Desmond was standing right before her, wearing the same confident expression that always intrigued her.
Her pulse quickened, her mind racing. "He was behind it all? The campaign that saved my product, the sales that skyrocketed—all of it had been orchestrated by him." She asked herself.
She was frozen in place, staring at him. She didn't know what to say. She was never expecting him. Right now, she has to welcome him.
They are meeting for business and not for their relationship. She had to act professional and treat him like a special guest, as she had originally intended. She has to forget about their relationship and focus. She inhaled deeply, composing herself before forcing a polite smile.
"Welcome to my office, Mr. Desmond." She said it in a professional manner, and Desmond smirked slightly.
"Thank you, Miss Orton." He responded. "I appreciate the warm welcome."
She hesitated only for a fraction of a second before gesturing toward the chair opposite her desk. "Please, have a seat," she said, and Desmond nodded and took his seat.
Anabel sat down as well, straightening her posture, trying her best to push away the whirlwind of emotions within her. This had to remain professional.
This wasn’t about their relationship. It was about their business. And even though Desmond’s presence stirred something deep within her. Something she wasn’t ready to acknowledge, she would not let it interfere. She wasn’t sure how to feel, but one thing was clear: she had to keep things strictly on business.
"To be honest," she began. "I had no idea that you were the CEO of the Desmos agency. I'm surprised to see you."
“I'm sure you would have canceled the contract if you had known I'm the one." Desmond smirked, and Anabel swallowed, knowing he was right. She wouldn’t have allowed him. Their past won't let her continue.
She smiled faintly and grabbed the bottle of wine, then poured it into two glasses. "Honestly, I’m happy I didn’t know. Because if I had known, I wouldn’t have allowed it," she honestly admitted.
"That’s exactly why I kept quiet and let my manager continue. I knew you wouldn’t let it happen otherwise.” He said, and Anabel offered him one glass of wine. He took it.
Anabel took a sip and shook her head slightly. "You are unbelievable." She murmured, and Desmond chuckled. “I just did what needed to be done.”
“Well,” she said, setting down her glass of wine, “Thank you for giving my company your best. And I want you to be the one handling all our advertisement from today.”
“That’s a great decision. I won’t disappoint you. I will always give you my best.” Desmond assured. He could see that Anabel was genuinely happy.
Without hesitation, Anabel reached into her drawer and pulled out the elegantly wrapped package containing the wristwatch she had ordered earlier.
She placed it gently on the desk. “This is for you. A gift, as business friends.”
Desmond glanced down at the package and looked up at Anabel. He could recognize the watch. It was a very expensive watch. He was planning to get one of them, but now he was receiving it free as a gift.
"This is not just a regular gift, Anabel. It’s worth a fortune.” Desmond said, and Anabel smiled. “Well, you did give my company a fortune in return. You deserve more than it.”
“Thank you,” he said and took the watch. “I will wear it only on special occasions.”
.
.
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Meanwhile, on the other side of the company building, Max was leaning back in his office chair, speaking quietly to Sylvester.
“The five million dollars is ready. You will go to the bank and get the card.” Max said to Sylvester.
“Wow, so quick. I knew you wouldn’t fail.” Sylvester replied. “I'm going to settle you well.”
"Alright." Max murmured and hung up. He wasn't happy. He only did it to save his job.
.
.
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Back in Anabel’s office, while Anabel and Desmond are still talking, her office phone rang. She checked, and it was her financial officer.
"Excuse me, I have to pick up this call."
"Go ahead, no problem." Desmond said, and Anabel picked up.
"Miss Orton, something unusual is happening." The financial officer reported.