Violet batted her lids in shock. She hadn't thought that the person she was delivering food to was Adrian.
She had never really seen him in a casual dress and she couldn't deny that he was looking very handsome.
"Come in" he said, leaving her at the door.
Violet was taken aback. She had thought she would just deliver the food and leave.
She entered the house and the interior designs was enough to make anyone stare in awe.
How does he cope, living in this huge house all alone?
"Where should I drop it sir?" she asked him, and he pointed to the dining table.
She dropped it there and was about to leave when his voice stopped her.
"Why is my secretary working at a restaurant and delivering meals?" he asked, his curiosity getting the better of him.
"I offered to help and was told to deliver food to this address, I didn't know it was your house sir." she explained.
"You are a staff of Starlight and do you think it sounds good that the secretary of the C.E.O was seen delivering meals?" he asked, an eyebrow lifted.
"Well, it's not like I work there. It was my former workplace and I offered to help when I noticed that the owner was facing difficulties in managing the evening rush hour sir." she said.
His gaze lingered on her outfit, particularly her short skirt and he cleared his throat.
As he gazed at Violet, his expression remained stern, but his eyes betrayed a flicker of interest.
He wasn't used to seeing her so… carefree.
Her usual crisp, professional attire was replaced by a casual, vibrant style that caught his attention.
He cleared his throat, attempting to maintain his usual composure. "You're… enjoying your leave, I presume?" he asked, his tone a little softer than usual.
Violet nodded, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "I am, sir. It's been a welcome break." He nodded, his eyes drifting back to her skirt, his mind wandering to thoughts he shouldn't be having.
Violet, the quiet, efficient secretary, was suddenly… different.
He had seen her in casual clothes before, but today, it struck differently.
Even though he doesn't want to admit it, it looks good on her.
And he found himself intrigued, something similar to the feeling he had that night when he saw the strange girl that barged into his room.
"Who's that?" someone said, snapping him from his thoughts and Violet looked at the stairs, only to see Sasha.
"What are you doing here?" Sasha asked, as she came downstairs, a frown on her face.
Violet ignored her and faced Adrian.
Violet received a call, and she quickly picked it up.
"Hey Mark.
Ohh, I'm coming" she said and ended the call.
"I'll be on my way, sir" she said, bowing slightly and left, without sparing Sasha a glance.
Sasha scoffed before turning to Adrian.
"Why was she here, how did she know your house?" she asked him, but Adrian didn't reply her.
She's aware that she's the only female welcomed into Adrian's house and that's why she was a bit suspicious.
"When are you leaving?" he asked, diverting the conversation.
Sasha rolled her eyes.
"You are really bent on sending me away, aren't you? It's getting late already, can't I just sleep over?" she asked.
"Exactly why I told you to leave earlier. You insisted on staying till this time, that you'll make your way out, no matter how late it was. We've talked about this Sasha."
Although she's the only female allowed to stay in his house for this long, he never allows her sleep over; something that she has always wanted to do.
She had decided to stay till this time, thinking he would allow her sleep in, but Adrian wasn't having any of that.
"Yeah I know we've talked about it. But it's getting late." she whined.
"Violet just left. Didn't you see her? She's a lady too. And if you are scared, I can ask one of my drivers to take you home." he said nonchalantly and she frowned lightly.
"When did you start comparing me to that girl" she rolled her eyes, but Adrian just continued staring at her blankly.
"Fine, I'll go home. You don't need to bother about a driver." she said as she went out.
*
Violet phone rang and she picked it up.
"You now know his house." The voice said and Violet sighed, wondering how he knew.
"Told you I'm watching your every move." the blackmailer said, chuckling as if he were reading her mind.
"Yes, I know his house now." she muttered.
"Good. Don't forget your task. Adrian is a hard nut to crack. Always relay any new information about him." the person said and hung up.
Violet couldn't help but guess that the person was close to Adrian.
"I wonder what this blackmailer wants from Adrian."
*
STARLIGHT
"Good morning sir." The staff greeted Adrian as he entered the company, he was looking resplendent from head to toe.
His outfits dazzling as he walked smartly.
No matter how many times the female workers see Adrian, they couldn't help but stare anytime he passes by.
Violet bowed lightly as she followed him.
Adrian entered the boardroom and all the members present stood up to acknowledge his presence.
"I hope everyone is making plans towards the end of the year awards ceremony coming up soon." he said as he looked at a file.
"Yes sir. We are planning to launch a project towards the date to gain a higher edge over others." one of the board members said and Adrian nodded.
"That's great. What type of project?" he asked.
"The plan is to conduct a runway show, then pick one of the best models as our star. The chosen star would feature in a movie aiming towards an international audience.
The movie would be a high-energy, visually stunning production, blending elements of drama, romance, and music, with our star model at its center. " He said and Adrian nodded, loving the plan for the movie.
"That's a great idea. We would weave a compelling narrative around their journey to stardom, showcasing their transformation from a runway sensation to a silver screen icon." he added and the members took notes of what he was saying.
As the movie premieres, we would orchestrate a massive marketing campaign to get people excited.
We'll use social media, fashion magazines, and entertainment news to make a buzz around our star and the film.
We'll also have red-carpet events, interviews, and behind-the-scenes looks to keep the excitement going.
This will help our brand be known for finding new talent and being a part of the glamorous world of fashion and movies."
"What do you all think?" he asked.
This is something about Adrian that everyone loves in the company.
Even with his coldheartedness, no matter how planned out or great his idea is, he would surely ask for the contribution of others.
Violet couldn't help but notice how brilliant he was. She sighed inwardly when she remembered the blackmailer instructions.
She would have to relay Adrian's plan to him. She didn't like the fact that she has to snitch and give the company out, but that's the main reason she's here.
"That's brilliant sir. We'll get to work immediately by getting the models first." one of them said.
"Mr Mark, what's the update on the movie premiere released recently" Adrian asked one of his workers, not raising his head up from the file he was reading.
He tilted his head, before looking up slowly when he didn't hear any response.
He looked towards Mark direction, but he was busy staring at Violet who didn't even notice.
"Mark!!!" Adrian's voice boomed across the room, his gaze darkened and Mark jolted from his reverie.
"Seems you've gotten another job somewhere else?" Adrian asked facing him, his brows raised, his voice dripping with anger.
"I'm sorry sir" Mark said as he quickly composed himself, hoping he doesn't get laid off.
Everyone knows of how Adrian hates when one gets distracted especially during a meeting.
"Next time you lose focus. You won't spend another minute in this company, I promise." he said, pissed.
Some other matters were also discussed before the meeting finally came to an end.
Adrian walked to his office, he was still angry because of Mark's behavior.
The fact that Mark got distracted because of Violet puzzled him a bit, wondering what their relationship is.
He saw Violet speaking to him and he frowned slightly.
He was probably the one who called her that night too.
He didn't know why, but he doesn't like seeing Mark around her.
He got to his office and closed his eyes, collecting his thoughts.
His mind drifted to the girl his father asked him to bring home and he sighed, wondering how he would do that.
Bryan, who would have helped him is currently on am official assignment in another country.
"I'll figure out something." he muttered to himself, his eyes still closed.
*
"What were you thinking about earlier. Do you want to get fired?" Violet asked Mark in the cafeteria.
She is closer to him than any other person in the office.
"I was thinking about something that caught my attention." he replied.
"Hmm…. something that caught your attention?" she paused.
"Are you in love?" she suddenly asked, and Mark almost choked on his drink.
"That's quite a jump. It's a girl, alright. But I don't know if it's love. All I know is that the girl has got me hooked nowadays. Her beauty is on another level." he replied, gazing at her, trying to give her a hint.
"She must be stunning." Violet replied, without any idea of who he was talking about.
"She is." he affirmed"
"From the first time I saw her, I have been captivated. She's really cool." he said and Violet smiled.
"Do I know her?" she asked.
"No. But you'll know her soon. She's my current crush." he said.
"Can't wait to meet this crush of yours. I hope she likes you back." she giggled and munched on her toast.
Mark stared at her lovingly. She looked so cute as she savored her meal.
The way she unconsciously licked her lips as he ate was a big turn-on to him.
He cleared his throat and sipped his tea, before looking away.