Kayden dropped Tulip and crouched to her level.
"Good morning Handsome Uncle" she greeted
"Morning birdie" Kayden replied, stroking her thick dark curls. .
"You were out on an excursion?" He asked briefly glancing at the group of pupils staring at them an Tulip nodded.
"Alright, see you later" he said and stood up
"Can I come with you to your office?" Tulip asked with a pout. Kayden smiled at her overly cuteness.
"No baby, it's school time but don't worry, I'll be coming to pick you up after school" he ask softly and her eyes lit up.
"Yay! I will love that!" She squealed happily making him chuckle.
"Your teacher is waiting, bye" Kayden pointed.
"Bye handsome uncle" Tulip hugged him once more before running back to the pupils. His bodyguards were still Frozen on the spot. Is that really Mr Hart that is acting all smiles and cool with a kid?
"Tulip, is that your dad's?" Poppy asked, staring eagerly at Tulip. Tulip was quite for a while as she took in all the curious gazed from her classmates and even the teacher. Kayden's grey eyes and thick black hair flashed in her brain, they look exactly like her. That should be enough to convince her classmates. She smiled triumphantly and nodded.
"Yes, he's my dad"
"Mr Hart, Your dad?!" The teacher gasped in shock.
Nixie and Jacob gasped in defeat. So, Tulip actually had a dad just like all of them here.
"You see, I told you she has a dad. You won't like it if you ever need with Tulip again" Poppy warned Nixie and Jacob and Tulip smiled.
"No one will tease you again, Tulip" Poppy said softly, holding Tulip's hand. She'd always been Tulip's only friend.
"Thank you, Poppy"
•Board Room~ GSG Org•
Kayden sat at the head of the conference table, surrounded by his executive team.
"Let's dive into the agenda" he said nodding at his Chief Financial Officer CFO, Niall.
"Our financials agree strong Mr Hart, but we need to discuss the upcoming expansions into new market" Niall explained.
Kayden turned to his Chief Operating Officer COO, Velvet.
"What's the latest on studio's capacity to handle the increased workload?" Kayden asked.
"We have to implement efficient processes, Mr Hart" Velvet replied with no hint of confidence.
"Have to? Shouldn't you have don't that long ago?" Kayden asked, his gaze turning cold.
"I'm.."
"What have you been doing that made you forget your purpose at work?" Kayden snapped, cutting her off. Velvet lowered her head, avoiding his intense gaze.
He was about to fire more daggers to her but Alynah interrupted.
"We have hired top talents and implemented efficient processes. We're ready to take in any challenge, Mr Hart" Kayden slowly turned to her. The rest of the executives exchanged looks.
"I know it is not my place to do that, but Velvet slacked off her work and we shouldn't tolerate that. If we are to see the success of our projects and the future of our organization, none of us should slack off. We should fully devote ourselves to our work. That's why I took her place and did what's necessary" Alynah explained.
There's an invisible smoke coming out of Velvet's ears and nose. How dare she? What did she think she is!? Does she think she can question her about her career?!
"That is not your place to do that! You're just a mere creative director and you shouldn't take someone's place, a great place like the COO! That's..."
"Silence!" Kayden's cold voice echoed in the hall, cutting that sultry voice of Velvet and then sending shivers down the spine of anyone who hears it.
"Miss Grayling is right. Anyone who has problem with what she said..." He trailed off and gazed at all his executives then continued.
"Will have to deal with me, first" his gaze then raked over the fuming Velvet, who was glaring at Alynah the whole time.
"The next time you slack off, I'll assign Miss Grayling to name what I'll do with you. Whatever she says will be the final decision to be taken" he said, a warning was burning within his cold voice.
Alynah smirked satisfactorily. She'd always wanted to teach Velvet a lesson since she'd always been a pain in her ass. Now, she gladly did. She looked up at Velvet, he was giving her that 'I swear I will deal with you' look but Alynah rolled her eyes.
Next, Kayden turned to his Chief Managing Director CMO, Jules.
"How is the marketing strategy shaping up?" He asked.
Jules presented his plans, emphasizing on social media campaigns and strategic partnerships.
Finally, Kayden looked at Alynah, his Chief Creative Director, CCD.
"What is the creative vision for our upcoming projects, Miss Grayling?"
"We're pushing boundaries, Mr Hart. Our designs will continue to inspire and innovate. We will lead the world with creativity and designs" Alynah's eyes sparkled as she said that. Kayden smiled at her enthusiasm.
"Excellent work all, let's make it happen"
The meeting ended with a sense of unity and hope to create a better GSG.
"Miss Grayling, I need you in my office"
Velvet's eyes were bloodshot red as she watched Kayden leave and Alynah smiling at him as she bowed. That witch ruined everything as she came. She stole her spotlight in the organization. Now, everyone talks about Alynah's success and don't even care if the rest existed or not. And Kayden, he got his eyes on Alynah. She can feel it, it's obvious with the way he acted towards her. Velvet clenched her fist, gritting her teeth. She feel like shouting the hell out of herself if it will make her feel any better. But the more she sees Alynah progressing, and Kayden drawing closer to her, she can't help but to feel a fresh wave of anger and jealousy. Sooner or later, she'll sabotage Alynah. That is for sure.
She was lost in her own reverie until the she-devil appeared before her.
"Your teeth will crush down the more you keep gritting them" there's a hint of sarcasm dripping in every word as Alynah said that. Velvet glared at her.
"Oh c'mon, not that look, Mrs COO. Get yourself busy if you don't want to be fired" Alynah said, waving her hand at her first smiling mockingly.
"I swear it Alynah, you'll regret it" Velvet gritted, heaving up and down as if she'll have a seizure the more she stands in Alynah's presence.
"You will too. Oh, I almost forgot. Kayden is waiting for me in HIS office. I should get there before I piss him off" Alynah said, deliberately called Kayden's name so casually, almost intimately.
After savouring Velvet's pale reaction, she left.
Alynah knocked softly and Evan opened up, she walked in, in steady steps while Evan left the office, shutting the door behind him.
Kayden was standing in the middle of the office, hw wasn't wearing his tuxedo, his necktie was loosened and the first two buttons of his white shirt were open. Alynah gaped at his gorgeousness as she watched his standing in the middle of the vast office. He looks like a piece of painting she can't get enough of watching.
Kayden fingered his thick dark hair and went to sit behind his executive chair.
Come here, Alynah" his voice was low and husky. It's like he's deliberately seducing her.
Alynah gulped down and moved closer, counting her steps.
"Sit" he urged. Her body moved in autopilot and she sat, facing him. Her head was lowered. Kayden leaned forward with his hands interwind on the desk.
"Let's discuss the luxury brand. I want to hear more about your visions" Kayden stated. Alynah looked up but her gaze fell on his exposed chiseled chest. He looked oh hot! There's no way Alynah will be able to talk when he's looking like...that. Her brain had already malfunctioned.
Alynah's cheeks flushed and she quickly lowered her head, shutting her eyes tight. Somehow, her heart was beating wildly.
Kayden tilted his head, taking in her cute reaction.
"Miss Grayling?" He called with a playful smirk dancing across his lips. No no no, see can't look up, not until he dressed now decently.
Alynah breathed out and looked up, locking her gaze on his grey eyes, trying as much as she could to avoid his exposed features.
"I can explain when you stop looking like..that, Sir" she said, quickly lowering her head as she said that.
"Looking like that?" Kayden repeated, smirking. It's like he's enjoying teasing her.
"Please sir, button up. Only then we can discuss this" Alynah said, not wanting to look up. Kayden smirked and leaned back on his chair, twirling left, right and back to left again.
"It's summer so I'm hot" Kayden said.
Oh you're already looking hot. Alynah said in her brain. But his next word left her breathless and speechless.
"I unbuttoned to get some fresh air but...if you insist I button up. You'll have to do that yourself"