Chapter 13

Adrienne stepped off the elevator, finding herself on the top floor. She followed the directions given to her from the reception lounge, leading her to the secretary of the CEO's office.

"Oh, so you were the secretary," Adrienne acknowledged Juliette as she entered her office.

"Welcome, ma'am. How may I assist you?" Juliette responded, attempting to maintain professionalism.

"Why were you giving me odd looks at the party a few days ago?" Adrienne inquired, puzzled by Juliette's behavior.

"I'm sorry, ma'am, but I have no idea what you're referring to," Juliette denied any knowledge.

"Is Ryan in? I informed him that I would be stopping by today," Adrienne inquired.

"Yes, let me inform him of your presence," Juliette offered, reaching for the telephone.

"Forget about that," Adrienne dismissed, taking it upon herself to enter the office.

"No, you can't just..." Juliette attempted to intervene, but Adrienne had already made her way in.

Adrienne walked gracefully towards Ryan's desk, placing her handbag on it.

"Intruder alert," Ryan playfully teased her.

"Hey handsome," she greeted him.

"Hey gorgeous," he teased in response.

"You have a nice office here. I would love to meet your designer," Adrienne expressed.

"Well, I'm not giving out the contact for free," he said. Ryan stood up from his chair and walked towards her. Facing her, he spoke,

"Your eyes are simply beautiful. I can't help but get lost in them," gazing deep into her eyes.

Smiling, Adrienne flirted, "And you're so tall. I'd have to stand on my tip toes just to kiss you, you know." Ryan playfully rolled his eyes and replied, "Well, luckily I have standards, because apparently you'd need a stepladder to reach my level of charm."

The room fell silent, but soon they both burst into laughter.

"Welcome," Ryan said, extending his hand for a handshake.

"Thanks," Adrienne replied, shaking his hand.

"Shall we?" Ryan gestured towards the plush sofas in his office.

"Thank you," Adrienne walked over and settled down on one of them, while Ryan sat across from her.

"So, why did you want to see me?" Ryan began the conversation.

"You should know why," Adrienne smirked flirtatiously.

"I honestly don't know why," Ryan admitted.

"Well, I thought about what you said two days ago, and it's not a bad idea. Skincare X Makeup Collab. I've already mapped out a few ideas and strategies," Adrienne proudly revealed.

"You've already mapped out ideas in less than two days? That was fast. I know you're very busy, you didn't have to come all the way here. I should be the one in your office right now. I feel honored to have you here with me, Adrienne Davis, the business mogul and Business God," Ryan exclaimed with admiration.

"It's Adrienne Davison, and you didn't even offer me tea or any other drink," Adrienne playfully pointed out.

"Oh my gosh, I apologize for my manners. Coffee?" he offered.

"Nah, it's okay. I wouldn't have even had time to drink it if you offered it to me when we started talking," Adrienne chuckled.

"Oh, Weird," Ryan apologized.

"It's okay. I suppose I should get going now," Adrienne replied.

"Just like that? You've only been here for less than ten minutes," Ryan said, raising an eyebrow.

"We don't really have anything else to talk about, do we? Besides, the Collab was just an excuse to see your charming face again, if I must confess. Like you said, I could have sent someone over instead of coming all the way here myself," Adrienne replied with a slight shrug.

Ryan's curiosity grew.

"So you just wanted to see me. Why's that?"

Adrienne leaned back on the sofa, crossing her legs elegantly. She let out a playful smile before answering,

"Consider it my way of extending an invitation to be friends with you," her voice carrying a hint of flirtation.

Ryan grinned, clearly pleased with her response. "Well... I certainly like the sound of that."

Adrienne gracefully rose from the sofa, reaching for her handbag and making her way towards Ryan. He stood up to meet her, their eyes locked in a mesmerizing gaze.

"You have quite a broad chest, just the way I like it," Adrienne remarked, her eyes gleaming with a mischievous glint. Slowly, she delicately placed her hand on the left side of his chest, her touch gliding up and down his firm physique. Ryan, enchanted by her touch, reached for Adrienne's hand, gently squeezing it before bringing it up to his lips, planting a tender kiss on her skin.

"You should see what it looks like without a shirt on," Ryan whispered seductively, his voice oozing with confidence.

A mischievous grin played on Adrienne's lips. "I would love to see your entire body without any clothes on," she replied, her voice filled with desire. With a sudden surge of courage, she released her hand from Ryan's grip, wrapping it around his neck and pulling his forehead down to hers.

Ryan's breath caught in his throat as their faces drew impossibly close.

"You are truly something else," he whispered, captivated by her every action... and word.

Adrienne's expression softened.

"Even your whispers send chills down my spine," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper.

A sly smile tugged at Ryan's lips.

"How about we hang out at my place this weekend?" he suggested, his voice tinged with anticipation.

"Call me," Adrienne murmured, pecking his cheek affectionately before releasing her grip and stepping back. The anticipation hung in the air as she paused midway to the exit, her eyes meeting his.

"Haven Cosmetics. That sounds like a great name," Adrienne remarked.

"Yeah, my dad actually came up with it and I really liked it," Ryan replied.

"So you guys have only been around for two years, right?" Adrienne inquired.

"Yes, we just celebrated our two-year anniversary about a month ago," Ryan confirmed.

"Two years. Impressive," Adrienne commented.

"I am off now," Adrienne announced as she left his office.

"Goodbye, ma'am," Juliette bowed respectfully as Adrienne exited, and Adrienne winked at her.

Juliette entered Ryan's office to talk to him after Adrienne left.

"Hey," Ryan greeted.

"Hi," Juliette greeted back.

"Your dad called and said he's on his way here," Juliette informed him.

"Oh, okay. Did he mention why he's coming?" Ryan asked.

"No, he didn't mention anything specific. Just that he wanted to let you know about the visit," Juliette replied.

"Alright then, thank you," Ryan smiled at Juliette.

Just then, Ryan's dad burst into the office.

"Good morning, sir. Please excuse me," Juliette excused herself and left Ryan's office.

"Dad, good morning. What brings you here?" Ryan asked, surprised by his father's unexpected visit.

"I happened to be in the area, on my way to a friend's place, and I thought I'd drop by," his dad replied.

Ryan narrowed his eyes, sensing something off. "That's not entirely true, is it?"

His dad's gaze hardened.

"What do you mean by that?"

Realizing he might have overstepped, Ryan quickly deflected. "Ah, never mind. It's not important."

His dad changed the subject, getting straight to the point. "I heard you were in a meeting earlier. What was it about and what was the outcome?"

Curiosity piqued, Ryan couldn't help but wonder how his father knew about his meetings.

"How did you find out about that?"

Ignoring Ryan's question, his dad persisted, "Tell me, what was the meeting about?"

Ryan hesitated before deciding to share his idea. "I've been considering a partnership with a major skincare company for a special promotion. It's a Skincare X Makeup Collab, and I truly believe it could be a great opportunity."

A stern expression clouded his dad's face. "Don't go through with it. I strongly dislike that idea."

Perplexed, Ryan pressed further. "Why? What's wrong with it?"

His dad replied firmly, "Just trust me, son. It's not the right move."

Ryan couldn't let it go that easily.

"But this skincare company is the biggest brand in our country. The partnership could benefit us all, including Renee. I had plans to hire her as one of our models."

"No need to involve Renee. She'll be fine with or without the modelling deal. I'm telling you not to proceed with this agreement," his dad declared resolutely.

Feeling exasperated, Ryan slumped back in his chair. "What gives you the right to dictate what I can and can't do with my own company?"

His dad's voice turned cold. "Your company? It seems like you've forgotten where you came from, son."

Ryan's smirk faded as his dad retorted,

"I built this company with the hard-earned money from my own efforts. Remember how things were for us three years ago? You were just a second-class graduate of chemical engineering. I'm the one who catapulted you to your current position. I may not be the CEO right now, but I am still the boss here. Don't even think about challenging my authority. My decisions are final."

An intense gaze passed between them, tensions rising palpably in the room.

"Yes, you started the company, but we have thrived because of my management skills. If you think you can do better, go ahead and try managing the company yourself. I won't hesitate to step down for you since you fail to recognize the hard work I put in," Ryan shot back defiantly.

His dad's tone grew stern. "Listen, young man. I won't hesitate to protect what's mine. Cross me, and you'll understand just how fiercely I hold on. Family or not."

His dad's words hung heavy in the air, a silent understanding passing between them.

"Do not proceed with the agreement, and that's final. No more questions," his dad added firmly.

Ryan, feeling both frustrated and defeated, muttered, "Whatever."

"Have you considered the conversation we had during our last meeting?" asked his father.

"What was that again? Anabelle?" Ryan inquired.

"Yes. I am in the process of arranging things for your wedding with her," his father replied.

"I never agreed to your idea of me marrying Anabelle. You need to tell me what she has on you. Reveal what she is using to blackmail and threaten you," Ryan demanded.

"And expose myself to more blackmailers? Tch! Clever, Ryan. There's a high probability that you will use it against me, just like Anabelle is doing now. I will disclose it at the appropriate time," his father explained.

"Dad! Why would I use it against you if you disclose it?" Ryan asked.

"I don't know. Perhaps to gain complete control of the company?" his father answered.

"All you care about is your company, right?" Ryan questioned.

"You kids have your own lives to live. I care about your mother and the company," his father stated.

"Just go ahead and marry her overseas, and leave her there. I will handle everything else and ensure she cannot leave the country. She must remain silent," Ryan's dad suggested.

Ryan fell silent. He started feeling a tinge of fear.

"How far is he willing to go? What is he capable of doing?" Ryan pondered about his father silently.

"What's on your mind?" his father asked.

"I'm already tired. I haven't had breakfast yet, and I'm starting to get a headache. I need to rest," Ryan informed his father.

"Are you asking me to leave?" his father questioned.

"Yes. Please go now," Ryan requested.

"Alright then. You'll be married in three weeks' time," his father declared, standing up to depart. Ryan watched his father leave, without even saying goodbye.

Juliette entered his office as soon as his dad left, clutching a small square-shaped box in her hand.

"Hey," Ryan greeted her, looking up from his phone..

"Hi. One of his boys dropped this while you were talking with him," Juliette explained, placing the box on Ryan's table.

"Okay, thanks. I'll open it later," Ryan replied absentmindedly.

Turning to leave, Juliette began heading towards the door.

"Hold on," Ryan called out, stopping her in her tracks.

She turned back to face him, curiosity etched on her face as she awaited his words.

"This is for you," Ryan said, extending an envelope towards Juliette. She approached him and took the envelope from his outstretched hand.

Puzzled, Juliette looked at Ryan. "What is this for?" she inquired.

"Open it," he urged, a hint of excitement in his voice.

"Hmm, okay," Juliette said, tearing open the envelope. Inside, she discovered a letter.

Her eyebrows furrowed in confusion as she read the words written on the page. Suddenly, her initial excitement transformed into shock.

"What? You're firing me?" she exclaimed, disbelief evident in her voice.