They walked together hand in hand near the water.
When the waves crashed against the surface the water would come up to their feet.
At first Ailee squealed at the cool sensation and held his hand and ever since they've been like that.
They talked about how they spent their time while he was in a different country and got to know more about each other.
She was shocked to know about his rather busy schedule. Like its totally packed. While on the other hand she could barely complete one task without taking a break.
He now knew the little girl next to him loves to read and was an amazing cook. She stays at home usually and have plenty of time to practice cooking and hence mastered it.
"Here" she said passing him a chocolate.
He accepted and started unwrapping it quietly.
"I came prepared today you know last time we were hungry and had to go to the diner." she said turning towards him and walking backwards.
He hummed and adjusted her hood as it was getting colder especially since they were near the ocean.
"Why don't you go outside much?" he asked.
"Just makes me uncomfortable" she said shrugging.
He just nodded.
They walked back to the car and towards her home.
In the car he gave her the permission to play music because last time when she asked for it they were almost there so she couldn't play some.
She played Overdrive by Conan Gray and sang along.
He was enjoying both the song and her singing, no matter how quietly she was doing it.
After a few more songs they were standing outside her house.
"Bye Xavier" she said opening the door and yawned cutely.
"Mhmm bye" he said waiting for her to go inside.
"Take care" she said and went in.
When he heard the door lock he drove off.
___
Ailee was preparing to go to the office today as requested by Emma.
She have been there a few times so she wasn't that nervous but you never know what might happen.
They somehow convinced her to go with them in the morning and come back with them too.
So she will be working in the office all day like she is supposed to.
She got ready, not forgetting to wear some accessories and the friendship bracelet which she hasn't taken off since that day and went down to meet up with the rest of her family.
"Yes lady boss let's goooo" said Iris, side hugging Ailee.
She giggled and replied positively.
She went in the same car as Emma and Iris and they joked around all through the ride and guessing the occupation of some random strangers that they saw on the road.
They finally arrived and headed in.
The employees wished her and kept looking her way because her presence in that place wasn't something common. Also they were mesmerized by her beauty. She keep getting prettier everyday, they thought.
After meetings and greetings she went towards her place.
Her cabin was already set. It always was. Though she never uses it, her father made sure it was there and well kept just in case she decides to join someday.
She sat down and started working. Occasionally some employees would come and take her opinion on something or simply to ask if she is in need of something.
It was time for lunch and they all went together to a famous Japanese restaurant, Emma whined so much for it because she was craving some sushi.
They all teased Emma about her promotion and had fun during their lunch.
___
Xavier was leaving after his meeting with Alex and when his car was driving away he caught a glimpse of Ailee coming out holding her father's hand. He quickly looked back and sure enough it was her.
He sighed and turned back to his original position.
If only he knew she would be coming.
They don't talk much to each other just occasional checking up on each other's well being, so it makes sense.
He reached his company and went straight to his office removing his coat and sitting down to continue his work.
"Yo bro" came Luka's voice from other side of the door.
He never knocks but makes his presence known by yelling something before entering to give Xavier a heads up because he knows if he will not, well let's just say it won't end well for him.
And soon enough he was entering inside, holding two grande coffee cups.
He passed one to him and sat down on the couch.
"What brings you here?" Xavier asked not looking up from the folder he was reading.
"Hi to you too" he said nodding.
Xavier stayed quiet and took a sip of his black coffee.
"Ok I won't beat around the bush." he stopped still waiting for him to atleast show some interest but alas he remained passive.
"Igor's here"
And only then did he looked at him properly waiting for him to elaborate.
"His intentions are still not clear to us but from what we know, it might be because of your ongoing project or your father's will."
"Hmm your theory seems valid indeed. He knows the DV Manor project is important to me so he'll obviously try to sabotage it and about the will, he must be devastated to know father left no penny under his name"
" Thats the best we could think of at the moment. We suggest you stay extra careful for the time being." Luka said seriously.
" Mhmm arrange a meeting with that bastard" he said and left carrying his cup with him.
Luka was stupefied. Didn't he just indirectly warned him to stay away? He could never guess what goes on his mind.
He snapped out of his thoughts and quickly followed him outside. Where was he even going? It isn't like him to leave workplace in the middle of the day without any important appointment.
"Whatever I said just now fell on deaf ears, is that it?" Luka said running up to him.
" Mhmm" he replied nonchalantly.
"Ughhhh I don't get paid enough for this" he said sitting on the passenger seat while Xavier drove to God knows where.
___
They entered the base of their side business and straight into the meeting hall.
One workplace to another. That is Xavier for you.
"Call them" he instructed Luka who was hot on his tail.
He immediately obeyed and followed him inside the room.
When everyone gathered he started speaking in his usual cold tone
"Igor is here and as long as he will stay here I want a team of 4 people keeping a close eye on him at all cost and at all times." he said emphasising each word.
"He will try something dirty before going back. I want extra security around my house, office and here. No repetition of last time or none of you will live to see the next day."
After receiving some more clear orders they dispersed.
Xavier too left with Luka who invited himself to stay the night in his house.
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Ailee was once again going to the office today.
Last week when she spent the day there, she realised it was not that bad. All she had to do was to complete the assigned work in her peaceful cabin. She was glad her father chose the quietest corner of the top floor. She doesn't have to worry about getting disturbed or having to deal with the chatter of other employees.
Xavier would be coming to meet her as well.
When she told him about her day at work and that she is considering to attend the office atleast once a week to build her confidence, he was very supportive of her and said he'll come to wish her goodluck.
He also said there were some problems due to which he would not be able to visit her much or talk for sometime. She was confused but didn't pry, he will tell her himself whenever he will deem appropriate.
She donned a white dress with white stilletos, all ready to hit the office.
___
"Morning ma'am."
"Good morning Ms Laurent"
"Good day to you"
came the wishes from the employees on the first floor.
She replied smiling as best as she could in her nervous state and almost sprinted to her cabin.
She breathed in relief upon reaching in the comfort of her office room and sat down texting Xavier about her arrival so that he could come whenever possible now that she is here.
___
Xavier was in one of the restaurants he owns for brunch but it somehow turned into an inspection when he noticed how incompetent his workers were.
"S-Sir give us one more chance, we will not disappoint you." the manager pleaded while Xavier sat scrolling through his phone uncaring of what was happening around.
He already fired half of the staff and recruitment has been started.
Its useless to ask for forgiveness now.
After going through the e-mails sent by his HR he left to meet up with his little friend.
On his way he noticed some cars following him, he knew it must be the doing of Igor and sat back.
He gotta do something about him and quickly.
He was in the parking lot getting out of the car with more guards around him then usual, most of them in disguise to not make their presence obvious.
He was led up to the chairman's office for the excuse of a meeting he arranged as a facade.
"Mr Romano" said Mr Laurent standing up to greet him.
"Nice to meet you Mr Romano" said Emma shaking hands with Xavier.
"Mr Laurent, Ms Emma" replied Xavier and nodded in acknowledgement towards all the other directors present in the room.
"Alex is on the site so lets proceed with the meeting right away" he said and sat down reading the analytical data related to the topic of today's conference.
They discussed about the current depreciation of the currency and how it may affect their budget for the construction of the DV Manors.
It unexpectedly took them an hour to wrap it up and when they came outside Ailee was already there waiting for them to come outside.
They paused looking at her and Mr Laurent introduced them because as per his knowledge they couldn't meet each other on the day of the party and hence were still unknown to each other.
Xavier shook his hand with Ailee while nodding just like his usual self.
They started walking towards the elevator and Ailee tip toed to whisper something in her father's ear to which he nodded in response.
___
Xavier waited in the private lobby of the building for Ailee considering he can't take the risk of being seen with her in public in time as critical as now.
After a few minutes Ailee came and smiled at him, happy to see her only active friend after so long, well technically after a week.
"Hi" she said softly.
"Hmm how is everything going?" he asked sitting down followed by Ailee.
"Better than I anticipated actually."
"That's good." he said looking ahead.
"Are you doing okay?" she asked observing his solemn expression which she is not accustomed to.
"Mhmm" he replied.
"You don't look like that at all Xavier. Is it something very hard to deal with?" she asked worriedly.
He didn't want her to worry about him, he will manage like he always does.
"I just need some time to figure everything out. Its nothing I am not capable of handling." he assured her.
"If you say so" she said sounding least bit satisfied with his justification.
"Here" he said passing her a paper bag.
"What is inside?" she asked suddenly getting very excited. This brought a slight upward pull of his lips.
He shrugged pretending to not know.
"Oh my sweet Chocolates! How did you know I was craving some?" she asked wide eyed as if it was the most confidential thing ever.
"I don't know maybe because you consume it an infinite number of times a day?" Just the thought of it was making him feel diabetic.
She gave him a sort of pouty smile.
"Thank you" she said nevertheless.
He just hummed in response.
"So you planning to be regular here?" he asked facing her.
"uhh I don't know just yet. Maybe after 2-3 more times I'll be able to decide." she said shrugging.
"It is okay, you can take your time."
She smiled and nodded at him.
"Oh I should go now. Emma is waiting for me at the entrance. And thank you so much for coming here and for these" she said and holding up the bag near her face.
"Mhmm" he replied walking with her to the door.
"You going somewhere?" he asked.
"Yes. Mama wants us to accompany her for shopping."
He nodded and they both reached the door.
"Bye tata! and take care Xavier. It is going to be okay. Hmm?" she said facing him.
"Mhmm thank you Coco"
Ailee left waving her hands while Xavier stood there watching her leave.
He sighed moving towards the parking lot.
He has got to do something before Ailee's association with him comes to light.
He settled in his car and left for his office.
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