章 6: UNEXPECTED VISITOR
Charlotte sputtered, water slightly spilling from her glass as Sebastian's words sank in.
"Mr. Sebastian?" she exclaimed, her voice involuntary.
Sebastian's lips curled into a sly smile. "Too straightforward?" he murmured, licking his lower lip.
Charlotte's jaw dropped, her eyes wide with shocked. What kind of delusional man was he?
"Don't worry, I gave you the contract out of fun," He continued, nonchalantly slicing into his steak. "You looked like you needed it."
Charlotte's face tightened, her jaw clenched. In her twenty-seven years, she had never endured such a brazen insult which was ironically true.
Sebastian's gaze flicked up, his expression casual. "Eat," he encouraged, going back to slicing into his steak.
Charlotte was surprisingly quiet. She usually spoke up in this type of situation but this was different. Her eyes scanned the contract, her grip on the pen tightening. She needed this for her girls, for their company.
"I'm signing this," she uttered, her voice rock-solid, "but we need to set boundaries for our 100-day arrangement."
The pen scratched across the paper, each stroke with deep thoughts.
Sebastian's gaze landed on her with a subtle smile lurking in his eyes.
"Boundaries?" he repeated, his voice colored with curiosity.
Charlotte's eyes flashed up, her jaw set. "Expectations, rules – whatever you want to call them."
She pushed the signed contract across the table, her hand steady.
"I want clarity on what's acceptable and what's not."
Sebastian's smile spread, "I'm intrigued."
He leaned back, steepling his fingers. "Proceed, Orchid. I'm listening."
Just as Charlotte was about to speak, a figure interrupted them.
Sebastian turned, expecting the waiter. "I didn't call for—" He halted as he saw the person in front of him, his face darkening. "Daniel, what are you doing here?"
Charlotte's eyes sparkled as she rose from her seat. "Mr. Grande!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with surprise. Daniel Grande, her business idol, stood before her, leaving her awestruck.
Daniel chuckled, his eyes dancing with pleasure. He turned to Sebastian, a subtle smile playing on his lips. "I think your companion is a fan, Sebastian.
Sebastian's jaw clenched, his eyes narrowing as he shifted uncomfortably in his seat. How did Daniel know where he was? And what was he doing here? He wondered.
Meanwhile, Charlotte, oblivious to the tension, gushed. "Oh my God, Mr. Grande! I'm a huge fan of your business philosophy. I have all your cover-story magazines in my collection!"
She rushed forward, hands extended, but Daniel surprised her with a warm embrace.
"I'm glad to meet a fan," Daniel mused, smiling, as he wrapped his arms around Charlotte.
Sebastian's face turned dark. "Let's go," he said abruptly, rising from his seat.
Charlotte's brows furrowed in confusion. "What's—"
But Sebastian didn't let her finish. He grasped her hand, pulling her out of the restaurant.
Charlotte was left speechless, struggling to keep pace.
Outside, he released her, his gaze turned away. "Taylor, take Miss Charlotte home," he instructed. "Send her a copy of the documents."
"Yes sir," Taylor nodded, signaling the driver.
And before Charlotte could gather her thoughts, she was ushered into the car and whisked away.
****
Taylor handed Charlotte her belongings as she stepped out of the car. "Have a good night, ma'am."
Charlotte managed a strained smile, her mind still reeling. "You too."
As she watched the car drive away, confusion registered on her face. Why had Sebastian reacted so harshly in front of Daniel? His sudden anger had overshadowed her excitement at meeting her business idol.
His dark expression haunted her. Why had he reacted so intensely?
The question lingered, leaving her perplexed and unsettled but that wasn't not going to stop her from celebrating barging the contract, she thought as she pushed aside her confusion and hurried inside.
As she entered inside, Natalie was the first to see her and she asked eagerly, "How did it go, Charlie?"
The sight of Charlotte's sophisticated gown made Natalie's eyes pop. "That dress is gorgeous! Where did you go?" she asked, coaxing Charlotte into a chair.
"Tell me everything!" Natalie urged, her enthusiasm highlighted.
Charlotte beamed, "We have reason to celebrate! Where's Rach?"
Natalie exhaled dramatically, rolling her eyes. "She's showering. Forget her for now, tell me everything!"
Charlotte chuckled. "Okay, okay!"
As she narrated what happened, Natalie's eyes grew wider.
"You met and hugged the Daniel Grande?" Natalie squealed, grabbing a magazine from the table. "Oh my God, Charlie! What was it like?"
Charlotte gushed, hands gesturing animatedly. "He's handsome, charming, intelligent, and articulate."
Just then, Rachel emerged, towel wrapped around her chest. "Hey, Charlie, how did it go?"
"Mission accomplished," Charlotte replied with a smile. "The contract is ours, so no more worries about the company."
"Hmm, hmm." Natalie nodded curtly, her expression still tinged with lingering irritation from Rachel's earlier comment to Charlotte at the office.
Rachel furrowed her brows, noticing Natalie's chilliness. She ignored, shifting her gaze to Charlotte,
"Kudos to you, CEO," she praised, "You saved our company and our financial pockets.
Give me a minute to change, and I'll grab drinks for a celebration."
"No need." Natalie's face softened, her pride taking center stage.
"I've got that covered," she informed with a grin.
"The fridge is stocked. Let the party begin!"
Charlotte beamed, "Really!"
"Trust me sweetheart. So tell me about Sebastian Grande. Daniel or Sebastian, who is more handsome?" Natalie asked, her eyes twinkled with curiosity.
Charlotte's expression darkened at the mention of Sebastian, "Don't compare them please. I wish Daniel asked me out on that date. Sebastian is an arrogant, spoilt, pampered playboy but Daniel... He is the face of Elite Group. He is charming and genuine ."
"Charlie chill, you just met him today," Her face softened in sympathy. "You really can't stand Sebastian, and now you're tied to him for 100 days."
Just then, Rachel, still listening from afar, chimed in, "Well, at least you won't have to share a bed with him, right?"
Charlotte and Natalie swiveled, startled, having thought Rachel had left to change.
"Yeah, that's settled," Charlotte answered, "I'd like to add more conditions, though..." Her words trailed off as her phone rang.
"Hello?" she answered.
"Miss Taylor? Did I leave something in the car?"
Taylor's apologetic voice came through. "I'm afraid the Vice President needs you again, ma'am. We're outside your residence."
Charlotte's eyes met Natalie's and Rachel's. Her expression uneasy.
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