Her Compensation

He isn't going to waste his time going through it. She can't do without him and earlier than he expected, she sent a letter to apologise to him. She has nowhere else to go.

He held her lifeline and her mother's hospital bills were going to be handled by him. She dares to frown at his decision? Being Mrs Strong was everything in the world to her and that's the only thing he would be giving her.

That's her compensation for being submissive.

“Keep it aside” he ordered, asking Luke to take it away invariably. Zara is coming over to his office and he would be taking her to lunch. He doesn't want her to know a thing about himself and Nicole, just yet.

“Sir…Miss Kevin…might be important…” Luke stuttered. Whatever made her send a message by mail, it might be important, might be something that concerns the company as a whole.

“Get out!” Asher thundered.

Looks like most of his dedicated employees are loyal to Nicole and not him. How can his assistant be invariably urging him to go through the apologetic nonsense Nicole had penned down?

Without another word, Luke stepped out hurriedly. What exactly is going on between the boss and his woman?

The entire day passed and Nicole didn't get a response from Asher. If in twenty four hours, he didn't respond to her, it only implies that her resignation was complete and accepted.

The next morning, during breakfast with her mum, Mr Grant texted her again, asking her if she'd thought it through and was ready to accept his humble request.

“I’ll call you in an hour” she texted back. She doesn't want to say anything before her mother. She mustn't know anything now. Her health was more important to her than anything else.

“Will Asher be accompanying us to the hospital?” Her mum asked. She would be going to the hospital for another checkup and if she needs to be operated upon, they'll know and get prepared for it.

In the past, Asher pays her mother's hospital bills each time she goes for a checkup. But now, she isn't going to ask him. Her mother is her responsibility not Asher's.

“Asher has been busy lately, mum. But don't worry, I'll be there with you” Nicole assures. And that's what happened. She hired a taxi who took them to the hospital and in no time, her mother was examined and her medication was prescribed.

Nicole got everything and took her mother back home. She ensured her mother settled into her room before she called Mr Grant “Can we meet up and talk in detail please?”

“Yes, sure. I'll book a convenient venue for us to meet over lunch” Mr Grant was excited. Looks like there's a sign of a green light.

“I'm sorry, I'm not interested in the lunch aspect. I want us to talk about business” Nicole corrected. Twice he'd invited her over for dinner and she refused. Their first meeting shouldn't be over a lunch table.

“I’m sorry if I was too forward. Let's meet at London's city park” he offered and Nicole agreed. As soon as he hung up, he glanced at his brother “I'll be meeting with Miss Kevin finally”

“I admire your persistence” Wilson Grant applauded him. In such a long time, his brother has been trying to create an avenue for him and Miss Kevin to meet and work together.

He'd never seen his brother pursue anyone like that before. He was so certain that she's the only one that can help the subsidiary company to come off its docile state at the moment.

“It's not over yet” he declared. His first meeting with Miss Kevin was when a client was interested in partnering with him. He'd tried convincing the client but when the name Miss Nicole Kevin was mentioned, the client politely told him he prefers working with those who are experts in that area.

He was impressed with her and tried to invite her over for dinner but her respond was polite “I'm sorry Mr Grant, I have a tight schedule that won't allow me honour your invitation”

And when another multi million opportunity popped up, his company competed with the Strong business group and despite being far better than them in terms of influence and investors, the name Nicole Kevin was the only reason the contract fell into the hands of the Strong business group.

He'd tried again to create a conversation and see if she could come as a guest to the workshop his company would organise and dinner with them but she politely turned it down again.

The Stardom subsidiary company gradually declined to its present docile state. And he knows, the only person capable of making it rise again was someone like Nicole Kevin.

But there was no one ‘like’ Nicole Kevin except the real Nicole Kevin and when the news of Asher Strong, choosing someone else as the VP of his company, he took advantage of the situation and pushed his request forward.

“She's a hard nut bro, take it easy with her” Wilson suggested. He likes the hard nuts kind of women. They're usually the sweetest to chew.

“Yeah…sure” William Grant responded.

Ten minutes before the appointed time, he'd driven to London's city park and made a reservation for them both. He came along with his bodyguards alone and waited.

At exactly one hour, Miss Kevin called and he answered “I am at the reception please” she informed and sat down, her legs crossed waiting for Mr Grant.

Then she saw him emerging from the elevator. He is a tall, muscular man, fairer than most English men, his hair, dark and long and styled. His expensive designer suit was perfect on him, a sure indication that he loves going to the gym.

His unique grey eyes shine with excitement at the sight of Miss Kevin. His jawline, well sculptured and he walked towards Nicole “Thank you for coming Miss Kevin” he said, smiling.

Nicole smiled. It's just impossible for her not to reciprocate this man's friendly meeting. He came over to meet her instead of sending one of his men? And as he smiled, he exposes a beautiful dentition.

“Thank you for the invitation” Nicole responded, taking his hand in a shake.

“My pleasure. Shall we?” He requested and Nicole nodded “yeah, sure” and followed him as he led the way back to the elevator.

They got in the elevator together and Nicole could perceive his cool cologne. He is cool and composed despite looking cold. But he wasn't like Asher, whose personality can be unwelcoming at first sight.

“I expected us to meet at the Stardom company instead,” Nicole commented. Why invite her over to a private place when they can easily meet at the company at no cost?

“I don't want to be too forward for the second time” William Grant responded, turning to glance at her briefly. The woman is beautiful but he's yet to confirm the truth about her relationship with Asher Strong.

“Mm…mmm” Nicole grunted. Asher never considered anyone else except himself, especially when she is involved. Only she should make sacrifices, adjust and feel the discomfort.

When they stepped out, he held the door to the room open for her as he said “It's a privilege to be having this meeting with you, Miss Kevin” he chimed.