced with cool professionalism.
"As I was saying, Mr. Devereux," she began, "the X department might be more suitable for discussing the specifics of the project. They specialize in..."
Her voice trailed off as a wave of dizziness washed over her, the lingering effects of the accident suddenly catching up. She stumbled slightly, her vision blurring at the edges.
Sebastian immediately reached out to steady her. "Are you alright, Dr. Lockwood?" he asked.
She squeezed her eyes shut. His touch sent a jolt through her. This time, however, it wasn't entirely unwelcome.
"I should be…" she mumbled. "I— "
Melanie watched the exchange with narrowed eyes. The fire in her gaze had dimmed, replaced by a calculating glint.
"Perhaps Dr. Lockwood needs to return to her rest," Melanie remarked, her voice dripping with feigned concern. "She doesn't look too well. Don't worry Gabby, you can stay in my office for a while. I can continue the tour with Mr. Devereux."
"I can assure you, I'm fine," Gabby retorted, pushing away from Sebastian's hand with a touch more force than necessary. "Just a little lightheaded. Mr. Devereux and I will continue our tour."
"Are you sure?" Sebastian asked.
"Yes," Gabby met Melanie's eyes. She knew what this woman was doing but she had no time for any of this.
"Dr. Lockwood, perhaps it would be best to head home and get some rest. You seem a bit unsteady." Sebastian said.
"Alright," she conceded. However, she didn't want to see Alessandra and Ryan again. She would really prefer her lab right now. Sadly, CIAR is still fixing it. "Thank you for your concern, Mr. Devereux."
A triumphant smirk played on Melanie's lips. However, her victory was short-lived as Sebastian spoke again, his gaze fixed on Gabby."And since you're clearly not well enough to drive, allow me to take you home. It wouldn't be right to leave you after you've gone to such trouble today."
Melanie's smile vanished.
"I appreciate the offer, Mr. Devereux," Gabby said. "But I wouldn't want to trouble you—"
"It's no trouble at all," Sebastian cut her off gently. "Consider it part of our collaboration, ensuring the well-being of our key personnel."
His words held a double meaning, directed not only at Gabby but also at Melanie, whose presence was becoming increasingly unwelcome. Seeing Gabby's hesitant nod, Sebastian turned towards Melanie.
"Dr. James, I appreciate your enthusiasm, but I believe Dr. Lockwood and I have covered everything for now. Perhaps we can continue our discussions at another time when everyone is feeling their best."
With that, Sebastian ushered Gabby towards the elevators, leaving a speechless and fuming Melanie in his wake.