Nothing Mutual[Edited]

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CHAPTER 30

Luckily there was no traffic to slow them down. So Arsenio and Scarlett arrived at the scheduled meeting on time.

Since it was over lunch hours, the meeting was held in a classy, five-star restaurant. They were led by a waiter to the private booth booked.

Scarlett took that chance to take in the internal design of the place. The walls were painted in white and gold theme. What made it more attractive were the little shimmers on the walls- as if it was sprinkled with sparkles before the paint could dry.

The floor was made with dark marble tiles and each door they passed had the same black doors with intricate gold designs on them.

In a few words, the restaurant could be said to be elegant and spoke of class and wealth.

"Here we are, Mr Stone. The booth booked by Mr Wilson," the waiter said as he held the door open for them.

While Arsenio gave a curt nod and went in, Scarlett offered a polite thank you and followed suit. On getting inside, they discovered that Mr Wilson was not in the booth.

"Can I get you anything before Mr Wilson arrives?" The waiter politely asked.

"Water for two. Room temperature," Arsenio replied.

"Alright, sir. I'll be back with them soon. Please excuse me."

Scarlett sighed as they were alone. Her eyes roamed the room with a bit of interest. Then a thought came to her mind and she let Arsenio in on it.

"Do you mind telling me a little about what this meeting is about? I wasn't aware of it as it was not in your schedule this morning," she requested.

"It's nothing to worry much about. Also, you didn't know about it because Mr Wilson contacted Ryker."

"Oh, I see."

"Hmm. Well, it's good that you learn from what will be discussed in this meeting, okay?" Arsenio instructed.

"Okay," Scarlett nodded.

Just then, the waiter came in with their water and a tall man came in as well. He was dressed in a maroon suit and his white inner shirt had two buttons undone.

His looks were above average. Dark eyes, a tall pointed nose and a defined jaw. His hair was neatly shaved below and full at the top, falling around his head.

Unlike every other businessman Scarlett has seen, this one right here seemed a bit too carefree- if that's the word.

"Sorry about my late arrival. Something cropped up at the company that needed my father's attention. So he sent me to handle this meeting in his stead," the man said. "I'm Ryan by the way. Ryan Wilson."

"Arsenio Stone," Arsenio shook hands with Ryan.

"And who's the pretty company you have here with you Mr Stone?"

Although the question was thrown to Arsenio, Ryan had his full attention on Scarlett. In fact, he was already standing opposite her with his hand held out.

"I'm Mr Stone's personal secretary. Scarlett Davis," Scarlett replied and accepted his hand as well.

"Scarlett, huh? Well, that's a lovely name for a beauty like yourself," Ryan dropped a compliment.

Scarlett instantly had a strong urge to roll her eyes at him. However, she had to maintain professionalism and for the sake of business so she masked her irritation.

"Ahem. Shall we get down to business already? You've already taken up our time by being late. Unnecessary pleasantries will only take more time which I don't have," Arsenio's words made Ryan tone down his shamelessness.

The former didn't like how he was shamelessly flirting with his secretary. He found it unethical, business-wise. So he put an end to it.

"Of course. I apologise again," Ryan let out an awkward smile.

Scarlett pulled her hand out of Ryan's loosed grip and helped herself to seat as the others did. She secretly took the napkin in front of her and wiped her hands

Earlier when they shook hands, Ryan's palm was a bit sweaty. As much as she would love to wash her hands, wiping them off was the option she could go with as Arsenio wasted no time in beginning the meeting.

"Your father and I have previously discussed our next project together. We couldn't finalise everything due to time shortage. I hope you are well-informed on the project," Arsenio said to Ryan.

"Rest assured, Mr Stone. I have thoroughly gone through it. Let's proceed with the rest of the parts you both couldn't get time to speak on."

"Good. So the plan of building a resort in..."

As the meeting went on, Scarlett noticed that Ryan has been stealing glances at her. And anytime their eyes met, he would wink or smirk. She couldn't help but frown.

By the end of the meeting, Scarlett wondered if Ryan paid good attention to the meeting. But one thing was sure though. She was happy she wouldn't get to meet his naughty eyes.

After Ryan left, Arsenio decided that they should have their lunch there. Scarlett agreed. She wasn't given the option to decline.

She soon got a call. It was from Kayden. So she excused herself to take the call. He was calling to inform her that he may not get the chance to pick her up from work.

"It's alright. I'll get a cab," she says.

"You sure you'll be okay?" Kayden was concerned.

"I'm sure. I'll snap the plate number of the cab and share my location."

"That's better. I'll see you at home then."

"Yeah. Bye."

Scarlett sighed as she ended the phone call. Just as she was about to go back into the booth, she was yanked and pushed against the wall.

"Ouch!" Scarlett winced from the pain in her back. "Mr Wilson?"

"I was waiting for you, gorgeous," Ryan said with a grin. "I saw the way you looked at me in there. You want me as much as I do so let's skip some process."

"You must be mistaken, Mr Wilson. There's no mutual feeling or interest between us. Now, please step back and let me leave."