Chapter 10

From the cafeteria, Michael took me to the thirty-fifth floor, where Haulette's security division was based. It was also one of the facilities where the company's bodyguards received their training.

Until then, I'd known Haulette mainly for its real estate business and shopping malls. I hadn't realized the company also provided professional security services.

Apparently, they supplied security personnel for offices and bodyguards for celebrities and well-known politicians.

Michael explained that Haulette had numerous contracts with prominent public figures, providing highly trained bodyguards to protect them.

I listened with growing interest.

"So, do the bodyguards do all their training here?" I asked.

"Not exactly. They start with physical training at one of our camps in another city. Once they pass that stage, they come here to learn about security strategies and situational awareness."

He paused before adding, "Being a bodyguard isn't just about being physically strong. They need to be smart, too. They have to know how to read a situation and anticipate potential threats."

I nodded, impressed.

"And after that, are they assigned to their clients right away?"

"That depends on the client's requirements. Some of our bodyguards are assigned overseas, so they may need another three months of training in the country where they'll be working."

"Oh, I see."

"That's one reason our boss travels abroad so often," Michael added.

"Right."

I filed that information away in my mind.

The more I learned about Haulette Corporation, the more I realized there was far more to the company than I'd initially imagined.

***

By the time Michael finished showing me around, it was already 12:15 p.m.

My stomach had started growling in protest. I'd barely eaten anything that morning, and I was getting hungry.

Just as I was about to press the elevator button, Michael's phone rang.

He answered immediately.

"Yes, Boss. I'll bring her up right away."

After ending the call, he turned to me.

"Ms. Monace, Mr. Victor would like you to have lunch with him."

My heart gave an unexpected little leap.

"With him? Today? But it's only my first day!" I blurted out. "Is that really okay?"

Michael smiled, seemingly amused by my reaction.

"Of course. He's the one who asked for you."

He pressed the button for the ninety-ninth floor, where the CEO's office was located.

"Oh, and please, just call me Sevra," I added. "You don't have to be so formal."

Michael smiled.

"All right, Sevra. Then you can call me Michael, too."

A few moments later, the elevator doors opened on the ninety-ninth floor, the same floor where Victor had interviewed me the day before.

The desk outside his office was empty. The secretary who had been sitting there yesterday had probably gone on her lunch break.

Michael opened the door for me, and we stepped inside.

***

There he was.

Victor.

The sight of him sent my heart racing all over again. This time, I couldn't even pretend it was just nerves.

He wore a white turtleneck beneath a black blazer, and somehow, he made the combination look unfairly good.

*Seriously, does this man ever look anything less than gorgeous?*

As we entered, he turned toward us.

To the right of his desk stood a dining table with a polished white marble top. It was neither too large nor too small, and several dishes had already been laid out neatly. Two empty plates sat beside them.

Victor greeted me with a warm smile.

"Welcome, Sevra."

His tone was surprisingly friendly, a far cry from the formal way he'd addressed me during our interview.

I found myself smiling back at him, and for some reason, the smile came more easily than I'd expected.

"Thank you, Mr. Victor."

His brows drew together slightly.

"Mr. Victor?"

He raised an eyebrow, looking almost offended.

I blinked.

"Yes?"

"When we're in my office, just call me Victor. Save the 'Mr.' for when we're around other people."

He let out a soft chuckle.

Heat crept into my cheeks.

"All right. Thank you, Victor."

His expression softened into a smile.

"Come on. Join me for lunch."

He gestured toward the dining table.

I glanced at the two empty plates, then at the three of us.

Victor. Michael. Me.

Wait a minute.

"Um, shouldn't there be another plate?" I asked. "There are three of us."

Michael looked momentarily startled.

"Oh, no. Two plates are enough. I'm not having lunch with you."

He laughed as he explained.

I stared at him, still trying to make sense of the situation.

Then Victor turned toward Michael and gave him a look.

It was subtle, but the message was clear.

Michael nodded, barely suppressing a grin.

"Well, I'll leave you two to enjoy your lunch."

Before I could ask anything else, he hurried out of the room.

And just like that, I was alone with Victor.

The silence that followed was almost painful.

The office was so quiet that I wouldn't have been surprised if even the ants had stopped moving.

Victor gestured toward the food.

"Help yourself."

I picked up one piece of beef with mushroom sauce and placed it on my plate.

He glanced at my plate, then at me.

Without saying a word, he added two more pieces of beef.

"Eat more," he said.

I looked down at the extra portions.

Was one piece really that offensive? The ridiculous thought suddenly popped into my head