Elora stood outside the Ridge Group building, taking several deep breaths before walking confidently inside.
She had risen early today, eager to represent her company in discussions with Lucas about a potential partnership. The thought alone filled her with an inexplicable excitement!
"Miss, who are you looking for?" Just as Elora was about to head toward the elevator, a strikingly glamorous woman at the front desk stopped her. Elora looked at her in confusion.
"I believe you're not an employee of Ridge Group," the woman said with an air of disdain.
"I'm here to see your president," Elora replied, her expression serious.
"Do you have an appointment?"
Elora hesitated for a moment, realizing she had forgotten to make one. She had been so eager to come over first thing in the morning that the thought of an appointment had completely slipped her mind.
"No appointment," she admitted honestly.
"You think you can just see the president without an appointment? Not everyone can come in here," the woman said, her tone dripping with condescension.
"Then make a call to check," Elora said, acknowledging her mistake.
"Sit and wait if you want to see the president." The woman had been working here for two months and had yet to meet the president. She couldn't believe anyone could just waltz in and see him. Lucas was A City's most eligible bachelor, not only incredibly handsome but rarely seen in public. Countless women had squeezed their way into Ridge Group, hoping for a glimpse of him, and even the front desk was a coveted position. The woman had worked hard to get this job and wasn't about to entertain Elora's request. She ignored her and resumed applying her makeup.
Elora was furious. How could a mere front desk employee treat her like this? The more she thought about it, the angrier she became. She took out her phone and dialed Lucas's private number, the one she had never called before. No one's going to stop me from complaining.
Lucas, who was already stressed over the Summit Ridge project, frowned when he saw the phone ringing. He was about to hang up, but something compelled him to answer.
"Hello, Lucas, it's Elora. I'm downstairs at your office, but the front desk won't let me up. Can you come down and get me?" Elora's voice came through, tinged with a hint of grievance.
"Alright, I'll be right down," Lucas said, hanging up and heading straight for the elevator reserved for executives.
Elora stood by the front desk, her head down, idly staring at her feet, waiting for Lucas.
"Who's giving you trouble?" Lucas asked as he emerged from the elevator, immediately noticing Elora's dejected posture. A strange feeling flashed in his mind but disappeared almost as quickly.
"The front desk won't let me up to see you!" Elora replied, still feeling wronged.
"You didn't think to call ahead?" Lucas asked, raising an eyebrow. Surely you didn't forget about the phone call again...
He naturally reached for Elora's wrist, guiding her towards the elevator.
As they passed the glamorous woman, Lucas's face hardened. "You're dismissed. Don't let me see you again," he said coldly, not waiting for her reaction as he pulled Elora along with him.
Once out of her sight, Elora, unnoticed, stuck her tongue out at the woman. Take that, you bully!
"Alright, don't be upset anymore. Let's go," Lucas said, watching Elora's playful gesture with a fond smile. Unconsciously, he reached up to ruffle her hair.
"Lucas, I came to talk to you about something," Elora said, suddenly feeling shy, and quickly changed the subject.
"Oh? What is it?" Lucas asked, sitting back on the sofa in his office, looking at her attentively.
"I'm here on behalf of BluePeak Realty to discuss the development of the Summit Ridge project in the western district," Elora said excitedly as she sat beside him. This was her first time negotiating a partnership, and she couldn't hide her enthusiasm.
Lucas looked at her, puzzled. "Are you serious?"
"Of course! Do you think I'm here just to pass the time?" Elora rolled her eyes, a little offended by his doubt.
"Isn't your father still on the fence about this? Why the sudden change of heart?"
Lucas couldn't help but feel suspicious. He had recently spoken to Uncle Carter, but no definitive answer had come from him.
"Because it was my idea!" Elora lifted her chin, wearing a look that seemed to ask for praise.
"Aren't you worried about losing money?" Lucas was taken aback by her confidence in her decision.
"Because you're Lucas!" Elora looked him in the eyes, her voice unwavering.
Lucas's heart warmed at her words. To have someone trust him so completely, without question, was something rare.
Ding… Male lead affection +5. Current affection: 53.