Chapter 4: The Dinner That Changes Everything

Carl wore a dark suit matched with a black body-hugging turtleneck sweater.

The outline of his musculature was faintly discernable, giving him the look of strength which his suit packaged just right.

He really was attractive…

Even as he picked up his teacup with those perfectly chiseled hands and took a sip, I gulped unwittingly, feeling a little intimidated by his regal presence.

Still, I started to speak eloquently under Neil's urging—I became confident once we moved on to my speciality.

After I finished, Neil led the applause. "Beautiful, Winnie! What do you think, Carl?"

We both turned toward Carl at the same time to see Carl staring fixedly at my neck.

Suddenly and seemingly out of nowhere, he said, "That's quite the special necklace, Ms. James."

I looked downwards to see that the crystal pendant was hanging out, as the neckline of my dress was lower today.

My heart skipped a beat, because I had once sent Puppy a photo of me wearing it when I bought it, captioning it: [Look, Puppy! Don't you think my necklace is beautiful?]

His reply at the time was: [Anything you wear is the most beautiful.]

Now that it was exposed, Neil might recognize me!

I looked at him sideways, but fortunately, he wasn't responding at all and waiting eagerly for Carl's response.

It made sense—he was busy with his actual girlfriend. Why would he remember about his online fling?

Shoving my pendant back under my collar, I made an excuse. "Just some trinket I bought on a whim. It amuses me."

Neil himself just sat down beside Carl, pressing, "So, back to business… Do you think this project is good?"

Carl looked at him sideways, but he then turned back toward me and slowly said the words, "It looks good."

Neil was happily clapping him on the shoulder. "That's why you're my brother from another mother. The loyalty!"

My racing heart was set at ease too—those nights spent working had finally paid off.

Still, Carl shook off Neil's arm in annoyance, but was smiling at me. "That's mostly because you're outstanding, Ms. James."

It was our first meeting, but I found it strange that he was looking at me, leaving me blushing up to my ears.

Neil was shocked too. "Woah, did you just offer praise, Mr. Graham? Has the boy finally grown?

"Well, it makes sense. Our dear Winnie is outstanding, and everyone praises her, but it's still quite something since it's the first time you're praising someone of the opposite gender… No, wait, there's the missus—but wait, she just kicked you to the curb. Me and my big fat mouth…"

Catching gossip, my ears quickly pricked up.

What was going on? Did this bigwig really just get dumped? What divine creature could possibly have such superior standards?

Still, Carl turned a look of grief toward me in an instant.

Feeling guilty for some reason, I lowered my gaze.

Carl then turned away and quietly said, "I'm pulling my investment if you keep running your mouth."

Neil promptly gave in. "Yeah, yeah. I was just kidding—my bad for running my mouth."

I had to stop my heart from leaping out of my throat too.

"If there's nothing else, excuse me…" I said, and virtually fled with those words.

But soon after I returned to my cubicle, Neil sent another text.

[Are you free tonight? Mr. Graham says that there are finer details to be smoothed out and would like to talk about it during dinner.]

My reply was cold: [I'm busy.]

[Do this well, and I'll double your year-end bonus.]

[Deal. Send me the address.]

I caved immediately—who would ever refuse a big fat bonus?

Still, I still feel frustrated as I put away my phone and remember that Neil was meeting his in-laws tonight.

Bemused, I could only bemoan at my poor fortunes in romance in contrast to my successful career.

-

As agreed, I arrived at the luxury restaurant, where I saw that Carl was already there, clearly having waited for some time.

I quickly apologized. "Sorry, I'm late…"