บท 22: Chapter 22: The Contract
Joi placed her phone on the dining table and surveyed the spread: French toast, avocado toast, waffles, steak, and scrambled eggs. Her stomach growled in anticipation as she realized just how hungry she was.
Adrain sat across from her, eating in silence. His usual unreadable expression remained fixed as he scrolled through his phone. Joi tried to ignore his looming presence and focused on the food, savoring each bite.
After finishing a glass of orange juice, she mustered the courage to speak.
"Umm… Thanks for the meal."
"Hm," Adrain replied, not bothering to look up.
Undeterred, she continued. "Adrain… I want to ask for a favor."
This caught his attention. His gaze lifted from his phone, his sharp eyes locking onto hers. "What is it?"
"I want my friends to come over for something, and they'll need to bring some of my things."
Adrain's expression tightened. "I don't like visitors in my house."
Joi hesitated but held her ground. "I understand that. But I wouldn't have asked if it wasn't important. I wouldn't even be here if it weren't for you asking me to stay."
Adrain leaned back, his sharp jawline tensing as he considered her words. "Fine," he said finally. "Just those two, no one else."
"That's it. Just my two best friends," Joi said, relieved.
Without another word, Adrain returned to his phone, effectively dismissing her. Joi took the opportunity to call Emily and make arrangements.
---
Later, at the office...
Alexander was buried in paperwork when Rachel walked in, carrying a document and wearing her intentions on her sleeve. Her blouse was unbuttoned just enough to showcase her cleavage, and she moved with a deliberate sway.
"Alexander," she said smoothly, placing the contract on his desk. "Here's the document you asked for."
He barely glanced up. "Thank you. I'll take it from here."
But Rachel lingered.
"I was wondering," she began, leaning over the desk just enough to ensure her scent and presence were impossible to ignore, "if you could tell me where Mr. Adrain is staying. You know… in case there's something urgent."
Alexander's eyes flicked upward, his gaze deliberately avoiding her obvious display. "Why would you need his address?"
Rachel tilted her head innocently, though her smile was anything but. "I'm his assistant. It's my job to be prepared for anything."
"His assistant?" Alexander raised an eyebrow. "Then you should already know."
She faltered but quickly recovered. "I just want to be thorough. Surely you understand."
Alexander leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. "If Mr. Adrain wanted you to know, he would've told you."
Rachel's frustration flickered across her face, but she covered it with a sultry smile. She leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a near whisper. "Come on, Alexander. I'm sure you can bend the rules. For me?"
For a moment, he froze, his Adam's apple bobbing as he struggled to maintain composure. Then, with a practiced calmness, he stood and moved away from her.
"I don't break rules, Rachel. And neither should you. Get back to work."
Her smile faltered as she straightened, her hands tightening into fists at her sides. "Fine. Have it your way," she muttered before storming out of the office.
Alexander sighed, rubbing his temples. What is she playing at?
---
Back at the house...
Joi found Mrs. Catlin in the backyard, tending to the flowers. The older woman turned at her approach, her warm smile a welcome contrast to Adrain's icy demeanor.
"Mrs. Catlin, could I trouble you for something?" Joi asked politely.
"Of course, Miss. What do you need?"
"I need the address here to send to my friends. I don't want to disturb Adrain while he's working."
Mrs. Catlin hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Let me get you a notepad."
After writing down the address, she handed it to Joi. "I hope your friends have a good visit."
"Thank you. They won't stay long, I promise." Joi smiled before returning to the house.
---
In Adrain's Study...
Behind the closed doors of his study, Adrain leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled. The quiet hum of his computer filled the room as he reviewed the latest emails.
Alexander's name popped up on the screen. The subject line read: Urgent: Contract Delivery Issues.
Adrain clicked on it, scanning the brief explanation about the network delays and the necessity of delivering the document in person. He clenched his jaw.
So much for efficiency.
---
Rachel's Calculations...
When Alexander called Rachel into his office again, she barely concealed her excitement.
"I need this document delivered to Mr. Adrain's house tonight," he said, holding the contract in question.
Rachel's heart raced. She fought to keep her tone neutral. "Of course. But, um, I don't know his address."
"I'll send it to you now," Alexander replied, distracted as he typed on his phone.
Rachel accepted the contract, her bright red lips curling into a smirk. Finally.
---
As Joi Prepares...
Joi curled up on the couch, scrolling through Pinterest for makeup inspiration. The arrival of Emily and Debbie felt like a lifeline, a moment of normalcy amidst the unfamiliar tension of this house.
She saved a few bold looks, already imagining the fun of transforming her friends later.
Her thoughts were interrupted by the faint sound of movement upstairs. Adrain was still in his study, no doubt buried in his mysterious work. Joi exhaled and focused on her screen, oblivious to the unexpected visitor headed their way.
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