Heated Argument

      I looked at Azrael and was shocked to see that he was already staring at me, making me even more nervous.

      Taking a slow breath, I opened my mouth and spoke the words carefully.

      “Well… If I understood everything correctly…” I pointed toward one of the charts. “…I don’t think the delayed permits are your biggest problem.”

      Five pairs of eyes followed my finger.

      Logan tilted his head. “What do you mean?”

      I swallowed. “You’ve all been talking about speeding up construction as soon as approval comes through, correct?”

      They nodded.

      “But…” I gathered my courage. “…has anyone considered not rushing it?”

      Their brows creased, and it honestly made me think I just said something stupid. However, none of them spoke up, so I continued.

      “If these market projections are accurate…” I pointed toward another page. “…steel prices are expected to stabilize within the next few months.”

      Noah’s expression shifted slightly.

      “So instead of treating the delay as a loss, why not use it to renegotiate supplier contracts?”

      I looked around the table. “If you lock in long-term agreements before prices rise again… you’ll spend less overall. Construction starts a little later. But your total costs become significantly lower.”

      The room fell completely silent.

      Their faces were all grim. 

      Damn it! I should have just kept my mouth shut!

      I lowered my head, feeling my face burning from embarrassment.

      “I-I’m sorry. I probably misunderstood the reports.”

      No one answered.

      The silence stretched so long that I wanted nothing more than to disappear.

      Then…

      “Interesting.”

      Noah slowly looked back at the documents. He reread several pages before looking toward Logan.

      “Run the numbers.”

      Without another word, Logan grabbed his tablet.

      His fingers flew across the screen. Everyone waited. Then a few moments later.

      “Well, I’ll be damned.” He looked up. His expression was filled with genuine surprise.

      “Our projected expenses drop by almost eight percent.”

      Zachary blinked.

      “Eight?”

      Logan nodded. “And our cash flow improves.”

      “I wasn’t expecting that.” Noah laughed. “I asked because I just wanted to tease you.” He shook his head in amusement. “I didn’t think you’d actually solve part of our problem.”

      My cheeks burned. “Oh no, sir, I didn’t solve anything.” I waved my hands shyly. “I’ve just… read a lot.”

      Rafael smiled. “What kind of books does someone your age read?”

      I rubbed the back of my neck sheepishly.

      “Our town library didn’t have many books, so I read almost everything they had.”

      Rafael’s eyebrows rose. “So that’s why.” He leaned forward with genuine curiosity. “You mentioned yesterday that you wanted to continue studying.”

      I nodded.

      “Yes.”

      “What program?”

      Without thinking, I answered honestly.

      “Accountancy.”

      Another silence settled over the group.

      My gaze accidentally swept over Azrael, and to my shock he was already looking at me intently, his face unreadable. 

      Right, he must think I am delusional. Of course that dream is too far-fetched.

      “I should get back to work.” I said, hiding my face.

      I bowed politely before picking up my tray.

      As I walked back toward the mansion, I could still feel their eyes on me.

      Especially his.

      Ugh! That is the last time I’m showing my face in front of them.

      … 

      (Third Person POV)

      “Azrael, your maid is quite smart.” Logan said with admiration.

      “She’s fine.” Azrael simply said, looking over the papers. 

      Rafael laughed. “Still pretending, huh?”

      Azrael glanced at him. “Pretending what?”

      “That she doesn’t interest you.”

      The room grew noticeably quieter.

      Zachary exchanged a look with Logan.

      Noah calmly picked up his cup, silently waiting to see where the conversation would go.

      Azrael took a sip of his drink.

      “I have no interest in my employees beyond their work.”

      “Oh?” Rafael rested his elbow on the armrest.

      “Then why were you glaring at me earlier?”

      “I wasn’t.”

      “You were.”

      “You practically ordered her to stop talking to me.”

      Azrael’s expression didn’t change. “I told her to do her job.”

      “Is that what you call it?” Rafael smirked.m“If you don’t like her here why not give her to me? I currently need an assistant.” 

      Hearing that, Azrael's eyes suddenly turned sharp as he looked at Rafael with a murderous look. “Go find your own maid to screw. Don’t touch what is mine.” He said, his tone laced with threat.

      The room suddenly felt a lot colder.

      Zachary, Logan, and Noah looked at each other seeing the building tension between the two. Urging each other with their eyes to break the argument of the two.

      “Haha, if you want Raf, I will help you look for a maid. I know someone who is cute and sexy.” Zachary muttered trying to break the ice when suddenly, Rafael stood.

      “There’s no need.” He said, his eyes still locked on Azrael.

      Azrael clicked his tongue annoyed at him.

      “Azi, whatever you are thinking of doing to that poor girl. I suggest you stop now.” 

      What? Everyone looked at Rafael, wondering what he meant.

      “Oh? And what am I planning?” Azrael asked, still composed under Rafael’s glare.

      “You know what I am talking about.” Rafael gritted his teeth, “I know you too well Azi. So you better stop this or you will just end up hurting yourself.” 

      Azrael smirked at him. “And if I don’t?” 

      Rafael clenched his fist. Without another word, he turned and walked toward the door, closing it harshly.

      Silence.

      “What is up with you two that we don’t know about? Do you have hidden beef with each other?” Logan asked, turning to Azrael.

      “Rafael is probably just stressed,” Noah interjected. “Right, Azi?” He stared at Azrael.

      

      However, Azrael just gave him one cold glance before returning to his work.