Chapter 12 *** Nearly Impressed ***

Chapter 12

~ Nearly Impressed ~

|| Chapter Theme Song– Not Afraid
Anymore By Halsey ||

[IRIS'S POV]
His gaze was fixed on me as I tried to uphold my nonchalant façade. My task was completed and I didn’t feel like spending another moment in same proximity as this scary man. The longer I looked into his eyes, the more I felt bothered. I looked down to smooth out my skirt and waited for him to dismiss me. However, that never happened. I was just about to ask for his permission to leave, but then his cell phone rang loudly, cutting through the tick tension that had been building between us.
Breaking his penetrating gaze from me, he looked down at the brightened screen. He accepted the call and stood up to walk over to the window to ensure the privacy of his conversation. I shifted my attention back to the laptop where hacker’s location that could still be seen and I bit my lower lip. This was so aggravating! What was that motherfucker doing there in the first place? I continued to curse at the man for meddling in my business. Oh, it was such a good thing he wasn’t here or I would rip his stupid head off.
Instantly, I shutdown the laptop, stood up from my seat and turned to look for the president. He was still at the window and looked in deep thought as his eyes were fixed on something outside. Not wanting to hang around any longer, I cautiously walked over to him. Staying a few feet away from him, I cleared my throat.
“Mr. President, since I’ve completed my task, can I go back to my office now? I still have other things to do.”
My voice came out calm and collected, but God only knew how much my insides were churning as the moments of silence passed. After a few minutes of just standing there, he turned around to face me. I blinked in confusion, not having the damndest idea of what he was thinking. His luscious lips curved up into an evil smirk as his eyes met mine. He seemed amused and I swear that my heart stopped working for a moment.
“I’ve got a bad feeling about this…” I thought.
Taking slow steps toward me, I saw Mr. President’s domineering figure encircling me as if he was assessing me all over again. Being under such observation made me tense and my body rigid.
“You nearly impressed me today, Miss Young. You claimed to have only simple knowledge as a hacker. However, you have managed to break through my state of the art security system. Should I call you a master of hacking or”–he paused and stopped in front of me–“have you other names, Miss Young?”
My breathing hitched. Did I hear that right? How did he find out so fast? Well, a third party did just make an unprecedented attack on his company. Maybe, some information was leaked when the firewall was down? I was just trying to fix everything and didn't even stop to think that my actions would give me away. Rubbing my arms awkwardly, I avoided direct eye contact with him.
“H-how… did you find out so fast?”
His smile broadened, making him look even more devilishly handsome. He really wasn’t good for my heart.
“My team does routine checks on each employee's computer. In short, your computer is being monitored by not only me, but by each supervisor here as well.”
I was stunned and I was positive that my crestfallen look was evident on my face. How could I be so careless?!
“For shit’s sake Iris, this is Xavier Gray. You should have expected this… you’re slipping,” I scolded myself.
A thin sweat broke out across my forehead. I had been caught. Crap… Nervously, I let out a dry cough before laughing awkwardly. Racking my brain for a believable excuse, I looked up at his face and grinned.
“Well, I just thought to impress you in a different way. Tell me, did it work, Mr. President?"
He looked down at me and with a sardonic smile, he said, “Not enough, Miss Young. Honestly, this could be considered child's play.”
Hearing that disappointed me for a brief moment; however, I looked at him with determination and confidence. I knew what I was cable of and it was more than enough to impress this sadist. Little by little, I would show this prick just what I could do and that thought made a wicked grin spread across my face.
“Then… I will work harder to impress you, Mr. President.”
Spinning around on my heel, I turned to leave.
“Wait!” he called.
I turned to face him and saw him glance down at his watch.
“It's lunch time. Join me.”
Huh? Was this considered a reward for doing well? He could’ve been nicer about it. His claim of not being enough to impress him pricked my pride. I wanted to teach this overbearing person some manners.
Crossing my arms, I gave him a pointed look.
“Shouldn't you say ‘please’, Mr. President? After all, this request wasn’t made for an official capacity.”
He looked like he was about to argue the point with me, but I directly cut him off.
“It's just basic manners, sir.”
His eyes darkened in rage; even so, he straightened his tie and schooled back his hostile expression.
“Would you please join me for lunch, Miss Young?” he asked softly.
Taken aback slightly at his sudden change of character, I wondered if he had ever gone into acting. He almost sounded like he was asking me for a date. Not waiting for an answer, he walked ahead of me towards the door.
“Didn't you tell me to keep my distance from you? I will be sitting right next to you while you eat. Won’t that bother you?” I blurted out.
He paused, turned around and quirked an eyebrow at me. I knew I hadn’t said anything wrong so I just stared right back at those blue eyes. He looked a little angry, but I think he was more annoyed than anything else.
“Miss Young, don't you think that you ask too many questions regarding my private matters. It’s still just the first day. Just follow me and don’t talk.”
Groaning in frustration, I followed his brisk footsteps while not having a damn idea where we were going. After reaching the car, I hopped in the front seat.
“The Restaurant,” he ordered the driver.
Nodding the driver started the engine. Looking out of the window at the passing cars, I sighed. It’s not even noon and I already wanted to go home.
It was about fifteen minutes later when we pulled up to the five-star restaurant. Getting out of the Maybach, I looked up and inhaled sharply at the familiar signboard. This restaurant… it’s still here?!?!

The Neon’s Foods was the restaurant he chose? My eyes scanned the outside of the building for a few moments, and then I looked up to observe the green rooftop. It still was bursting with flowered trees. Subconsciously, my lips formed into a soft smile. President Gray passed me to go inside and I diverted my attention to his retreating back. I noticed that the owner of the restaurant had changed since I was last here. The middle aged man came out to meet us at the door and he gave a deep bow as we entered.
The whole restaurant was empty and as we walked to our table I kept looking to see if there were any other costumers.
“Doesn't anyone come here?” I asked with genuine curiosity.
“Normally, this place is packed. But, I booked the entire restaurant for our lunch.”
“Holy shit! So this is how the other half lives…” I murmured.
Rolling my eyes, I sank down into my chair with a thud. President Gray frowned at my improper behavior. However, I was too mentally exhausted to give a flying fuck. Being back in this place didn’t help improve my mood either.
[XAVIER'S POV]

“This woman…” I thought grimly.
She was useful and annoying at the same time! I couldn’t believe her behavior! Miss Young acted more like a nine year old child than a full grown woman. Hasn’t she learned any etiquette at all? I shot her cold glare of warning, and what did she do? This tiny woman rolled her eyes at me as if she didn’t give a damn!
Averting my eyes from her, I spotted the hostess who was smiling my way. I was very well known at this restaurant. Being thirty years old, it was well established, and it was by far my favorite place to eat out. I gestured for her to come over and she walked over with a menu in her hands. The older woman passed the menu to me and then gave a curious glance at Miss Young, who was sitting nonchalantly opposite of me. She behaved as if I didn't even exist. I put the menu in front of her and leaned back in my chair. At first she was startled and then she looked up at me questioningly. I smirked.
“You choose.”

Author’s Words: Please leave your comments to let me know your thoughts!