Chapter 4: The First Business Dinner

Emily spent the entire afternoon preparing for the client dinner.

It was her first official assignment outside the office, and she wanted everything to be perfect.

She reviewed contracts, organized presentation files, and double-checked Dominic's schedule.

At exactly six-thirty, she walked into the executive lobby wearing a navy-blue evening business dress that was elegant without being flashy.

She had tied her hair into a neat low bun and carried only a tablet and a notebook.

Professional. Calm. Focused.

When the elevator doors opened, Dominic stepped out.

He wore a perfectly tailored black suit with a silver tie.

For a brief second, he stopped walking.

"Good evening, Miss Hart," he said.

"Good evening, Mr. Steele."

"Ready?"

"Always."

Marcus walked over carrying a folder.

"The clients have already arrived at Grand Palace Hotel."

"Everything has been arranged."

"Excellent," Dominic replied.

A luxury black sedan waited outside the building.

The driver opened the rear door.

Emily hesitated.

"Get in," Dominic said politely.

"Thank you."

The drive across the city remained mostly quiet.

Emily reviewed the agenda while Dominic answered a few business emails.

Finally, he looked up.

"You're nervous."

"Is it that obvious?"

"Only to someone paying attention."

Emily laughed softly.

"I've never attended a meeting like this before."

"Relax."

"You're there to observe and take notes."

"Leave the negotiations to me."

"I will."

The car stopped in front of the Grand Palace Hotel.

Employees greeted Dominic immediately.

"Good evening, Mr. Steele."

"Your private dining room is ready."

"Thank you."

Inside, several international investors were already waiting.

"Mr. Steele," one of them greeted warmly.

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you."

"Likewise," Dominic replied.

"This is my executive secretary, Emily Hart."

Emily smiled politely and shook everyone's hand.

"Pleasure to meet you."

The meeting began over dinner.

Emily quietly recorded every important detail while Dominic confidently discussed expansion projects, investment opportunities, and future partnerships.

Watching him work was fascinating.

He never rushed his decisions.

He listened carefully before speaking.

Every answer reflected confidence without arrogance.

One investor smiled toward Emily.

"Miss Hart, you work very efficiently."

"Thank you," she replied.

"Mr. Steele keeps me busy."

The table laughed lightly.

Dominic allowed himself a small smile.

"She learns quickly."

Emily glanced at him in surprise.

Another compliment.

Dinner ended successfully nearly two hours later.

As everyone stood to leave, one investor privately spoke to Dominic.

"Your secretary has excellent potential."

"Don't let competitors steal her."

"I don't intend to," Dominic answered calmly.

Outside the hotel, Emily finally relaxed.

"Congratulations," she said.

"The deal went well."

"It did."

"Your notes?"

"Already organized."

"I'll email the summary before tomorrow morning."

"Tonight?" Dominic asked.

"I'd rather finish while everything is still fresh."

He looked genuinely impressed.

"You're dedicated."

"I worked hard to get this opportunity."

"I don't plan on wasting it."

Before they reached the car, a woman's voice interrupted them.

"Dominic?"

Both turned around.

A tall blonde woman wearing an expensive designer gown walked toward them confidently.

"Sophia," Dominic said.

"It's been a while."

Emily immediately sensed the familiarity between them.

"I didn't expect to see you here," Sophia smiled.

"Business dinner."

"You?"

"Charity event upstairs."

Her eyes slowly moved toward Emily.

"And who is this?"

"Emily Hart."

"My executive secretary."

Sophia extended her hand with a pleasant smile.

"Nice to meet you."

"Likewise," Emily replied.

Although Sophia remained perfectly polite, Emily couldn't ignore the way she studied her.

"Well," Sophia said, looking back at Dominic, "we should catch up sometime."

"Perhaps."

"Have a good evening."

"You too."

After Sophia walked away, Emily quietly entered the car.

She didn't ask any questions.

Dominic noticed.

"You're wondering who she is."

"It's none of my business."

"She was someone I used to know."

"I see."

The conversation ended there.

Back at Steele Empire, Emily gathered her things before leaving.

"Good work tonight," Dominic said.

"Thank you, sir."

"You exceeded my expectations."

"That means a lot coming from you."

Their conversation was interrupted when Marcus hurried toward them.

"Dominic."

"We have a problem."

"What happened?"

"Security reviewed today's anonymous flower delivery."

"And?"

"There was no sender information."

"The delivery company never received an official order."

"Someone personally dropped the flowers at reception."

Dominic frowned.

"Do we have surveillance footage?"

"Only partially."

"The person's face was hidden under a cap."

"Male or female?" Emily asked.

"Male."

"Could you identify him?"

"Not yet."

Dominic's expression hardened.

"Increase security on the executive floor."

"Especially around Miss Hart."

"Understood."

Emily looked surprised.

"Sir, I don't think that's necessary."

"I decide what's necessary."

"Until we know who sent those flowers, we aren't taking chances."

Emily nodded.

"Thank you."

As she left the building later that night, she couldn't shake the strange feeling that someone was watching her.

She turned around.

The sidewalk looked completely empty.

"You're imagining things," she whispered to herself.

Across the street, however, a black SUV remained parked in the shadows.

Inside, an unknown man lowered a camera.

He looked at the photograph he had just taken of Emily leaving Steele Empire.

"Found you," he muttered quietly.

Then the SUV slowly disappeared into the night.