Chapter 74

We stared at each other for a long moment, mesmerized, unable to say anything in response to those words. I couldn’t possibly be someone who attracted him... He must be used to women like Belladona, women who look like models. I had none of that; it was impossible. So, I simply looked away, keeping silent. When we arrived at the hotel, we each went to our rooms as if nothing had happened again. We had kissed; he had even let his hands touch my skin, taking me to heaven, and yet, it was just that—moments of indulgence between two adults, nothing more.
Setting those corrupted thoughts aside, I prepared for dinner with Mr. Keylef. Once I had made myself somewhat presentable, I stepped out of my room to wait for Mr. Cesar, only to find him emerging from his room, talking on the phone.
"I want you to investigate what’s going on with the company supplying our fruit. I suspect funds are being embezzled. Someone’s taking advantage of the situation, and I want to catch that traitor."
He saw me, and as he hung up, his intense gaze swept over me, focusing on my salmon dress tied around my neck.
“Did you dress like that for him?” he teased as he headed toward the reception.
“What? No… I just didn’t want to embarrass him at dinner.”
He stopped, looked at me, and said with irritation, “Apparently, you’re unaware of your beauty. You do it on purpose to seem more humble. And please stop walking behind me—it makes me nervous. Walk beside me.”
I widened my eyes, feeling my cheeks flush. With a slight smile, I moved to his side.
“I wanted to ask you something…” I said as I pressed the elevator button.
“What is it?”
“You… do you… find me attractive?”
“Caesar!”
A woman’s voice called out just as the elevator doors opened. Looking up, my smile faded. I glanced at Mr. Cesar, whose expression turned cold as Belladona approached us. What was she doing here? She walked straight to him, hugging him tightly, and cast a disdainful look at me.
“What are you doing here, Belladona?”
“Is that how you greet an old friend and colleague?” she said, feigning hurt.
He sighed, tired, and repeated, “Can you just tell me why you’re here?”
“You didn’t tell me you were going on a business trip. Have you forgotten my family is an investor in F.F.?”
“You didn’t need to come.”
“That’s your opinion, but you can’t do everything on your own, Caesar.” She turned to me and added, “Stop calling me that, please,” he said firmly.
“Oh, sorry. I didn’t think it would bother you so much… You still have that little girl by your side, don’t you?”
“Don’t start, Belladona.”
“I just wanted to say hi. She looks so adorable next to you,” she said, eyeing me mockingly.
Stepping forward, I extended my hand and said, “Good evening, Miss Belladona.”
She gave me a cold look and replied, “And what exactly is your role by his side?”
“Assistant. I’m just trying to learn from him, that’s all,” I said uncomfortably, noting how she scrutinized me. She had traded her wavy chestnut hair, similar to mine, for sleek, almost-black hair with a hint of violet. She was elegant, but she had moved far from my appearance.
“So, you’re just looking for opportunities to grow. You could have told me sooner—I’m a very generous person. I could’ve helped you too.”
“Stop meddling in things that don’t concern you, Belladona. Now, if you’ll excuse us, we have a meeting,” Cesar said abruptly, grabbing my hand and pulling me toward the street.
“You mean dinner with Keylef? Then I’ll join you. I’m going to the same place,” Belladona said, pushing me aside to take Cesar’s arm.
“What? How do you know about that?”
“Keylef and I ran into each other, and he invited me to the dinner. I didn’t expect you to be there too.” Hurriedly, I added, “I’ll arrange for the driver to accommodate an extra person, Mr. Cesar,” and rushed to the exit to give them some privacy. Mr. Cesar shot me a hard look, which I ignored as I reached the driver who was waiting.
۩
The dinner was set on an island far from the city, featuring hotels over the water and an elegant building where we would dine. The journey was uncomfortable and noisy; Belladona didn’t stop laughing flirtatiously with Cesar, while I tried to stay calm. Heights had never been my strong suit, and it was clear this wasn’t for me. Occasionally, I felt Mr. Cesar’s furtive glances, which I quickly ignored. When the plane landed, Keylef greeted us on a bridge in an elegant white suit with a warm smile.
“Welcome.”
“Did you plan this on purpose?” Cesar asked, looking at Belladona.
“Do you think I arranged this on purpose? Not even if I tried. You don’t know me very well, brother. This was just a strange coincidence.”
“Yeah, I don’t believe you’re that lucky.”
“Well, we can skip the introductions since we all know each other and head inside for dinner,” Keylef said, extending his hand to me. As I moved toward him, Cesar abruptly stepped forward, placing a hand on his brother’s shoulder.
“Yes, let’s go… I’m eager to hear about your plan, brother.”
Without another word, they walked ahead together. Then I realized I was left with Belladona. Turning around, I found her quickly grabbing my arm to walk together.
“At last, we can have some girl talk,” she said cheerfully, though I wasn’t sure how long that friendliness would last.