Chapter 13

At four o'clock that afternoon, I accompanied Victor to the boardroom.

Several directors were already seated around the conference table, their expressions serious as they reviewed the documents before them.

I took my place and waited for Victor to introduce the matter.

Once the discussion began, he asked me to present my findings.

For a moment, I felt the pressure of having everyone's attention on me.

Then I took a breath and began.

I explained each problematic clause in detail, showing the directors where the contract failed to align with the supporting documents and how certain provisions could potentially expose the company to significant risks.

I made sure to explain my reasoning clearly, supporting every point with the relevant paperwork.

As I continued, the directors listened attentively.

Some exchanged glances. Others leaned forward to examine the documents more closely.

By the time I finished, their reactions suggested they were satisfied with my explanation.

Victor wasted no time issuing instructions.

"Have the legal team review and revise the draft immediately. I want every issue addressed before we move forward."

The directors nodded and began discussing the necessary revisions.

I sat back, relieved that my concerns had been taken seriously.

For the first time since joining Haulette Corporation, I felt that perhaps I really could make a difference here.

And judging by Victor's expression, he seemed pleased with my work.

It was already eight o'clock in the evening when the meeting finally ended.

I followed Victor back to his office to collect my belongings.

The lower floors were still fairly busy, with employees working overtime in various departments. But when we reached the ninety-ninth floor, the atmosphere was completely different.

The corridor was quiet and nearly deserted.

Victor didn't say much as we entered his office. He simply headed straight for the private bathroom.

"Wait for me. Don't leave yet."

I nodded.

"All right."

With nothing else to do, I settled onto the sofa in the reception area of his office.

A few minutes later, Victor emerged from the bathroom looking noticeably refreshed. His face was slightly damp, as though he'd just washed it.

He walked toward me with long, purposeful strides.

"Sevra, let's have dinner first. I'll take you home afterward."

I looked up at him in surprise.

He was offering to take me home?

"Oh, there's no need. I can get home by myself," I protested politely.

"How are you getting home?"

"I can take a taxi. It's not that far."

Victor gave me a look that suggested my answer wasn't acceptable.

"No. I'll take you. It's on my way."

Before I could argue again, he picked up his phone and made a call.

"Danny, meet us in the lobby."

Then he gestured for me to follow him downstairs.

When we reached the lobby, an older man who still moved with surprising agility stepped forward and opened the car door for us.

I glanced at the vehicle.

Then I had to stop myself from staring.

Oh my God. Is that a BMW 7 Series Protection?

I couldn't believe my eyes.

In my entire life, I never thought I'd get the chance to ride in one of these. And now I'm actually standing beside one!

Of course, I kept those thoughts to myself.

On the outside, I maintained a perfectly calm expression, determined not to look overly impressed.

Victor gestured for me to get in first.

"After you."

"Oh, no. You go first, Boss."

He shook his head.

"Ladies first."

I had no choice but to give in.

Once we were both inside, the car pulled away from the building.

Victor took me to a private Japanese restaurant inside a nearby hotel. The place was elegant and discreet, with an atmosphere that offered plenty of privacy.

I looked around before turning to him.

"Why did you choose this restaurant?"

"I like it here. It's quiet, and the privacy is good."

I nodded in understanding.

That made sense. A man like Victor probably couldn't enjoy a peaceful meal just anywhere.

As we browsed the menu, Victor brought up his upcoming trip.

"I'm going overseas next week. Tomorrow, I want you to help me organize my documents."

"Understood, Boss!" I replied promptly.

Victor turned his head toward me.

"Boss?"

I blinked.

"Yes, Boss?"

His expression became almost exasperated.

"Sevra, how many times do I have to tell you to call me Victor? Or would you prefer that I start calling you Auntie?"

I stared at him.

Did he just call me Auntie?

"Oh, sorry! All right, Victor."

My cheeks turned red.

Victor looked at me and chuckled, clearly amused by my reaction.

Unbelievable. He's younger than me, and now he's teasing me like this.

I tried to focus on the menu instead of the handsome man sitting across from me.

Eventually, we ordered several kinds of sushi and a few other Japanese dishes.

While we waited, Victor began asking about my living arrangements.

"How did you find a place so close to the office? Did you plan to live nearby before you applied for the job?"

"No. I was actually planning to live somewhere on the outskirts of New York. But a friend of mine happened to have a flat near Haulette Tower, so I ended up staying there."

Victor nodded thoughtfully.

"Is it a nice place? Comfortable?"

"The alley leading to it is a little dark and dirty," I admitted. "But the flat itself is comfortable enough, even if it's small."

He nodded again, seemingly taking note of my answer.

I didn't think much of it at the time. To me, it was just an ordinary conversation about where I lived.

Then Victor spoke again.

"While I'm overseas, make sure you stay in regular contact with me. I don't like it when people take too long to respond to my messages or calls."

"Understood, Victor. I'll always be available."

He seemed satisfied with that answer.

Just then, our food arrived.

Unfortunately, the moment the dishes were placed on the table, Victor's phone rang.

He glanced at the screen before standing up.

"Excuse me. I need to take this."

He stepped into the adjoining room, leaving me alone at the table.

Must be something important, I thought.

I picked up a piece of sushi and had barely taken my first bite when my own phone began ringing.

I glanced at the screen.

Anthony.