Chapter 12: The Sting Of Pride

Evelyn let out loudly as she lowered her hand and locked gaze with Michael. 

Luca became amazed. Did Michael defend both of his employees? Of course, that was what he was supposed to do, but he never thought he could support them over his ‘important client’. 

“You heard me right. Just because you're my cousin does not mean you can treat my employees like they are yours. You have not learned your manners, have you?”

Evelyn scoffed angrily. Why would she apologize to his stinking workers? She had always known Michael to be a strict man but she could not afford getting reprimanded by him in front of his workers.

“Umm…can we just talk this out? You know what, don't fire them, just send them out and let's have a sensible discussion.” She said calmly. 

“It is either you apologize or I'll cancel the meeting. Pick one.” He replied firmly, adjusting his tie. 

Evelyn bit her bottom lip slowly. Michael was a man of his word and if she did not apologize, it would be her loss because she would lose the opportunity she came for. 

She could not let her anger and pride get the better of her while she needed Michael’s support for her company. 

She forced a smile on her face and turned to look at the female employee and Luca then said in a sweet but hypocritical voice. “I apologize from the depths of my heart for my uncouth reaction then. It was a harsh behavior but anyway, it won't happen again.” 

Luca was not moved, he gave no reply while the female employee’s expression became relieved. Michael was not impressed, his eyes studying the people before him. 

“It is fine, Ma’am. That kind of mistake won’t be made again.” The female employees retorted softly and Evelyn’s smile became broader. 

“I hope so.” She said then collected her phone from her assistant. “I will make the payment once Michael lets me know about your account details. You can leave now.” 

“Thank you, ma’am. Thank you, Mr Michael!” The female employee said coolly and then left immediately. 

“We will proceed with the meeting now. Luca, get the files ready.” Michael let out as he rested his fingers on the keyboard of his computer and started typing, his focus on the screen.

“Thank you for your interference, sir. I will be back.” He answered back, satisfied with Michael’s decision then went out after Michael nodded. 

“Get out!” Evelyn yelled at her assistant and he obeyed instantly, closing the door behind him carefully. She shifted her gaze to Michael and lowered her tone. “You know damn well, I am not making any payments, Michael.”

“Your tone, young lady.” He replied as he raised his stare from the screen to hers’. “Watch it.”

“Alright. I agreed I acted a bit rashly but why do you have to embarrass me in front of your…employees? That was unfair.” She said warmly, placing her phone on the table.

“We all handle our company and employees differently. You may treat yours like shit but mine are precious to me, I won't tolerate any injustice done to them, not even by my relatives.” He answered back coldly as he continued typing. 

“Now I will be a laughing stock in your company.” She murmured as she opened her purse and pulled out a pack of cigarettes. 

“Don't do that here, we should finish the meeting with the group and after that, you can smoke all you want in your ride.” He affirmed as he withdrew his hands from the keyboard. 

“Still rejecting smoke?” She asked wryly as she placed the pack on the table. “Maria did not teach you how to smoke?” 

“She smokes?” He questioned curiously and watched as she let out a chuckle. 

“Sorry about that but she does. You don't know much about your fianceé, do you?” She inquired calmly but he gave no reply then she added. “How has your relationship been going? Both of you have very busy and different lives. How do you cope?”

“It is just between us. You don't have any right to poke your nose into matters that do not affect you.” He answered back coldly and the door opened. 

Laura walked in quickly, swiping through the IPAD in her arm. “The meeting room is ready, Mr Michael.”

“Great.” He stood up and put his hands into his pants pocket swiftly. “Shall we?”

She paused then stood up gently, adjusting her dress. Laura waited till both of them walked out then followed them. She showed them to the neatly arranged room and Luca joined them after a few seconds.

Luca admired Michael’s professional way of handling matters. He was glad he'd never let anyone treat his employees like dirt, not even his relatives. 

While Michael proceeded with the meeting, he pointed out important parts in the files. He noticed Evelyn was still seething with anger and avoided eye contact with him whenever they were about to lock gazes. He did not care about her, as long as Michael did not fire him from his job, he was fine. 

He saw the respect Evelyn has for Michael in her eyes and he wondered how highly she regarded Michael in her mind. He must be a dictator and probably older than her. Evelyn’s assistant took notes and asked questions while Luca answered professionally. 

The marketing group offered their ideas while Evelyn listened attentively. 

Despite the tense mood that was used to start the meeting, it ended productively and Luca was proud of himself. They had a plan and creative ideas which Evelyn liked. 

After the meeting ended, the marketing group went to their workplace while Luca followed Michael and Evelyn as they walked out. 

Her bodyguards stood by the side of the hallway while her assistant cleaned her face frequently with a clean handkerchief. 

“When next do you want me to visit, Michael?" She inquired softly as she put her shades on. 

“Not any time soon.”

“You will miss me.” She replied wryly as she shifted her gaze to Luca whose expression was neutral. “Mr Beaufort contacted me last night.”

Michael’s expression changed as he furrowed his brows. “Why? You and your father hardly get along.”

“You are right but his tone was longing when he talked to me yesterday.” She said as she walked closer to Michael and leaned closer to him intently. “Why did you keep him waiting all this while?

“This is a business space, Evelyn.” He retorted sternly. 

“I know. Just get married to that ‘famous influencer’ of yours and save your father the pain of longing.” She let out wryly in a low tone then added. “Don’t keep Mr Beaufort waiting.”

“You should take your leave now, Evelyn.” 

She moved away from him and grinned wickedly. “I will but before that,” She looked at Luca sharply. “Permit me to have a word with your employee.”

“You…

“It is fine, sir.” Luca interrupted Michael then gave him an affirmative nod. “I am ready to listen to you, ma’am.”

“I like this boy.” She said wryly then walked to him, reached her hand to collar then whispered softly. “You made Michael embarrass me and I know you're delighted about that but, watch your back, dear Secretary.”

Luca had mixed feelings as she moved away from him, waving at both of them. 

“Bye!”