Severa's POV
"Okay, I saw the CEO of ED Corp, and he's freaking handsome, Sev. Why didn't you tell me about him? He's definitely my type."
I rolled my eyes while scrolling through my emails. "Because it's not relevant." I was wishing to have a peaceful lunch, but I didn't expect Diane to open a topic about him.
Diane let out an exaggerated gasp. "Not relevant? Excuse me, but hot, successful men are always relevant!"
I sighed, placing my phone down. "Diane, I don't have time for this." I'm exhausted, and I have another meeting with him later.
"But Sev, seriously," she continued, ignoring my obvious disinterest. "He's young, rich, and built like a freaking model. You never mentioned him before. Do you know him?"
I tensed for a split second before forcing a shrug. "Not really."
Technically, it wasn't a lie. I don't know who Eugene Dominguez is now. The man I met ten years ago during that one summer wasn't this powerful CEO with a multimillion-dollar company. He was just a boy who—
I shut down the thought before it could go further. Why am I thinking about the past again when I have to think about how I can survive in this project?
"Anyway, why are you even asking? You're not even on the project team."
Diane pouted. "I may not be, but office gossip spreads fast, you know. Everyone's talking about him."
Of course, they were. Eugene wasn't just another businessman—he was a rising name in the construction industry, and this deal with Emperium Constructions was big.
"Well, good for him," I muttered, taking a bite of my food.
Diane narrowed her eyes at me. "You're acting weird. You usually don't care about stuff like this, but now you're getting all defensive."
I forced a casual laugh. "I'm not defensive. I just think there are more important things to talk about than some hot CEO." Did I say hot CEO? Really, Sev?
Diane raised an eyebrow but didn't push.
For now.
PROJECT MEETING - EMPERIUM BOARDROOM
The next meeting was more intense. Still, it wasn't just me and Eugene—it was a full project discussion with our team and his. Engineers, architects, finance heads—everyone involved in bringing the resort mall project to life.
As soon as I walked in, I immediately felt his presence.
Eugene was seated across the conference table, reviewing some documents. Unlike our first meeting, he actually acknowledged me this time—his sharp gaze lifting as I took my seat.
I ignored him.
The meeting began, and we went over everything—budget allocation, supply chain timelines, material assessments. Eugene, as the consultant and supplier, had a lot of say in how things would move forward.
"For the glass panels surrounding the oceanarium, we'll be using a new type of reinforced material. It's lighter but more impact-resistant," he explained, pulling up the presentation on the screen.
I studied the specs. "This isn't what we initially discussed."
"It's a better alternative," Eugene replied, his tone professional. "The original material would've worked, but this one improves durability and cost-efficiency."
I frowned. "Is it readily available?"
"It will be by the time construction reaches that phase," he assured.
I wasn't convinced. "I want to see the full test reports. If we're making last-minute changes, I need solid proof it won't cause delays."
Eugene's lips twitched slightly, almost like he was amused. "Already sent to your inbox."
I glanced at my tablet, and sure enough, the email was there.
Efficient. Of course, he is.
"Noted," I said, moving on to the next point on the agenda.
Despite the tension lingering between us, the meeting was productive. We covered all major concerns, and by the end of it, the project was moving forward smoothly.
"Good work, everyone," Celine concluded, standing up. "Let's keep things on schedule."
As the team packed up, I quickly gathered my notes, hoping to leave before—
"Severa."
I clenched my jaw, exhaling slowly before turning to face him.
"What?"
Eugene studied me for a moment before saying, "I meant what I said earlier. I want this project to succeed."
I crossed my arms. "Then do your job."
A flicker of something passed in his eyes, but he didn't respond right away. Instead, he gave me a small, unreadable smile.
"I always do."
And with that, he walked away.
I stood there, my heart pounding in a mix of frustration and something else I didn't want to name.
This project was going to be hell.