SCARLETT'S POV
  I had just finished showing Palo Bryant around the various departments of the company except one _ the sales management department, Imogen is the head of this department. 
  At the moment, Palo and I are proceeding there after just leaving the operations management department. 
  The introduction was easy and surprisingly fun, the staffs all seem to like him so far as it was obvious from their smiles and welcoming aura. 
  Most of the time, I caught Palo's eyes on me but whenever our gaze locked, he didn't look elsewhere instead he would flash me his beautiful smile that seemed to always gets me enthralled. In the end, I was the one looking away and avoiding his eyes _ I have been doing much of that for a while now and I am certain his smartass must have noticed.
  We arrived the sales management general office and I was about to walk towards the entrance when Palo caught me by the wrist, leaned closer to me and whispered beside my ear words that made blood instantly rush to my cheeks.
  "Have I told you I like how shy you get when I look at you, Scarlett? Makes me wonder if you're even more shy in the other room or perhaps, incredibly naughty." 
  His words made my breathing hitched instantly and I knew he was observing me, probably pleased by the reaction he was getting from me. 
  Suddenly I smirked. Hmph! Two can play at this game.
  "Why don't you..." I paused and slowly turned to lock my gaze with his, "...try finding out?" I whispered the words with such indepth sultry tone I never knew I had. His eyes widened instantly and the lust I saw in those dangerous satin-gray eyes almost made me wet.
 Damn! Was he so eager? 
 Note to self; never try this again, Scarlett. Especially not with such a man.
  I could feel the tension in the air between us. Literally anyone there could feel it. He was practically undressing me with his eyes now. And gosh! Why do I like that? Why am I imagining it? Only a few hours with him and he already seems to be doing things to me.
  "Mmm-mmh," thankfully someone suddenly cleared their throat and he leaned back up, casually putting his hands in his trouser pockets while I coughed stylishly and turned to take a look. 
 Oh, damn! It was Imogen and the way she was looking at me was clearly making me imagine her thoughts. 
 She probably thinks I am shameless now.
  "Hey, Palo. We meet again," She flashes him a small smile. 
  "Yeah, I guess. At least you aren't drunk today." He retorted coldly. And Imogen went red on the face immediately.
  She seemed upset but she was having her emotions under control _ which was surprising by the way _ Instead, she nodded at him and asked. "What brings you here?" Her eyes landed on me as the question rolled off her tongue. 
  "I think that sounds a bit rude, Imogen Grey. Don't you agree, Scarlett?" Palo asked, looking at me for support. I just shrugged and stared back at Imogen. He probably had no idea that Imogen and I do not get along.
  Imogen was already rephrasing her question before I could proceed to business; the actual reason I was there. "I mean, how may I help you both? Especially you, Mr. Bryant. No one would imagine you to be an office person." Her eyes ran over his corporate-like outfit and he scoffed.
  "Why? You think I look terrible in them?" He asked with a slight frown.
 For a moment, I had to pause and wonder what the history between them could be...
  "Not really," she smiled brightly at him. "I am assuming you would always look good in whatever you wear. Right, sis?" Imogen suddenly directed at me. I was surprised by that and could only manage a nod as I tried to bring the words out.
  "Uh? Sure... you are r-right." I stammered through my words, an unusual happening which of course earned Imogen's curious, judging look.
  "Why do you seem so flustered, sis? One would think you were imagining something silly." Imogen said, intentionally emphasizing on the 'sis'. She was clearly trying to get me worked up but she won't succeed. Not today, not now.
  Deciding to ignore her remarks, I went on to introduce Palo properly. "Mr. Bryant commences work here as from today as the COO. Dad instructed me to show him around and introduce him to the staffs of all the department."
  "What?" Imogen was stunned. "Just like that? Or is it because of the Minister's connection with JP's Enterprise?" She continued, probably forgetting Palo was here.
  "Mmm-mmh," I coughed slightly as a means of distracting her from such thoughts. Palo's here for goodness sake. And her remark just made it seemed like he was hired because of his connections and not because of his capacity. "I don't think father would just hire someone without analysing if they're fit for the Job, Imogen. You should know better. What you just said sounded degrading or more like an insult to Mr. Bryant here. Do you know? I think you should apologize to him." I couldn't help the urge to scold her.
  "Who cares what you think, Scar?" She scoffed. "Who knows? Father's judgement might be becoming clouded these days. I mean there's a visible example right in front of me." 
  "Imogen, don't you dare!" I seethed.
 Scar? How dare her even call me that?!
  "Ouch! You look so upset. Did I say something wrong or did my words strike a cord somewhere?" She continued, feigning innocence and I almost lost my cool.
  "Are you always this shameless and loosed-tongue?" Palo suddenly said, looking visibly angry like he couldn't wait to shut that tramp mouth of hers. 
  "You!" She flared at him. "Mind your god-damned business and don't ever talk to me like that again." She frowned and I decided it was enough. I couldn't let her ruin the mood all the damn time.
  "For once Imogen, I thought you had decided to be more responsible and professional with your life when I walked by and saw you at the office earlier this morning. But I guess I was wrong. If you want to keep embarrassing yourself you can go on, that would pretty much leave an interesting topic for gossip in the mouth of your seemingly bored employees throughout the day." I said and she looked around to see several of the staffs' attention were trained on us.
  "However," I continued and she returned her gaze to me. "I would have you know that I do not have time to entertain your childish behaviors. I am only here for business purposes and when that's done, I would take my leave. Gather your staffs, Sales Manager, Ms. Grey. I have an announcement to make." I said and her face flushed with surprise and anger at my tone and words.
  From the gaze Palo Bryant gave me, I could tell even he was surprised by the switch in my tone. And I saw an unusual look of admiration and respect in his eyes when I met his gaze.
  After some seconds of opening and closing her mouth, Imogen led the way into the general staff room of the sales management department.
  "Shall we now?" I nodded at Palo and he smiled, before we walked in after her.