Kyla was there, casually browsing through some documents. She was dressed in a pale-yellow suit that accentuated her flawless skin and elegant demeanor. Upon hearing the door, Kyla looked up. When she spotted Sadie, her expression stiffened, and the documents she held tumbled to the floor.
“You…” Kyla started, her voice laced with surprise and irritation.
Tina, too, seemed surprised, momentarily speechless.
The room was filled with tension instantly.
“Miss Wade, Sadie is here to discuss a potential collaboration,” Tina finally stated.
Before Tina could continue, Kyla interrupted with a scornful laugh. “Sadie, you’ve got some nerve. Do you even understand your position, coming here to propose a partnership with Wall Group?”
Tina shifted uncomfortably, unsure how to manage the situation.
“Miss Wade, I am here on behalf of my studio to discuss professional matters, not personal issues. My qualifications are not up for your judgment,” Sadie responded coolly, which seemed to aggravate Kyla even more.
Kyla stepped closer, her voice low and biting. “Stop the act!” she snapped. “Are you here trying to rekindle old flames? Just don’t even think about it.”
A mocking smile flickered across Sadie’s face as she met Kyla’s glare with a chilling gaze.
“Miss Wade, you seem very interested in my personal life. It appears your feelings for Mr. Wall are quite intense.”
“Damn you!” Kyla’s face reddened with anger.
“Stop being so sarcastic! Do you really think you can come between Noah and me? Dream on!”
“Come between you? Is that necessary?” Sadie responded coolly.
“You…” Kyla was at a loss for words, her frustration evident. With a final glare, she stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind her.
The room quieted, leaving only Sadie and Tina.
After a few seconds of silence, Tina cautiously asked, “Sadie, are you… okay?”
“I’m fine. This isn’t new to me.”
Sadie had expected this kind of reaction from Kyla.
Tina looked at her, hesitating before voicing her curiosity. “So… you and Mr. Wall…”
“There’s nothing between us.” Sadie cut her off sharply.
Tina exhaled softly.
“When Miss Wade came back from abroad three years ago, everyone thought they were getting married. After all, Mr. Wall is influential, and she’s attractive-they seemed perfect for each other.”
After a brief pause, she added, “Everyone expected Mr. Wall to propose to Miss Wade soon.”
“Is that so?” Sadie replied, her voice detached, signaling her disinterest.
“Yes,” Tina continued, lost in the gossip. “It’s strange, three years and nothing has happened…”
Inside, Sadie felt turmoil, but she maintained her composure. “Perhaps they have their reasons,” she suggested, ready to focus on the business at hand and leave the past-and the rumors-behind.
Just then, the door to the meeting room swung open.
Noah walked in.
He was dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit, accentuating his tall, lean figure and making him appear even more imposing. His face was expressionless.
Tina’s face drained of color at the sight of him. She hurriedly stood up, stammering, “M-Mr. Wall.”
“Leave,” Noah said in a cold tone, his gaze fixed on Sadie.
Tina quickly exited the room, making sure to close the door behind her. Now alone with Noah, Sadie felt a chill. She had anticipated a meeting with someone from the marketing department, not expecting the CEO of Wall Group himself to attend.
“For such a minor collaboration, it’s really an honor for you to attend personally, Mr. Wall,” Sadie said, her voice laced with subtle sarcasm.
Noah’s expression darkened. He had overheard Sadie’s conversation with Tina just outside the door. Three years had not changed her; she still maintained that nonchalant, composed demeanor. This indifference ignited an uncomfortable feeling within him.
“You misunderstood,” Noah replied, his voice steady but firm. “Wall Group handles all partnerships with rigorous scrutiny, no exceptions.”
“Exceptions?” Sadie felt a sting in her chest. Yes, exceptions were only meant for Kyla, right? She took a deep breath to quell the rising emotions within her, then pulled out a chair and sat down.
“So, Mr. Wall, what type of design are you envisioning?”
Noah’s gaze was unreadable.
“This project is critical for Wall Group’s future, and it necessitates a deeper collaboration. I want you to start working at Wall Group tomorrow to streamline communication about the project.”
“Working at Wall Group?” Sadie laughed. He wanted her to work at Wall Group? Was this invitation for convenience in collaboration, for oversight, or perhaps… to keep her close as a form of control?
She began to gather her belongings, preparing to leave. “Have you considered the penalty for breaching the contract?” Noah’s voice remained even, yet carried an authoritative tone.
Sadie’s hand paused in mid-motion, a surge of anger flooding through her. The penalty! Given the current financial constraints of her studio, affording any penalties was out of the question.
With reluctance, Sadie turned back around. “Fine. I agree,” she said through gritted teeth, each word a struggle to get out.
As she turned to leave, Noah spoke up. “It’s almost lunchtime.”
Expecting him to delve further into project specifics, Sadie was taken aback when he instead mentioned lunch. She paused, then gave a bitter smile. “Mr. Wall, I assume you’ll be having lunch with Miss Wade? I wouldn’t want to intrude.”
Noah’s brow furrowed, his displeasure evident at her tone. “The business discussion isn’t over, and lunch can be part of that discussion too.”
A wave of frustration welled up inside Sadie. Was she just a pawn to him, to be used and dismissed at his convenience?
“Sorry, Mr. Wall, I have another appointment.”
Noah’s piercing gaze locked on her, trying to gauge her sincerity. “With whom?”
Sadie said, “That’s not your concern, is it? We’re merely business partners. My personal life is none of your business.”
Noah’s expression darkened. “Sadie, remember, we’re discussing a collaboration here. Do you realize what partnering with Wall Group could mean for your studio? Are you really willing to risk this opportunity over a mere lunch?” His voice held a warning edge.
Sadie clenched her fists. Noah was using their business collaboration as leverage to manipulate her!
Sadie inhaled sharply, grappling with the reality that she had no real say in the matter. “Alright, I agree.”
At that, Noah’s lips twisted into a smug smile. He then strode toward the elevator. In silence, Sadie trailed after him, feeling his dominance overshadow her independence. As they approached the elevator, its doors parted slowly, revealing Kyla stepping out.
Kyla’s face lit up with a joyful smile when she saw Noah, completely ignoring Sadie. She quickly hooked her arm through his.
“Noah, how about lunch together? I’ve booked a table at your favorite place.”
With a casual motion, Noah detached his arm. “No, I’ll pass.” For a moment, Kyla’s smile faltered, and it was only then she seemed to become aware of Sadie just behind Noah. Her eyes flashed coldly before she adopted a gracious demeanor.
“Very well then. Sadie, you can borrow Noah for the time being.” She stressed the word “borrow,” infusing it with disdain.
Internally, Sadie scoffed but maintained a stoic facade. Uninterested in Kyla’s petty taunts, Sadie stepped into the elevator without responding. Kyla’s smile tightened. She hadn’t anticipated such a dismissive response from Sadie. Anger welled up within her. She was determined not to let Sadie, that detestable woman, win Noah over.
As the elevator doors sealed shut, they obscured Kyla’s resentful stare. Inside, Sadie drew a deep breath once more.
They arrived at the underground parking lot, where Noah exited first, followed closely by Sadie. The two walked in tense silence, the emotional weight between them almost suffocating.
Noah’s car, a sleek black Maybach, stood out with its understated luxury. He opened the door, gesturing for Sadie to enter. Buckling herself in, Sadie settled comfortably into the passenger seat. The parking lot faded behind them as Noah ignited the engine and pulled away.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.
Leave a Reply