2. Vivian Enjoys Alice's Presence

VIVIAN SCOTT

I couldn't stop smiling at the different expressions that went through that pretty face as it peeped inside through the gap the non-transparent glass door created when it was pushed open. She wasn't just pretty; she was gorgeous. Breathtaking! I hadn't seen a more beautiful face in the long past.

I knew how good I looked; it never was less than a pleasure to get complimented for the physique I inherited from my father. Like him, I towered more than six feet, and I was blessed with a natural athletic body. But today, seeing a beautiful woman unknowingly adore my body gave me an adrenaline rush. I so badly wanted to tease her and watch her reaction! But then, I wouldn't let any of those emotions come up on my face. I was that bastard who could hide any emotions, under any circumstances, at ease unless I wanted it to be shown.

Wasn’t she the one who insisted on meeting me even after I canceled the appointment? She must be strong-willed, I thought, my curiosity piqued. I hadn’t been in the mood to entertain her, primarily because my little brother had gotten himself into an unexpected mess with his friends. As the responsible big brother, I had to step in and sort things out—it was a duty I couldn’t ignore.

Still, my front desk officer informed me that this visitor was unusually persistent. It was true that I’d originally given her the appointment, but life had a way of throwing curveballs, and today had been one of those days. Emergencies have a way of disrupting even the most meticulously planned schedules. Yet, now that she was here, I found myself unable to complain. Perhaps this meeting would be more interesting than I’d anticipated.

Asking my brother to hold tight until I wrapped up my work commitment, I slipped on my shirt, adjusted my necktie, and shrugged into my blazer, all while maintaining a composed expression. With a straight face, I made my way to the conference room.

As I stepped inside, she looked up, her lips parting as if to greet me. But then, in an instant, she froze, her expression shifting to one of utter shock. I couldn’t help but silently savor the mix of disbelief and embarrassment on that pretty face—it was far too entertaining to ignore.

"Good morning, Miss—"

"—Alice… Riley, it’s Alice Riley," she mumbled, her voice barely audible, as if her confidence had vanished into thin air.

I took a moment to appreciate her beauty as she stood up gathering her confidence together, giving a slight push back to her chair. Even in that simple black skirt and pink blouse, her tall and slender body looked sexy as hell. That shoulder-length golden hair complimented her round face as it fell loose on her shoulder. 

Fixing my gaze briefly on her full, red lips, I quipped with a hint of amusement, "So, Ms. Riley, what’s the urgency?"

I was eager to hear the reason behind her persistent determination, but before she could answer, my phone buzzed, interrupting us. It was my mother calling—again. She had already called more than ten times today. Her urgency was the reason I’d been forced to cancel all my meetings. She needed me to step in and handle my brother’s latest predicament, and I knew I couldn’t ignore her. Sighing, I excused myself to take the call, ready to reassure her that I was on it.

"Excuse me," I said, stepping out to answer the phone call.

I noticed the subtle shift in her demeanor the moment I started to leave the room. She straightened her posture as if letting go of the weight of my presence. Her fingers smoothed over the fabric of her blouse and skirt, her movements deliberate, like she was trying to reset herself. It was intriguing to watch her regain control, clearly seizing the opportunity to compose herself. That slight transformation—the contrast between her earlier flustered state and this newfound poise—only deepened my curiosity.

Whatever this woman was about to say, I knew it would come from a place of determination. It was written all over her.