ANNE POV
After the board meeting, Harvey took me with him to a small bar down the road.
As we walked into the bar, the sounds of jazz music and muted conversations enveloped us. The dim lighting and cozy atmosphere immediately made me feel at ease. Harvey led me to a stool at the bar, and we sat down together.
The bartender, a friendly-looking lady with a warm smile, greeted Harvey by name. "The usual, Harvey?" she asked.
Harvey nodded, and the bartender started pouring him a drink. She turned to me. "What can I get you?"
I scanned the menu, feeling a bit overwhelmed by the numerous options. Harvey noticed my hesitation and leaned in close. "Try the old fashioned," he whispered. "It's their specialty," he added.
I smiled, feeling a flutter in my chest at his proximity. "Okay," I said, and the bartender nodded, starting to mix my drink.
As we waited for our drinks, Harvey turned to me, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "So, what did you think of the meeting today?" he asked.
I laughed. "Honestly? I was a bit lost," I admitted.
Harvey chuckled. "Don't worry, you'll get the hang of it," he said. "My family's business can be a bit... complicated."
I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh? What do you mean?"
Harvey's expression turned more serious, and he leaned in closer. "Let's just say that my family has a lot of... history," he said. "And sometimes, that history can be a bit of a burden."
Harvey's eyes clouded over, and he paused, collecting his thoughts. "My grandma Carla, for example," he started. "She's always been very... critical of me."
I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What do you mean?" I asked.
Harvey's expression turned bitter. "She thinks I'm weak," he said. "That I'm not tough enough to take over the family business."
I felt a surge of anger on Harvey's behalf. "That's not true," I said. "You're a very capable person."
Harvey smiled. "Thanks for the vote of confidence," he said. "But my grandma Carla isn't the only one who thinks that way. My dad does too."
I felt a pang of disappointment. "I'm sorry to hear that," I said.
Harvey shrugged. "It's not like it's anything new," he said. "I've always been the 'sensitive' one in the family. The one who's not tough enough."
But then his expression changed, and a small smile played on his lips. "But my mom is different," he said. "She's always been very supportive of me. She encourages me to follow my own path, even if it's not what the rest of the family wants."
I felt a warmth in my heart towards Harvey's mom. "That's great," I said. "It's wonderful to have someone in your corner like that."
Harvey nodded, his eyes shining with gratitude. "Yeah," he said. "My mom is the best."
As we continued to talk, Harvey's expression turned more relaxed, and he leaned in closer to me. "You know, Anne," he said, his voice low and smooth. "I really enjoy spending time with you."
I felt a flutter in my chest as Harvey's eyes locked onto mine. "I enjoy spending time with you too, Harvey," I replied, trying to sound casual.
Harvey smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "You're a really beautiful person, Anne," he said, his voice sincere. "Inside and out."
I felt my cheeks heat up as Harvey's words washed over me. No one had ever called me beautiful before, at least not in a way that felt so genuine.
"Thanks, Harvey," I said, trying to play it cool. "That means a lot coming from you."
Harvey's smile grew wider, and he leaned in closer, his face inches from mine. "I mean it, Anne," he whispered. "You light up the whole room when you walk in."
My heart skipped a beat as Harvey's warm breath washed over me. I felt like I was melting into his gaze, like I was drowning in the depths of his eyes...
I drew back from Harvey, trying to act casual despite the flutter in my chest. "Thanks, Harvey," I said, forcing a laugh. "You're making me blush."
Harvey's smile faltered for a moment, but then he recovered, his expression smooth once again. "Sorry about that," he said, his voice light. "I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable."
I shook my head, trying to reassure him. "No, it's fine," I said. "I just... wasn't expecting that."
Harvey nodded, his eyes never leaving mine. "I guess I should have warned you," he said. "I'm a bit of a straightforward person."
I smiled, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. "I think that's refreshing," I said. "
Harvey chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Yeah, well, I've never been very good at playing games," he said.
As we continued to talk, I couldn't help but feel drawn to Harvey's charming and straightforward nature. But at the same time, I was determined to keep my distance, to not get too caught up in his charming words...
As I chatted with Harvey, I couldn't help but feel a spark of attraction. There was something about his charming smile and genuine nature that drew me in.
But I knew I had to keep my feelings in check. I had a plan, and Harvey was just a means to an end. I needed to use him to get closer to the truth about my family's death.
So I forced myself to act casual, to pretend like I wasn't interested in Harvey beyond our conversation. I laughed at his jokes and asked him questions about his business, all the while trying to gather more information about his family and their potential involvement in my family's demise.
Harvey seemed oblivious to my true intentions, and he continued to chat with me like we were old friends. I felt a pang of guilt for using him like this, but I pushed it aside. I had to stay focused on my goal.
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As we left the bar, Harvey turned to me and said, "Come with me, I'll give you a ride home."
I hesitated, unsure if I should accept his offer. But Harvey's smile was persuasive, and I found myself agreeing.
We walked to his car, a sleek black sedan with tinted windows. The driver, a tall, imposing man with a stern expression, opened the door for us.
We got in, and Harvey sat down beside me. As we drove through the quiet streets, we continued our conversation, laughing and joking like old friends.
But just as things were starting to feel relaxed, Harvey's phone buzzed with an incoming call. I glanced at the screen and saw the name "Rio" flashing on the display.
Harvey answered the call, and I could hear Rio's voice on the other end. "Ma'am Isabella is looking for you, Harvey," Rio said. "She's getting worried."