Whitney’s eyes darkened with a shadow of past hurt. “Why? Probably because he cheated on me.”
Ivan was momentarily taken aback, realizing he had touched a sensitive nerve.
Trying to regain his composure, he cleared his throat again. “So, Whitney, how about I introduce you to a few guys?”
Whitney’s eyes widened in surprise. “A few?”
He quickly clarified, “Oh no, I mean a few elite colleagues you can choose from. Not that I’m suggesting you juggle multiple guys.”
“Just look at Calvin, who’s signing the contract with us today. His wife used to be his colleague. She only became a full-time housewife after they got married.”
Ivan felt pleased with his explanation, believing he had struck a balance between discussing Calvin’s marriage and offering Whitney a chance at something new.
He mentally congratulated himself for his smooth handling of the conversation.
Whitney, however, was bewildered. Since when did Ivan become so gossipy and start playing matchmaker? she thought.
“Boss, no thanks. I’m not planning to start dating anytime soon,” she replied, her tone polite yet firm.
Ivan’s heart tightened at her refusal. Could it be that she harbored feelings for Calvin?
With their minds racing with their own thoughts, they arrived at the Harris Group headquarters.
Whitney seized the opportunity to excuse herself, claiming she needed to use the restroom.
In the solitude of the restroom, she stared at her phone, biting her lip nervously before dialing Klein’s number.
The call connected for just a fleeting moment before Klein hung up abruptly.
In a flurry, Whitney sent a message: [Mr. Harris, I apologize for missing your call earlier and accidentally hanging up. My sincerest apologies.]
She double-checked the message, ensuring it was polite and courteous. It felt just right.
With a determined breath, she turned off her screen and set out to find Ivan.
As soon as Ivan spotted her emerging from the restroom, he waved frantically. “The elevator’s here! Hurry up!”
Whitney hurried over, stepping into the elevator that would take them to the 28th-floor conference room.
Ivan accompanied her, his demeanor serious.
Upon entering the room, Whitney froze momentarily, taken aback by the long row of people seated inside.
Ivan, too, was surprised by the turnout. It’s a big company, sure, but we’re just here to sign an agency contract. Isn’t this a bit excessive? he pondered.
Calmly, Ivan adjusted his tie and leaned in closer to Whitney, speaking in a low voice. “Don’t be nervous. Show them your confidence.”
Whitney straightened her posture, forcing a polite smile as she followed him into the room.
“Mr. Walton, Ms. Moore, it’s a pleasure to see you both again,” Calvin greeted them warmly.
He began the introductions. “This is Hubbard from the Investment Department. You met him last time. This is our Finance Director. And these are the colleagues who will be handling the upcoming merger and acquisition. You’ll likely be coordinating with them on the details moving forward.”
Whitney’s gaze drifted to the center seat at the table, which was conspicuously empty. She couldn’t help but steal another glance at the cup resting on the table.
Calvin, ever observant, noticed her distraction. Clearing his throat, he added, “Here’s the contract. Please take a moment to review it. Mr. Harris is currently on a call outside. Once he arrives, we can proceed with the signing.”
Whitney’s heart raced at the thought. Wait, Klein is coming too?
Ivan mirrored her surprise. “It seems Mr. Harris truly values this merger,” he remarked, his tone tinged with admiration.
Just then, Whitney felt her phone vibrating in her pocket. But before she could react, the unmistakable WhatsApp ringtone blared loudly in the conference room.
Ivan shot her a sideways glance, recognizing the caller ID-K.H. again.
He frowned slightly. “Why isn’t your phone on silent?”
Flushing with embarrassment, Whitney offered a quick apology. “Sorry, I’ll step out to take this.”
She couldn’t bear the thought of hanging up on Klein a second time.
Once outside the room, Whitney finally answered the call. “Hello, Mr. Harris.”
A casual, charming voice greeted her. “Not calling me Mr. Harris anymore?”
Whitney paused, caught off guard. She was at a loss for what to call him.
“Where are you?” Klein inquired, his tone curious.
Whitney hesitated for a moment before responding. “I’m in your company’s conference room. I just stepped out to take the call.”
“Alright, look up,” Klein instructed.
Following his command, Whitney raised her eyes and spotted Klein, phone in hand, standing by his car. A faint smile played on his lips as he approached her with a steady gait.
The backlighting softened his usually sharp features, creating an almost ethereal glow around him.
For a brief moment, Whitney found herself captivated.
Klein lowered his phone and flashed a barely perceptible smirk. “Let’s head inside. They must be getting impatient.”
The moment Klein swung the door open, the atmosphere shifted dramatically. Every pair of eyes in the room turned to face him, their curiosity palpable. Ivan’s eyelids flickered in surprise as he caught sight of the woman accompanying Klein.
‘Seriously? They look like a perfect match. Absolutely made for each other,’ Ivan mused, a mix of intrigue and disbelief coursing through him.
Calvin, observing the scene with keen interest, couldn’t help but think, ‘See? I told you they were together. Look at Mr. Harris’s big smile! He has never been this pleasant or relaxed around any of us!’
Klein, unfazed by the attention, sauntered over to the empty center seat, taking his time as if savoring the moment. “Sorry to keep you all waiting,” he said, his voice smooth and collected. “I happened to run into Ms. Moore outside, and it seemed like she was engaged in a conversation with her boyfriend.”
At those words, Whitney’s face flushed a deep shade of crimson. ‘Boyfriend? Why is he talking nonsense like that?’ she thought, a mix of embarrassment and confusion swirling in her mind.
Ivan felt a jolt of realization hit him. ‘Ah, that explains it. So K.H. is her ex-boyfriend,’ he pondered, piecing together the puzzle.
Calvin, ever the observer, chuckled knowingly to himself. ‘I’d say Mr. Harris is trying a little too hard to cover it up,’ he thought, his amusement barely contained.
After that brief moment of awkwardness, the formalities of the contract signing commenced. Klein turned his attention to Ivan, his demeanor calm but authoritative. “I’ve heard there have been some internal disputes within your law firm, Mr. Walton. Therefore, in this agency contract, I made sure to include a specific clause.”
He paused for effect, allowing the weight of his words to settle in. “The lead attorney team for this case will be exclusively yours, Mr. Walton. Do you agree?”
Ivan felt a surge of excitement welling up inside him. This was Klein personally appointing him to take the reins of the entire M&A case. No one else would have the authority to interfere, not even if they tried.
Despite his usual composed exterior, he couldn’t suppress the thrill that coursed through him. “O-Of course, I agree,” he stammered, a hint of eagerness creeping into his voice.
Klein arched an eyebrow slightly, his gaze steady. “If there are no issues, Mr. Walton, please proceed to sign.”
With that, Ivan lowered his head, his pen gliding smoothly across the page as he signed his name with swift, confident strokes.
Whitney observed him intently, noting the stark contrast between the stern, commanding presence he exuded in this professional setting and the more relaxed man she had seen just moments ago outside.
She couldn’t help but wonder, ‘What kind of face does he show in front of his girlfriend?’
The thought startled her as soon as it surfaced. ‘What am I doing, gossiping about an elder like that? How rude,’ she chided herself, shaking her head slightly to dispel the notion.
Klein, having finished signing, caught her lost in thought. A subtle smile crept onto his lips, tinged with a hint of fondness.
Calvin, ever perceptive, caught that fleeting expression and inhaled sharply. ‘See? Mr. Harris is definitely falling in love,’ he mused, a smirk forming on his face.
Once both parties had completed their signatures, Calvin, ever the smooth operator, glanced at the clock. “It’s eleven now, just about lunchtime. Mr. Harris, I reserved a private room at the Royal Crest Club. How about we grab a casual bite?”
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.