Aaron sat quietly in the car while Vivian drove, the silence between them awkward. He hadn't expected the ride home to feel this tense. Wanting to break the ice, he asked, "So, Vivian, how was work today?"
Vivian glanced at him in the rearview mirror, her tone dry. "Oh, it was fine, Aaron… I mean, Boss."
Aaron wanted to continue the small talk but couldn't think of anything. Looking out the window, he spotted a familiar building and had an idea.
"Hey, Vivian, can you drive toward that building over there?" he asked, pointing.
Vivian glanced at the side mirror and immediately recognized it—Maison de Lumière, one of the most prestigious restaurants in the city. She was shocked. What business did Aaron have there? She dared not ask and simply followed his request.
She slowly pulled up to the entrance, and both of them stepped out. A neatly dressed valet approached them.
"Good day, sir and madam. Welcome to Maison de Lumière. May I park your car for you?" the valet asked politely.
Vivian handed over the keys, watching as the valet drove off. She then turned to Aaron and asked, "Boss, what are we doing here?"
Aaron gave her a small smile. "What do people usually do at a restaurant? We're here to get some food."
His words made Vivian even more nervous. She knew how exclusive this place was—you needed a reservation at least a month in advance. As they approached the host's stand, she braced herself for rejection.
But before Aaron could speak, the host smiled warmly at him. "Good day, Boss. I hope you're doing well. How can I assist you today?"
"I'd like to order some food for takeout," Aaron said casually.
"Of course, sir. Right this way," the host replied, leading them toward the VIP section.
Vivian followed in a daze, still struggling to process what was happening. The VIP dining area had floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city, and everything about the place screamed luxury. As they sat down, the restaurant manager appeared.
"Mister Turner, it's a pleasure to see you. I hope you're well," the manager greeted.
"I'm good, Charles. How's business?" Aaron asked.
"The restaurant is thriving, sir," Charles replied.
"That's good to hear," Aaron said, nodding. He then began listing a series of high-end dishes while the manager took notes. When he finished, the manager excused himself to prepare the order.
Vivian couldn't hold back any longer. "Aaron, what the hell is going on?" she blurted out. "First, I find out you're my boss. Now, I find out you own the most famous restaurant in the city? For as long as I've known you, you've been broke. You wear cheap clothes, don't drive flashy cars, and yet you're a billionaire?"
Aaron leaned back, completely calm. "You know what they say—don't judge a book by its cover. Just because I don't show off doesn't mean I don't have money."
Vivian shook her head, still in disbelief. "You seriously expect me to believe you've been some rich heir all this time? Why would you hide it? And why would you let people treat you like garbage?"
Aaron's face grew serious. "I have my reasons for keeping a low profile. And Sarah can never find out about this. I need you to keep what happened today a secret."
Vivian hesitated. She could tell she wasn't going to get any more answers. "Fine. I won't tell anyone. I promise."
"Thanks, Vivian," Aaron said. "Now, enough about me. Tell me about yourself. Last I heard, you were in France, working an amazing job. What brought you back?"
Vivian's expression darkened. "France was great. I spent three years getting my master's degree and then landed a great job. But something happened, and I lost it. I had to leave the country."
Sensing her discomfort, Aaron changed the subject. "So, what did you major in?"
Vivian's mood lifted. "I have a master's in economics, a bachelor's in business management, and another in marketing."
Aaron was impressed. She was more qualified than he had expected. That gave him an idea.
"That's an impressive resume," Aaron said. "With those credentials, you're going places."
"Thanks, Boss," Vivian said shyly.
Aaron leaned forward. "Actually, I have a proposal. Well, more like a promotion."
Vivian blinked. "A promotion? Are you serious?"
"Absolutely. I think you'd be perfect for the job," Aaron said with a grin.
"What job?" Vivian asked cautiously.
Aaron smirked. "I want you to be the CEO of Acadia Media Group."
"What!?" Vivian practically screamed. "What do you mean CEO!?"
"Well, more like acting CEO," Aaron clarified.
"But aren't you the new CEO?"
"The thing is, I have too much on my plate. I can't run the company full-time, so I need someone competent to take over," Aaron explained.
"You can't be serious. This is so sudden! Have you even thought this through? What will the board say?" Vivian asked in disbelief.
"They won't say anything. I'm in charge—what I say goes," Aaron said confidently.
Vivian was completely stunned. Becoming the CEO of a major company was beyond anything she had ever imagined. She hesitated, unsure if she should accept. "Look, Aaron, I'm honored, but surely there are better candidates."
Aaron frowned. "Vivian, you and I have had our differences, but I know you're capable. I can't think of anyone better for the job. So, what do you say?"
After a moment of contemplation, Vivian sighed. "Fine. I accept. When do I start?"
Aaron grinned. "Tomorrow."
"So soon?"
"The sooner, the better. Don't worry about anything—I'll take care of it," Aaron reassured her.
Vivian just nodded as the manager returned with beautifully decorated boxes. The delicious aroma filled the room, making their mouths water.
"Sir, your order is ready," the manager said.
Aaron reached for the boxes, but the manager insisted on carrying them to the car.
After thanking him, Aaron and Vivian drove home. Once they arrived, Vivian carried the boxes while Aaron unlocked the door. As they stepped inside, they found Sarah and Amanda watching TV.
Amanda, as usual, wasted no time scolding Aaron. "Where have you been all day? You keep running around while I sit here starving!"
Aaron sighed. "I brought food."
Amanda scoffed. "Let me guess—some cheap fast food? You know I hate that garbage."
"Nope. It's from Maison de Lumière."
Both Sarah and Amanda's jaws dropped. They turned to look at the boxes in Aaron's hands, instantly recognizing the restaurant's branding. Amanda hurried over and opened one, inhaling the mouthwatering aroma.
"But… how?" Amanda asked, stunned. She knew how expensive this place was, yet Aaron had somehow brought back multiple dishes.
"I have my ways," Aaron replied simply.
Amanda narrowed her eyes at Vivian. "Oh, I see. Vivian must have paid for it, and now you're trying to take credit."
Vivian started to correct her, but Aaron gave her a look, signaling her to stay quiet. She smirked but played along.
As they ate, Sarah noticed something unusual—Vivian no longer seemed to dislike Aaron. In fact, she almost seemed to respect him. "So, Vivian, did you manage to get a job for Aaron?" Sarah asked.
Vivian smiled. "Yeah, I did."
Amanda scoffed. "What job? I bet he'll be fired in a week."
Vivian just smirked, saying nothing. After dinner, Aaron walked Vivian out, then went inside to wash the dishes before heading straight to bed. The moment his head hit the pillow, he was out like a light.