Chapter 10: Corporate Deception

Luca could not help but admire his boss's style and dress. He was his type, tall, confident, smells great and even has a wealth of his own. Unfortunately for him, it was impossible to have anything together with him. 

Luca stood still, thinking Michael wanted to reply to him, or rather say something concerning what happened between them. 

“Laura,” Michael said as he removed his hand from his pocket and stared down at his wrist. 

“Yes, Mr Beaufort?” 

“I have a meeting with the CEO of the Smithson group,” He replied then added. “Miss Evelyn. She should arrive soon and I want you to schedule the meeting.”

“Yes sir. I will do that right away.” She affirmed as she placed her fingers on the keyboard and typed away calmly. “I will get the conference room ready and I will let you know when they arrive.”

“Let the team know that the meeting is today too and also buzz me when Miss Evelyn arrives, you know she's trouble.” He said and Laura nodded at her immediately. He turned his gaze to the quiet Luca and locked his gaze on him. “Prepare the presentation and the files, Luca. Bring them to my office for a cross-check when you're done.”

“I will do just that, sir.” He answered back, hoping he sounded casual and confident. 

“Good!” 

He tucked his hands in his pocket back then headed to his office. Laura made a friendly gesture to Luca as he also left, he maintained a distance between himself and Michael as they headed to the elevator. 

Luca clutched his briefcase with both of his hands as he stood before the closed elevator. Michael was in front of him and Luca wondered if his majestic presence drew other employees closer. Most of the female employees that were just arriving rushed to Micheal’s side and waited patiently as he pressed the button.

Michael walked in and the other employees followed instantly, making Luca the last to enter the elevator.

Luca could hear the delighted giggle amongst the ladies and he was displeased. The elevator closed and Luca rested to the side, wanting to get out of the packed space as soon as possible. 

“Good morning, Mr Micheal! We are so glad to see you!” Two ladies let out as they turned their heads to look at him. 

Micheal was puzzled, he knew most of the ladies loved him and were envious of him and Maria’s relationship even though it was against his wish. “Good morning, put in your best at work.” 

“Yes sir!” The ladies squeaked happily, making Luca more disgusted.

Soon, the elevator dinged and it opened. The ladies left reluctantly and Luca attempted to follow, pleased to finally leave the choking space. 

“I never knew you had changed offices.” Michael’s voice rang out behind him. 

Luca froze, Micheal was teasing him. This floor was not where his office was, it was still high. He immediately entered the elevator and pressed the button. The door closed instantly and he felt a wave of embarrassment wash over him. 

“I..I apologize for delaying you, sir.” He replied politely. 

“It is fine.” 

Silence. 

It was unnerving. 

Luca disliked the silence but he stood patiently, knowing he would arrive at his destination soon. 

“Are you still bothered about what happened between us last week?”

Luca felt his heart skip as he held on to his bag tightly. Why did he bring it up? Now? That they were alone? He thought Micheal was too nonchalant to talk about it or he did not want to have a conversation about it but here he was, bringing it up. 

“No…not at all sir,” Luca replied, his eyes glued to the door. 

“I know you must have been wondering throughout the weekend.” He said as he stepped forward, standing beside Luca. 

Luca was becoming upset. How will he kiss him and think he will not ponder about it throughout the weekend? Why was he trying to say? 

“No, sir. I did not…

“Don’t think much about it. It was nothing but a mistake. What happened meant nothing.”He cut in firmly.

Luca could not believe his ears. They kissed! He kissed him passionately in his office and now, he is saying he should not think much about it? It was nothing! 

“I know it was a mistake, Mr Micheal. You have a gorgeous fianceé, I never meant to do any rash actions.” Luca replied, hiding the pain in his voice. 

“I am glad. I will send a compensation to your account today, you should receive the alert before you leave for home.” He answered back and the elevator dinged then opened. “Bring the files soon and have a good day.” 

Luca nodded, avoiding his gaze. 

Michael left.

Luca let out a deep breath and rested his hand on the side of the elevator. Michael’s presence was overwhelming and breathtaking! He could believe what he told him, the kiss was nothing? 

Of course, the kiss was nothing!

Who in their right senses would kiss their new employee whom they have never seen or met before? 

Luca was upset and at the same time glad. He did not know the reason why he was upset, probably because Micheal was proud of himself? He was glad because Micheal himself cleared the air that the kiss was nothing. 

“I will just have a cup of coffee and everything will be fine.” He said to himself as he walked out of the elevator and walked to his office. 

As he settled on and worked on the files Michael told him to, he could not shake off the feeling of anger. The statement ‘What happened meant nothing’ lingered in his mind and he was forced to stop typing on the computer. 

“I should take the coffee soon before I go mad with unnecessary thinking.” He let out as he stood up from his chair and walked out of his office. 

He went to the hallway and greeted most of the employees he met on the way. After brewing the coffee, he served it into a paper cup and took a sip then headed back to his office. 

On his way to the office, the employees walking towards him made their way and they bowed their heads respectfully. He was confused about why they were being so polite. 

An employee cleaning her glasses bumped into him unexpectedly and this made the coffee spill backwards. 

“I am sorry…I am so sorry.” 

“It is fine, are you okay?” He inquired and watched as she put on her glasses. She widened her eyes in shock and Luca wondered what was wrong with her. “Are you okay?”

“I am so sorry! Please, let me show you to the restroom.” She said her voice was laced with fear.

“I said…

“Michael is now employing dumb people?”

A woman’s voice called out to him and he realized the employee was apologizing to her. He immediately turned to look at the lady and saw that the coffee had stained her white gown. The gown looked expensive and the woman herself looked luxurious. 

Two men in suits stood behind her, their eyes covered with dark shade and their body was built heavily. A man holding thick files was beside her, he looked alarmed as he removed a handkerchief from his pocket. 

“I apologize for this unintentional mistake. Please, let her show you to the restroom.” Luca said politely, since not all women were comfortable with strangers, particularly men, taking them to the restroom.

She stared at him in awe and stepped forward slowly. Her tall heels clacking on the floor as she removed her shade carefully. Her poise evident in her steps as she approached Luca. 

“You must be a new employee,” She let out softly then shifted her gaze to the female employee whose gaze was down. “Is he?” 

“Yes, Miss Evelyn. He did not spill the coffee intentionally, it was my fault. I…

Luca widened his eyes as the lady slapped her swiftly. He could not believe his eyes, who was she? And what right did she have to slap an employee? 

Miss Evelyn? 

The name rang a bell in his ears. 

That was the name Michael told Laura this morning.