SCARLETT'S POV
Stunned? No, that's an understatement to describe how I felt the moment my eyes came in contact with his.
The gorgeous Asian drool worthy hunk who had walked past me and Skylar at the rotunda hotel several weeks ago when I'd first arrived this city, was standing before me about a minute ago and now walking side by side heading for Dad's office. I mean, I'm sharing the same air and space with the one guy who succeeded in getting my tender innocent heart, racing like it never did before.
Clearly, he didn't recall that we've met before and that's probably because I was in a disguise back then and he never spared me a glance. Even I can't compare my present self with the girl who had arrived Birmingham City for the first time and had on a beanie, sneakers and artificial eye lens. There's a huge difference so it's probably not his fault. You don't think I wanna go over the stress of explaining how we met to him, do you? Come on, it's gonna sound like this...
'...so the day I first saw you, you had your upper body revealed and your gorgeous swoon worthy looks and your mesmerizing abs, got me stuck gawking at you for long like I've never done before. But sadly, you walked past me without a word and not even a glance.'
Hello! I Scarlett, would never do that! I'm never gonna try to explain something so embarrassing as that to anyone. It's enough Skylar was there too.
So when I mistakenly blurt out the two words 'It's you?' I had quickly covered it up as though I said the words because he's a popular person I didn't expect to be standing before me. That's also one heck of an explanation but I think he bought it. Well, good for me.
I was still in my thoughts, my expression calm and reserved_as I'm best in hiding my thoughts from my expression when I want to. You can never know what's going through my mind except I want you to. Anyway, neither of us said a word to each other even inside the private elevator as we were probably dwelling in our diverse thoughts. But occasionally, I caught him staring at me from the corners of his eyes or probably, that was my imagination.
The moment the elevator arrived at the penthouse, I secretly heaved a sigh of relief as it was already getting too hot in there. Leading the way, I brought us to Dad's office and his secretary hurriedly informed him of my presence and without a second's delay, she ushered us inside.
"Dad," I called excitedly, the moment I saw him sitting at his chair and going through some files. Without raising his gaze, he smiled.
"Heidi is that you?"
"Yes Dad, though I have company." I said and Dad instantly raised his gaze and a trance of surprise instantly appeared in his eyes.
"Chairman Kwan?" He stood up from his chair and walked forward.
"Chairman Grey. I apologize for my impromptu appearance. I hope this doesn't offend you in anyway." Kyle said as he and Dad shook hands.
"Not at all, please sit down." Dad ushered him a seat.
I knew without anyone saying it, that it was time I leave. In as much as I'd love to stay a little more with Kyle, I have to go. My position as acting CEO now, isn't a joke. Besides, I'm not supposed to be distracted.
This is business.
"Then, I'll take my leave now." I said with a small smile and a slight bow. I saw Dad nod and just as I turned to leave, I risk stealing a fast glance at Kyle but I soon regretted that I did. The moment I glanced at him, his sharp gaze met mine and held it.
Has he been staring?
I quickly looked away but just as I turned around to leave, my eyes landed on someone else.
"Ashton?"
ASHTON'S POV
Moments after I sent Cora away, I felt a little bit bad because she's only trying to show me in every possible means that she loves me but I didn't like the way she was going about it. Also, I certainly don't like anyone forcing themselves on me. Which was exactly what she was doing.
Well, after giving a slight thought to it, nothing changed in the manner I still see her. She was acting like a slut and I definitely need no slut around me.
I was busy with office work on my laptop, when a knock came on my office door.
"Who's it again?!" I bellowed angrily.
"I'm sorry Mr. Grey but I have news for you." Esmeralda, my PA announced and I immediately usher her in.
"Tell me." I said immediately she walked in.
"I just found out that Chairman Kwan is here and Ms. Grey, your elder sister just escorted him to Chairman Grey's office at the penthouse." The moment I heard what she said, my eyes widen in surprise and I instantly stood up. The surprise in my expression was instantly replaced with puzzlement when Kyle's last words to me the day I went to see him at his Villa, came to mind.
"That's one remarkable sister you've got Mr Grey. I look forward to meeting her in the near future."
These were the words Kyle had said to me that day. Is he fulfilling his promise already?
I hurriedly exited my office and wasted no time in using the private elevator, limited to close individuals of the Chairman and his family members.
Within two minutes, I was already standing before his office door and his secretary didn't bother restricting me from entering inside. After all, I have every right to be there since Chairman Kwan was there. Not to ignore the fact that we had a business proposal going on.
He's probably here to talk about it but why...why did he have to show his face to Scarlett first? What's he planning?
I had just walked in now to see the eye connection he made with my sister. I felt angry and uncomfortable within but I didn't let it affect my expression.
"Ashton?" Scarlett who was about stepping out, said in surprise and I smiled at her.
"Oh Ashton, it's good you're here. I just thought of sending someone to get you now. Please come sit down."
"Yes Father," I gave a slight bow, smiled at Scarlett again before I walked to take a seat, directly facing Chairman Kyle. He smirked.
"We meet again, Ashton Grey."
"Yes. I'm actually surprised you had come all the way here instead of sending someone over, which is quite unlike 'your' personality I've heard so much about. I must say, you're quite impressive." I said, making sure he got the hidden message behind my words. His reaction made me know he did. As he looked sideways at Scarlett who was already walking out.
"Ain't you a smart one, Ashton?" He said, glancing back at me.
"Well, I could say the same about you, Chairman Kwan." I retorted. Dad had to clear his throat and intervene as he was wise enough to know something was off between us.
"Well, let's proceed on the purpose of the meeting as I'm afraid, neither of us have such leisure to ignore the ticking clock." Dad said and I nodded as I leaned back on my seat.
"I agree." I said.
Chairman Kwan leaned up as his fingers leisurely caressed the tea cup in his hand.
Well, the moment Scarlett walked out, Dad's secretary came in and served tea while myself and Chairman Kwan were having a battle with our words.
"Chairman Grey," he began, shaking the teacup a little before he took a brief, elegant sip.
______
Just as Scarlett stepped out of Chairman Grey's office. She was about to proceed on her way when she came face to face with none other than, Imogen. Her younger stepsister.
Imogen on the other hand, wasn't looking so pleased as she didn't fail to hide the contempt and hatred from showing so clearly in her expression.
Scarlett gave her a once-over and smirked.
______
"Chairman Grey," Kyle continued after his momentary pause. "My team and I had come to the decision that we will agree to your proposal and work with you only when there's a reinstatement of a new CEO." He announced finally, dropping his teacup on the glass table and staring at the stunned faces of the chairman and his son.