As Daniel and Lina began their meal, they ate with a comfortable familiarity, their movements effortless and natural. To an outside observer, they appeared to be simply sharing a meal, their actions devoid of any romantic connotation.
However, through the eyes of Sofia and Bella, the scene takes on a different hue. They watched with a knowing glint in their eyes, their imagination running wild.
To them, Daniel and Lina's every gesture seemed laced with intimacy. The way Daniel passed the bread to Lina, his fingers brushing against hers, becomes a tender caress. Lina's smile as she takes a bite of her food, her eyes meeting Daniel's, is a flirtatious invitation.
When Daniel asked for the salt, Lina handed it to him with a playful touch, her fingers brushing against his. The brief contact sent a thrill through both of them, and they exchanged a glance that made Bella and Sofia raise an eyebrow.
Lina picked up her napkin to wipe her mouth when it accidentally fell from her hand. They both bent down to pick it up, Daniel's hand touching hers as he handed it back. The touch was brief, but the sparks that flew between them were undeniable.
Bella and Sofia exchanged a knowing look, their faces aglow with excitement. To them, it was clear that Daniel and Lina were flirting, their every move a subtle dance of attraction.
Daniel reached out with his fork and picked out the tenderest piece of roasted chicken, then gently placed it on her plate. "Here, try this. It's really tasty."
Lina smiled as she took a bite of the food placed on her plate by Daniel. "Thanks," she said, her expression appreciative.
Sofia, her curly brown hair bobbing as she nodded, spoke up, her voice laced with concern, "Lina, are you still planning on going to the company today?"
Lina's gaze drifted away, her eyes clouding over as she thought about Lady Linda's harsh behavior towards her. Daniel, sitting beside her, placed a gentle hand on her knee, offering silent support.
Bella, her dark hair pulled back into a sleek ponytail, leaned forward, her eyes shining with empathy. "I mean, after what that lady bitch did to you, can you really just go back to work like nothing happened?"
Lina pressed her lips into a thin line, her jaw clenched in determination. "I have to, guys. I have to go. I can't just let her win. I'll show her beating me won't stop me."
Daniel's hand tightened on her knee, his eyes locked onto hers. "Don't forget I'm the CEO; she won't be so stupid to try and mess with you again," he said and smiled.
Bella's eyes blazed with fury as she confronted Daniel, her voice low and menacing. "You're the CEO, Daniel? You're the fucking CEO. You're the one with power. What did you do about Lady Linda's abuse of power? What did you do to stop her from tormenting Lina?"
Daniel's expression remained calm, but his eyes flickered slightly with a hint of discomfort. He shifted in his seat, his voice measured and cautious. "Bella, I understand your concern, but-"
"Concern?" Bella's laughter was a sharp, bitter sound. "You call that concern? You're the one who's supposed to protect Lina, but you did nothing. You let Lady Linda walk all over her, and now see."
Daniel's face remained impassive, but his eyes flashed with a hint of defensiveness. "Bella, I-"
"Don't 'bella' me, Daniel," she snapped, her voice rising. "You're the one who's supposed to lead, but you're just as guilty as Lady Linda. You enabled her behavior, and now you're covering it up."
Daniel's jaw clenched, his lips pressing into a thin line. "I'm not at liberty to discuss personnel matters, Bella."
Bella's eyes widened in disbelief. "Not at liberty? Do you want me to remind you that you're the godforsaken CEO? You're accountable for what happens in the company. You can't just silence me and expect it to go away."
Daniel clenched his jaw, his lips pressing into a thin line. He said nothing, his silence a stark contrast to Bella's fury.
Sofia, seated opposite Daniel, attempted to intervene, her voice soft and placating. "Bella, maybe if we..."
But Daniel's gaze snapped to Sofia, his eyes flashing a warning. Sofia's words trailed off, and she shrank back, her eyes wide with fear.
Bella's face turned red with anger, her eyes blazing with frustration. She slammed her fist on the table, the sound echoing through the room like a crack of thunder.
The force of her blow rattled the dishes, and the silverware clattered against the plates. "I'M TALKING TO YOU, DANIEL!" she yelled.
Daniel's eyes flicked briefly in Bella's direction. For a moment, their gazes locked, and the tension between them was palpable. His silence was a clear indication that he would not be swayed.
But then Daniels eyes shifted back to lina, his focus honing in on the soft strand's of her hair, his gaze caressed the gentle curve's of her locks, his fingers itching to touch them
But then Daniel's eyes shifted back to Lina, his focus honing in on the soft strands of her hair. His gaze caressed the gentle curves of her locks, his fingers itching to touch them.
He was drawn to her like a magnet; his fascination with her hair was a tangible force.
Bella's anger boiled over, her words pouring out in a torrent of rage. "You're a disgrace, Daniel! A disgrace to humanity. You're just as guilty as Lady Linda! You're supposed to be a leader, but you're just a coward who can't even protect your own employees."
With a calm, deliberate motion, he reached out his hand and began to play with Lina's hair, his fingers gentle and soothing.
Sofia tried to place a calming hand on Bella's arm, but Bella shook it off, her anger and frustration palpable.
As Daniel's fingers traced the strands of Lina's hair, his fingertips grazed against her skin with a feather-light touch. The gentle contact sent shivers down her spine, her nerve endings tingling with pleasure.
With each delicate stroke, Daniel's fingers brushed against Lina's skin, leaving behind a trail of goosebumps. Lina, seated beside him, looked uncomfortable; her heart raced, her breath catching in her throat as she fixed her eyes on her lap.