CHAPTER 4 – Dinner Invitation

“Because dinner is very important. Anyway, sleep after that. I’ll buy you coffee” she said with finality.

When she looked at Daniel the man was still not convinced.

“Fine” she rolled her eyes then went back to the sofa.

Daniel sat in front of her and brought her coffee.

“I need someone to introduce to my mother so she will get off my back” she started.

“It’s not formal. We can say we just started dating, nothing official. Just a one-time deal” she assured the guy.

Daniel studied her worried face and he wanted to laugh.

“What’s in it for me?” Daniel asked.

“I’ll do one month overtime without pay” she said excitedly.

“You don’t get to file overtime. Your contract says 24/7 secretary” he reminded her.

“I’ll buy you a new coffee-maker” who would reject that?

“All my appliances are new” he replied.

“Then what do you want?” Celine snapped.

“I’ll do you one favour and you will owe me one. I’ll ask whenever I need it and you cannot say no” Daniel proposed.

“Fine. Whatever. Just attend that dinner tonight, okay?” she agreed.

“Shake it to seal it” Daniel held out his hands to seal their deal.

“Who are you and what did you do to my friend?” she said while shaking his hand.

He just flicked her forehead like he used to.

“Ouch. Remember, 5pm” she rubbed her forehead then left the room.

When the time came, she went inside the CEO’s room to check on Daniel to find him sleeping.

She slowly went out and took her office blanket and carefully put it on Daniel’s body.

Watching him sleep, she suddenly felt guilty.

Could she really drag him into her mess?

He was really good to her in the past but this is his future.

She looked at him one last time then made a decision.

Before she could reach the door, she heard his deep voice.

“What time is it?”

“Quarter past 5” she replied.

“Let’s go” Daniel removed the blanket and walked towards the door.

“Thanks” she said unconsciously as she felt a sense of relief.

“Let’s drop by the boutique first” she said giving the address.

When they reached the shop, an attendant immediately approached her.

“Miss Yates, I’m afraid we need to hurry” the attendant said.

“It’s okay, I just need the dress. We can leave the hair as it is” she never intended to dress up.

Anyway, this is not her party.

After she changed to her party dress, she looked at Daniel’s clothes and realized their colours doesn’t match.

“D, how about you get something of similar colour?” she suggested.

Daniel just took a navy-blue tie and went to the dressing room.

When he went out of the dressing room, he saw Celine taking a photo with a mannequin.

“What’s that for?” Daniel asked curiously.

“I sent it to mother. Proof that I will bring someone real this time” she said checking her phone for a reply.

“The mannequin is real?” he raised his eyebrows at her reasoning.

“Well, I only captured the clothes. She wouldn’t know” she said still admiring her cleverness.

“If you need a photo, come here” Daniel pulled her closer to him and planted a gentle kiss on her forehead before snapping a photo.

She suddenly felt awkward at his actions.

This was very normal to them before.

Kiss on the forehead.

Holding hands.

Comforting hugs.

Sleep-overs.

Why does it feel different now?

“Miss Yates, your boyfriend is very sweet. You look good together” the attendant commented out.

“We’re not –“ she wanted to clarify he’s not her boyfriend.

“Put it on my tab” Daniel said to the attendant before Celine could finish.

Then he grabbed Celine’s hand and went straight to the door.

“It’s my boutique. It’s free” she said proudly.

“It’s your mother’s boutique” he corrected her.

“And you want to tell your mother’s employee that I’m not your boyfriend?” he asked while fixing his eyes on the road.

She wanted to reply when she felt her phone vibrating.

“Mother” she answered.

“It’s okay if you don’t want to believe me. I’m not the one who will have to explain later. If you know what I mean?” she threatened Minerva.

“We’re on our way mother. It would be best to keep it private” she said then ended their call.

Her hands were still shaking as she put her phone back to her bag.

Then she bit her lower lip followed by her strands of hair.

Daniel looked at the woman beside him and grabbed her hand.

Her anxiety markers are showing since afternoon.

This is not a normal dinner as she described it to be.

He pulled on the side of the road to calm her down.

“I cannot help you if you will not be honest with me” he said looking intently at her.

“The dinner party is my engagement party with Mr. Johnson” she said honestly.

“I always tell mother I’m in a relationship but I haven’t introduced anyone so they know it was just an excuse” she started.

“They made a deal with Mr. Johnson to strengthen the Yates’ influence in the maritime industry and today is the engagement announcement”

“Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” Daniel drew a deep breath.

“Are you kidding me?” she asked in disbelief.

“Just yesterday I couldn’t even recognize you properly. You’ve changed a lot. Like, a lot”

“You even changed your name” then she remembered something.

“D, I’m screwed. I registered you as Grant”

“How did you even become a Stevenson?” she let out all the questions she’s been meaning to ask.

“I’ve always been a Stevenson” he corrected her.

“Never mind that. What is at stake?” he enquired further.

“My inheritance. And the whole Yates Holdings. All billions of it” she took a deep breath.

Daniel could only whistle.

He always forgets his friend is an heiress.

“This is my father’s legacy, D. I will not allow Uncle Clint to control it” she said with determination.

Daniel nodded his head in understanding.

“Good thing I’m here. Don’t worry, I won’t let them marry you off” he said then ruffled her hair then started the car again.

“You didn’t asked Logan?” he said followed by a knowing smile.

“I did. But she’s Lola now” she chuckled thinking of her recent encounter with Lola.

When they reached the restaurant, it was almost empty.

They went straight to Minerva’s table and she made the introductions.

“Mother, Uncle Clint, this is Daniel Grant” she said without looking at Daniel.

“My husband”