Samantha did not see Noah, and she was very disappointed and shifted her focus to the study, suggesting to Ellena, "Miss Ellena, there are many people here. Let's go to the study to talk?"
Ellena shook her head like a tambourine, nudging her head towards Ethan and said, "The study is off-limits, except for my brother and his assistant. Others are not allowed in."
Samantha sighed helplessly, having to give up her last hope.
Ellena chose the beautifully landscaped garden pavilion for their discussion.
Inside the villa.
Alexander tasted dishes made by four chefs, all of which he rejected without exception, showing disdain on his face. "I don't like them. I just like the taste Auntie made earlier."
Ethan's face was covered with a layer of frost, slightly annoyed as he adjusted his tie. "Anyone is fine except her."
Alexander was not happy, staring at his legs and starting to act up. "I don't want it. I only want to eat what Auntie made. If it's not made by her, I won't eat it."
Ethan clenched his fist, making a creaking sound.
In just half a day, he had almost exhausted all the patience he had in his life.
Seeing that being tough didn't work, Alexander changed his strategy, going soft. He stood up and pounced into Ethan's arms, hugging his waist tightly, acting spoiled. "Daddy, please just agree with me, okay? I really like the dishes Auntie makes. I know Daddy loves me the most. No matter what, you will satisfy my requests."
After saying that, he didn't forget to tiptoe and forcefully kissed Ethan on the face.
Ethan's pupils trembled violently, his expression more terrifying than if he had seeing a ghost. He was obviously shocked.
Is this his son?
Could it be that he's possessed by a ghost? If it weren't for the warmth on his face, he thought it was just his imagination.
Seeing him remain silent, Alexander persisted, continuing to act spoiled, "Daddy, please! I love you the most, Daddy is the best, just agree with me!"
Ethan's expression was surreal, facing his son's first attempt at being cute. His feelings were complicated, and the words of refusal wouldn't come out no matter how hard he tried.
In the end, unable to resist Alexander's relentless persuasion, he nodded in agreement as if compelled by unseen forces.
"Yay, Daddy is so good, I love Daddy so much..."
Excited, Alexander kissed Ethan's face again.
This time, it came from the heart.
And for the first time, he felt that having a daddy was nice.
If this person was really his daddy, how wonderful it would be.
Looking at his son's innocent smile, Ethan's mood strangely improved. His chest felt full, and suddenly he thought, if his son continued like this, it would be quite good.
As Ethan left Alexander's room, Samantha had finished discussing work with Ellena and was preparing to leave.
He called out to Samantha.
Samantha intentionally distanced herself from him, making her reluctance clear.
Ethan's face instantly darkened, "Rest assured, I'm not interested in you."
Samantha, with her sharp tongue, retorted, "I'm worried that Mr. Steele might misunderstand, thinking that I'm trying to seduce you."
Even if she were to seduce, it would never be such an overt attempt.
She wanted to gradually walk into his heart, make him dump Suzy, and let Suzy taste the feeling of losing true love.
Samantha raised her eyebrows and asked, "Then may I ask, Mr. Steele, why are you keeping me here?"
Suppressing the urge to turn away, Ethan patiently explained, "Noah is picky with food, so he developed a severe stomach condition. The dishes you make suit his taste. I hope you can stay on as the chef, and the conditions are entirely up to you."
These words were usually said to him by others.
This was the first time he took the initiative to discuss cooperation with someone.
For his son, he was willing.
Samantha looked regretful, saying, "I sympathize with Young Master's situation. However, I have my own job, and I may not have time to be a chef."
Ethan dangled a bait, "I can facilitate a collaboration between you and Ellena."
“???”
This condition was genuinely tempting for her.
Seeing her interested, Ethan continued, "I will also arrange for the Emperor Group to collaborate with the Sky Group. Sky Group is just a relatively unknown small company. If you can collaborate with the Emperor Group, it would be beneficial for your future development. I'll give you one chance; the choice is yours."
Samantha stared at Ethan, grinding her teeth in secret.
Indeed, he was the business giant who dominated the country.
He had a keen insight into matters.
Collaborating with the jewelry company under the Emperor Group would be a dream come true for the Sky Group.
Initially, Miller's Group also relied on the Emperor Group to ascend to the ranks of the top ten families.
To quickly replace Miller Group's position in the capital, collaborating with the Emperor Group was undoubtedly the fastest shortcut.
To say she wasn't tempted would be false.
Ethan seemed to expect her agreement, calmly awaiting her response.
Sure enough.
After some internal struggle, Samantha reluctantly agreed, "Fine, I agree! But I also have my conditions."
"Speak!"
Samantha counted on her fingers, "First, regular weekends. Second, if the company has an emergency, I must deal with it promptly. Third, work-related demands can be made as much as possible, but interference in my private affairs is not allowed."
Ethan hesitated for a moment and then agreed, "Come early tomorrow, and I will have Jade prepare the labor contract."
After giving him an 'OK' gesture, Samantha left. As she passed by him, she deliberately leaned in, gently bumping his shoulder and teasing, "Not afraid of me seducing you now?"
A gentle breeze passed by.
A faint fragrance filled the air.
Ethan's mind swayed, his mind empty for a moment, heart rate suddenly accelerating, and breath quickening.
By the time he stabilized his mind, Samantha was already far away.
He slightly furrowed his brow, annoyed with himself for repeatedly losing focus because of Samantha.
***