21-Love after Heartbreak

Elliot's expression changed slightly. "Can you clarify what you mean?"

Richard smiled. " I believe someone with her understanding of financial projections and attention to detail would be valuable to my company. I'd be interested in discussing an opportunity with her."

Anna blinked, momentarily unsure how to respond.

"That's very kind of you, Mr Henderson, but—"

"Of course, we can discuss the professional details later," Richard interrupted with an easy smile. "I wouldn't want to put you on the spot."

Elliot leaned back in his chair. "Anna is an important member of my team, Richard. I'm afraid you won't be taking her anywhere." He said calmly and in a final tone.

The Henderson Group is big to Elliot, else he would have cancelled the deal instantly.

Richard laughed. "I wasn't aware you were so protective of your employees."

"I'm protective of the people who work hard for this company."

"Fair enough." Richard glanced at Anna again. "Still, I hope you won't mind if I make a personal request."

Anna's smile faded slightly.

"Yes." He leaned forward, resting his forearms on the table. "I'd like to take you out to dinner sometime. Maybe we could get to know each other outside the office."

For a moment, Anna thought she had misunderstood him.

She looked at him, then briefly at Elliot, who's not even making any attempt to say anything. He should be supporting her, not interfering in her personal life. She scoffed inwardly, what else can she expect from an arrogant man like Elliot Hayes.

Richard continued as though he hadn't just made an inappropriate suggestion during a business meeting.

"I've been trying to find the right moment to ask since I arrived. You're a very beautiful woman, Miss Sinclair, and I'd like the opportunity to take you on a date."

The silence that followed was uncomfortable.

One of the Henderson executives shifted in his seat, looking down at the papers in front of him. Another pretended to check something on his tablet.

Anna felt heat rise to her cheeks, but it wasn't embarrassment alone. She was uncomfortable with the way Richard had been watching her throughout the meeting, and now he had openly turned a professional discussion into a personal proposition.

She placed the presentation remote on the table. "Thank you for the compliment, Mr Henderson, but I'm afraid I'm not interested."

Richard's smile remained, although his eyebrows lifted slightly.

"Not interested in dinner, or not interested in me?"

Anna maintained her composure. "Not interested in going on a date. I prefer to keep my professional relationships professional."

He chuckled softly. "That's understandable. There's no need to be so formal with me."

"I'm not being formal. I'm simply answering your question."

Elliot's eyes moved briefly towards Anna.

He said nothing, allowing her to handle the situation herself.

Richard studied her for another moment before giving a small nod.

"All right. I appreciate an honest woman. I won't insist." Richard turned towards Elliot, apparently ready to move past the awkward exchange. "Now, where were we? Ah, yes. The final investment terms."

Elliot didn't immediately respond.

He looked at Richard for a moment, his expression unreadable.

"I believe we've covered the financial terms sufficiently," he eventually said. "My legal team will forward the revised agreement for your review."

"Excellent. I look forward to receiving it."

The meeting continued for another fifteen minutes, although the atmosphere had changed. Anna returned to her seat and concentrated on the remaining discussion, refusing to let Richard's proposition distract her.

When everything was finally concluded, the executives exchanged handshakes and began gathering their documents.

Richard stood up and buttoned his jacket. "It was a pleasure meeting you, Miss Sinclair," he said, extending his hand.

Anna shook it briefly. "Likewise, Mr Henderson."

"I hope you'll reconsider my invitation sometime."

She withdrew her hand politely. "I wouldn't want to give you the wrong impression. My answer remains the same."

Richard laughed, seemingly amused by her firmness.

Elliot, who was standing nearby, picked up his tablet.

"Richard, my assistant will coordinate the remaining details with your office." The older man shook Elliot's hand before leaving with his team.

Anna waited until the conference room door closed before gathering her laptop and documents.

She was about to leave when Elliot spoke.

"Anna." He called.

She looked up. "Yes, sir?"

"Come to my office." His tone was businesslike, leaving little room for argument.

She nodded and followed him.

***

Elliot walked behind his desk and placed his tablet on it.

Anna was standing behind the chairs in front of his desk, holding her laptop against her side.

"That was an interesting meeting," he remarked.

Anna raised an eyebrow. "Because of the investment proposal?"

His mouth twitched slightly. "No. I believe we both know which part I'm referring to."

She sighed and placed her laptop on the visitor's table. Then Anna remembered their disagreement that morning and her smile faded slightly.

Elliot's expression was difficult to read. "Next time someone makes you uncomfortable during a meeting, you can tell me."

She looked at him for a moment. "I can handle myself, Mr Hayes."

She left his office, closing the door behind her.

Elliot stared at the closed door.

He gave Anna the opportunity to prove herself, and she had done exactly that.

He was genuinely impressed by her performance. But Richard Henderson's behaviour had irritated him more than he cared to admit.

He knew the older man had noticed Anna the moment he entered the room. He had watched the way Richard's attention followed her throughout the presentation, and his invitation had only confirmed what Elliot suspected.

He wasn't pleased about it. His phone rang, interrupting his thoughts.

It was his assistant. "Mr Hayes, Mr Henderson's office just called. They'd like to arrange another meeting next week."

"Have them send the proposed schedule." Elliot ended the call.

He had a business partnership to secure, a difficult employee who seemed determined to keep him at a distance, and an increasingly complicated situation involving her ex-husband.

And now Richard Henderson had decided he wanted Anna.

Elliot scoffed, normally feeling like this is not what he wants to feel at all, why should it bother him that another man wants Anna.

She's just his employee and he could swear, he didn't interfere because he's afraid he might lose his temper and it would be misunderstood as having something to do with her.