Chaoter 7 - Proposal

Proposal

Proposal

'What is he doing here?' It was the unheard question in my head because everyone in the conference room stood up, shocked just like me, but they immediately went to the man whose aura demands attention.

"Mr. Zeigler!" A thunderous voice called. I don't know who called his name but everyone came rushing to him. He was like a king and everyone around him is his servant, waiting for their master to order them around.

While here I am still not moving, stunned at his presence. I was still looking at him when his gaze met mine. He looked at me, playfulness evident in his eyes.

I averted my eyes to the person he was talking to and apparently it was my Tito Alex. I feel betrayed.

"Let us settle down and continue our meeting," Tito said. I saw Rafael nod and urge the board members to sit down.

They all went back and Rafael sat on my chair. On my freaking chair. He's acting like he's the boss and I should please him with my presentation.

I rolled my eyes at him. He chuckled when he saw me rolling my eyes. Ugh! The nerve of this guy!

Tito turned his attention to me. "I am so sorry, hija. I haven't told you about this because I was not sure if Rafael had considered investing in a company that is on the brink of bankruptcy," Tito looked at me with his apologizing eyes.

I bit my lower lip and nodded at him, acknowledging that it isn't his fault that suddenly everyone's attention is on the man sitting five feet away from me instead of my proposed project.

"Laurier Company has been a great partner to us in the past. I wouldn't let it fail without helping," Rafael looked at Tito before looking back at me.

"We are beyond happy to know that you are investing in the company, Mr. Zeigler! With you, as an investor, the company will get back on track in no time," Mr. Hargon said happily. He was grinning very wide, I thought his lips will rip off.

A while ago he was complaining and now just because a famous investor was interested, he suddenly became considerate. HAH!

I exhaled loudly. I should be happy but I can't stop feeling pissed and worried.

"Ms. Laurier, why don't you summarize to me what you presented to the board," he gestured to the PowerPoint projected in front.

I smiled sarcastically. "S-sure, Mr. Zeigler," my patience thinning. He is a potential investor so I should be more considerate. But, I can't help being annoyed and embarrassed at the same time.

Tito Alex turned to Rafael. "I suggest that Calliana can discuss to you her project thoroughly in the office," Tito said that made me flinch.

No, no, no. I would rather explain it here than explain it one on one to him. "Tito–"

I was cut off by him. "That would be more efficient. I wouldn't like to waste time given that the board already know the project." He was tapping his forefinger on the table. It was making little noises.

"Great!" Tito exclaimed and looked at me.

He's expecting me to end the meeting. I inhaled deeply and looked at the ceiling before fixing my hair. F*ck! I don't want to talk to him privately. More so in an enclosed room just the two of us.

I walked to my laptop and disconnected it from the projector. "Meeting adjourned," I declared and immediately went out without looking at anyone.

I exhaled loudly when I got out. The air in the conference room is suffocating me.

"Ms. Laurier," someone called.

I jump out in surprise. I looked back and Kreia just went out of the door. She started following me. I almost had a heart attack. Sh*t, I thought he came after me...

"I'm sorry, Ma'am. I-i didn't mean to startle you," she said apologetically.

"It's okay. I'm still flustered a bit." I said honestly and bit my lower lip.

We entered the elevator and went straight to my office. I dropped my laptop to my desk and leaned on it a bit.

"Ma'am, do you want some drinks?" Kreia asked.

"Yes, please. A cold water would be great."

She immediately went out. I paced back and forth, thinking about him coming here is terrifying me.

Sh*t. Sh*t. Sh*t.

What am I gonna do? This would be awkward. I left him in the hotel after that night. What would he say about me?

Ha! I paced back more. I shouldn't be nervous like this. He should be the one panicking right now. Right! He's a womanizer and I bet he always had a one night stand. This isn't new to him. And he acted like he doesn't know me at Arthur's funeral. I should also act like I don't know him before Arthur's funeral.

I was startled when someone knocked. I fixed my hair and straighten my clothes. I should look presentable.

"Come in," I announced.

The door opened and it revealed Rafael. His eyes immediately met mine. I just realized that he was wearing a white dress shirt and black slacks but his presence is still very noticeable.

I cleared my throat when I realized that I was checking him out. Tito Alex was behind him. I sighed knowing that I won't be alone with him in this room.

"Hija, come here and sit down with us. I'm sorry if this all surprised you," Tito said and gestured to the sofa not far beside him.

I slowly walked toward them. I passed behind Rafael and I smelled something manly. I almost leaned on his back and sniff him.

What is wrong with me?!

I sat down beside Tito. Rafael was in front of me sitting. A table was in between us.

"After your visit here to the company, I told you that I started sending out letters to potential investors. I approximately sent ten letters to different companies and it includes Rafael. I didn't know that he would come here today. I'm really sorry, hija," Tito explained.

I shrugged. "It's okay, Tito. I should be thanking you for all your help. And now we have a probable investor because of you, Tito." I briefly looked at the man in front of us.

"Mr. Lewis, it's not your fault that you didn't know I was coming. It was really my fault. I got really busy and forgot to tell you that I was coming. It was unprofessional of me," Rafael shrugged. He looked at Tito then back to me.

"I–" Tito's phone rang. He looked at us and motioned that he'll answer the phone. I nodded.

"Hello," Tito greeted the caller.

I averted my gaze and Rafael met my eyes. His intense gray eyes were looking at me intently like he was looking into my soul. I remembered he looked at me with that same eyes that night.

I closed my eyes intently, slapped myself mentally, and turned my head to my desk where the view of the city is the backdrop.

"Yes, yes. I'll be back there in 20 minutes," I heard Tito say to the caller.

I abruptly looked at him. No, Tito. Don't leave me here, please.

"I'm sorry, hija. I have an appointment at my office. Is it okay to leave you here? I believe you could talk to Rafael further without me here."

No, no, no. Tito, you've got it all wrong. He's gonna eat me alive here. With the way, I can feel his stare at me. But, I know Tito has other priorities. I can't be selfish.

I nodded even though I'll probably regret it. "S-sure, Tito. Thank you for coming h-here."

I stood up and kissed him on the cheek. "I'll call you later, okay?" I just nodded at him.

He turned to Rafael. "I hope we will meet again, Rafael." Tito shook his hand with his.

"Of course, Mr. Lewis. We will definitely meet again." His tone was assuring.

I hope I don't meet you again. I mentally said.

A deafening silence was followed after Tito closed the door to my office. I just want the floor to swallow me whole.

Why is Kreia taking so much time getting me water! Ugh!

"Please take a seat, Ms. Laurier," his deep voice almost made me jump again. F*ck! I can't look him in the eyes for more than five seconds.

I slowly sat down again. Calm down, Calliana. You just have to explain to him your project and then tada! he'll disappear immediately.

I inhaled slowly. "Mr. Zeigler, about the project that I presented, it will all b–" I was about to stand up and get my laptop at my desk when he cut me off.

"Ms. Laurier, you can just send your presentation to my email."

Is he joking me right now?! If that's the case then why did he even agree to Tito's suggestion?

I furrowed my eyebrows. "Then why are you still here, Mr. Zeigler?" I didn't mean to be rude but with all the mixed emotions I felt a while ago, I can't contain it anymore.

"I have a proposal that will interest you," he said seriously.