009 Acceptance

Karl

I kept wondering what I did wrong.

Where did I go wrong with Lana?

Was my approach unacceptable, or was it too forward?

I have been thinking about this for weeks non-stop, and it's messing with my brain. Every girl will jump at the opportunity I gave her, but Lana didn't.

She completely rejected me.

I ran my hands through my hair and blinked at the computer in front of me.

My office doors opened, and Lark entered with some files in his hand.

“The report on the cotton industry,” he said as he dropped it on my desk.

I picked it up and ran through it hurriedly, making sure everything was as it should be.

A businessman like myself always has someone laundering money from me somewhere, and I need to make sure that doesn't happen.

“You may leave,” I said after I was sure everything was okay. I dropped the files somewhere and looked at Lark, who wasn't moving.

“Is something wrong?” I asked. He looked like he was scared to say something.

“You have dinner with Daphne Brighton this evening. Your grandfather insisted you must join her,” Lark replied, and I sighed.

“Leave,” I said, and he walked out.

That old man doesn't know when to stop. I seriously don't give a shit about Daphne, and I am definitely not joining her for dinner.

My phone pinged, and I picked it up.

A smile curled up my lips when I saw the message.

I quickly stood up from my chair, picking up my coat, and I walked out of my office.

_

Immediately, I walked into Roman’s office. I saw her sitting there, her palms pressed together on her laps like she was nervous, and I smiled.

I knew she wouldn't throw away this offer.

“Lana,” I said, and she turned towards me.

She had an unsure look on her face as she looked at me.

“Is the offer still available?” she asked, then pressed her lips together.

She stood up from the chair she was sitting on, her gaze searching.

“Of course,” I smiled.

Thank fuçk I didn't mess this up.

“But I have a favor to ask.” Lana fiddled with her fingers in front of her. She definitely looked like she didn't want to ask for this favor.

“Anything for you,” I replied, and she sighed.

“You said no one would know if you recommended me for the job, so I don't want anyone to know, and I don't want any special treatment. If I don't do well, I want to get fired,” Lana said, and I have to say I am genuinely surprised.

Is she asking for something like this?

“Your wish is my command,” I replied, assuring her, and she nodded.

“I also don't want to work full-time yet. I have another job, so this is just like a trial period to assess my abilities as a chef,” she added.

I blinked, trying to suppress my smile. What an amusing lady.

She is pulling me in faster than she could imagine—than I could imagine.

“Sure, you start tomorrow?” I asked.

“Thank you,” Lana answered.

“No need to thank me, love,” I said.

“I would leave then,” she said and walked past me.

Immediately, she left Roman's office, and I missed her presence.

Roman walked into his office with a wide smile. “She is really beautiful, Mr. Moretti,” he complimented, and I frowned.

If he wasn't useful, I would have fired him for what he had just said.

“Treat her like every other chef. She gets no special treatment and no need to compliment her,” I ordered, and Roman nodded.

I walked out of Roman’s office and out of the building, hoping to see Lana, but she was already gone.

I got into my car and started the engine when my phone rang.

Grandpa.

I didn't bother picking up the phone because I could guess what he wanted, and it's a no.

There's no way I am going on a date with one of those tasty ladies.

When Grandpa's call ended, Ryan called almost immediately, and I frowned before answering.

“Speak,” I ordered.

“I sent you everything on Antonia/Jessica Myers and how she died. Are you seriously interested in her daughter? I don't think that's a good idea,” Ryan said immediately.

“That's none of your concern, Ryan.”

“I am happy you finally found a girl you're interested in, truly, because I was beginning to think you were gay, but don't you think it's best to leave the Myers family alone after what happened? I mean… Jessica went as far as changing her name,” Ryan said in concern.

“I don’t need you to lecture me. Find a way to keep grandpa's attention away from me,” I replied and hung up.

I know Ryan means well, and as much as I hate to say it, he is definitely right.

I opened and stared at the file on Anthonia Myers for a while before turning off my phone and driving off.