Chapter 45
A quarter of an hour later, I found myself hailing a taxi to the Sevan Hotel.
The hotel was a renowned establishment, one of the city's finest, and my previous visit had been during the company's annual meeting. The average expenditure per guest was a staggering two hundred dollars, an amount equivalent to half a month's wages for the average worker.
Upon my exit from the taxi, I couldn't help but notice the array of opulent vehicles lining the entrance of the hotel.
Linda, Katherine, and Jenny were all present, seemingly having just descended from the grandeur of the hotel. Oddly, the chairman of Skyliho was noticeably absent.
As I approached, I observed a group of directors encircling Linda and Katherine. Their solicitous offers of, "Mrs. Foster, allow me to escort you home," and "Miss Bailey, I'm sober, let me be your chauffeur," filled the air.
Jenny, too, had indulged in the evening's libations, her flushed complexion lending her an intoxicating allure.
I found myself hesitating, uncertain whether to intrude on the scene unfolding before me.
However, the decision was taken out of my hands when Jenny's sharp gaze found me. "John, why are you here?" she asked, effectively eliminating any chance of a quiet retreat.
Summoning my courage, I advanced towards them, feeling it dissipate with each step.
"Jenny, I..." I began, only to be cut off by Katherine.
"I summoned him. Is there an issue with that, Jenny?" Her words hung in the air, creating an immediate tension, and I found myself uncomfortably wedged in the middle of it.
Jenny's previously warm gaze cooled instantly. "John, you're full of surprises," she said, her tone icy.
I managed a wry smile. "When a superior calls, I dare not delay."
Her eyes flickered, hinting at her understanding of the hidden meaning behind my words. Linda, sensing the tension, approached us. "Jen, what's happening?"
The difference in their forms of address was telling; one called her Jenny, the other Jen. It was clear who held a closer bond with her.
The directors, too, seemed to have divided themselves into two factions, the competitive atmosphere palpable.
Katherine remained unyielding, showing no signs of backing down.
"Mrs. Foster, meet John, Lily's efficient right-hand man. He recently closed a six-million-dollar deal," Jenny introduced me, her voice laced with sarcasm.
Linda's gaze swept over me, and I realized this was the closest I had ever been to her.
Clad in a beige business suit that accentuated her figure, her long, bare legs ended in a pair of white high heels. Despite my height of one meter eighty-five, she was only slightly shorter.
A stunning beauty, I thought, momentarily awestruck. It seemed as though all the world's beauty had been divided amongst these three women.
"I've heard about you," Linda said, a faint smile playing on her lips. "Securing the Walker Company was an impressive feat."
"Thank you for your kind words, Mrs. Foster. I was merely doing my job."
"Why are you here at this late hour instead of resting at home?" she asked.
"I..." I hesitated, unsure of how to respond. Should I admit that I had come to pick up Katherine?
"Mrs. Foster, I requested his presence," Katherine interjected, stepping forward. The directors around us listened intently, their eyes reflecting a mix of curiosity and envy.
I inwardly scoffed at their reactions. Did they think I relished being embroiled in this drama?
"Miss Bailey, summoning John at this hour seems like an abuse of power," Linda commented lightly. "John, you arrived by taxi, didn't you? I insist you take my car home. My driver will see to it."
"Mrs. Foster, I couldn't possibly accept," I protested.
Katherine chuckled softly. "It's after work hours now, John's free time. I trust his honesty and capability. I have no qualms about him driving."
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