17 President Hudson, Please behave yourself.

"What do you mean by the contract has been awarded to The Mason Group?"

A clashing sound like something was being kicked against the wall reverberated in the hall.

"We've been bidding for this contract for the past two years and just when we should seal up the deal you're now spewing nonsense."

Kathleen stopped abruptly in her track.

She was at The Masters Place for dinner with Jason. It was one of the best eateries in Baltimore, to get a table there, one had to book at least a day ahead. It was needless to say that they have the most exquisite dishes and only the wealthy could afford to have a meal there.

Kathleen was on her way to the ladies when she happened to hear the conversation in the private room. She didn't mean to eavesdrop but the voice of the person sounded too familiar to be ignored. Apparently, the person was on a phone call as the conversation was one-sided.

"This is a multi-billion dollar contract and we both know quite well that the Mason group does not have what it takes to pull it off!"

'That's definitely Shawn Hudson's voice.' The proud tone with which he often speaks when confronting a perceived lesser opponent confirmed Kathleen's earlier assumption.

There was a slight pause, then he demanded;

"What has the new President of Wyatt Corporations got to do with this?"

"I see, I will have to pay a visit to this new President then."

Kathleen was about to move away from the door when it suddenly opened from inside and she got hit on the nose.

"Ouch!" From the corner of her eye, she saw Shawn Hudson's Personal Assistant, Johnson Scoot at the door with a nasty expression on his face. Her hand that was going to hold her injured nose quickly changed direction, forming an arch to shield her face. She quickly looked down hoping that he would not see her face as she made to escape.

She didn't want them to identify her, at least not under the present circumstances. It was quite embarrassing and degrading to be caught eavesdropping on someone else's conversation.

It appears she was out of luck as her hands were grabbed by Johnson the next minute.

"Who is there, Johnson?" Shawn's impatient voice bellowed on hearing the slight commotion at the door.

"It's a lady, I think she's been listening in on your conversation"

"Bring her in immediately. Whoever has such guts in the whole of Baltimore must have a death wish."

Kathleen was unceremoniously dragged in by Johnson. All the while, her head hung down. They stopped before a pair of long legs clad in custom-made Testoni shoes.

Shawn was well built, and always carried an intimidating aura. He was even more cold than ever, especially now that he has been denied the contract and was in a foul mood.

He approached unhurriedly like a lion going after a helpless prey and stopped about two feet from where Kathleen stood.

Kathleen was temporarily hypnotized by the luxurious Jasmine fragrance from his cologne. It was both calming and stimulating. She noted that it was still the same as the one he used to wear six years ago.

She could feel his chilly gaze traveling along the entire length of her body until it rested on her bowed head.

He reached out and held Kathleen's chin between his thumb and index finger. With a firm grip, he suddenly raised her chin to look at her face.

"Kathleen!" The shock in Shawn's eyes was beyond description and the force of his fingers on Kathleen's chin also weakened when he saw the face of the person standing before him.

Knowing she was already exposed, Kathleen straightened up, squared her shoulders and gave Shawn a daunting stare.

However, her breath caught in her throat when she came face to face with Shawn for the first time after six years.

He was still very handsome but with a touch of toughness than he had six years ago. His 6'4" frame was every inch stunning. Although his eyes were a bit sunken and had a haunted look, his well sculpted facial features were still as perfect and charming as when they were still together.

Kathleen had always found him a sight to behold first thing in the morning, and would spend minutes staring at his handsome face whenever she was the first to wake up.

In one flurried movement, Shawn turned Kathleen around, touched her face, hands and every part of her body.

Kathleen was confused. 'Is it excitement I'm seeing on his face or are my eyes deceiving me? Is he not supposed to loathe my very existence, why does it look like he was happy to see me?'

"So it really is you Kathleen, where have you been all these years?" There was a slight tremor to Shawn's voice as he threw those questions at Kathleen.

Before she could react, she was caught in an embrace so tight that it felt like her breath was being squeezed out of her. It felt like Shawn wanted to fuse Kathleen into his very being.

Kathleen could tell Shawn was visibly shaken and it all came to her as a surprise.

Few seconds later, he released her from his embrace and looked straight into her eyes. His eyes were laced with emotion, deep enough to penetrate the depth of Kathleen's soul.

She was again lost in his gaze and her heartbeat quickened inexplicably. She was transported to the good old days when with just a simple look, their souls will automatically connect without words.

A cold sensation on Kathleen's lips brought her back to her senses, she pushed Shawn away and struggled out of his arms.

'Tsk! Kathleen… you can't lose yourself or be swayed so easily by just a fake show of emotions,' Kathleen berated herself.

She couldn't believe she was almost deceived into thinking Shawn actually missed or cared about her. And even if he did, that was not going to affect her mission in any way.

"President Hudson, please behave yourself. What do you think you are doing?"

"President Hudson?" A quizzical frown appeared on Shawn's once excited face.

"Uh huh, how else should I address you seeing we are not related," Kathleen retorted, her voice devoid of any emotion.