Chapter 125. Having lunch

Chapter 125. Having lunch
Later that noon, Laura was seated at the head of the meeting room with other of her employees and business team set along her left and right hand.

“So, if we do make such a capital investment, we would be calculating about 30% of our stock out to the market for sales.” One of the people in the room said.

“Well, that way—it could bring about a little more recognition to us, don't you think?” Another said

More voices erupted in their various opinions, agreements and disagreements, but Laura who stood at the head of everything hadn't uttered a single word the whole time. Her hand tapped lightly on the table as her gaze was lowered and fixed on nothing in particular while her thoughts were painted with the event of last night.

She hadn't stopped thinking about it, especially since she got to the office. She was grateful that Leo had not brought up the conversation that morning. It was either he had totally forgotten about it or he just deliberately decided not to bring it up but for whatever reason it was, she was happy it occurred.

She was yet to figure out a solution to the unknown number that kept calling and sending her texts. Although she had not gotten any texts so far that day. But still, she couldn't help but feel rather uneasy at the slightest thing. And she knew she couldn't tell Leo about it as she wasn't sure what his reaction would be.

Although, she guessed that Leo may already be having his own little suspicions about the whole thing even though he wasn't saying anything about it.

Maybe he was waiting for her to bring up the conversation first.

“Miss Harding?” 

Laura raised her head immediately at the sound of her name to catch the whole room already staring at her like she was some trophy to be won.

“Miss Harding?” Laura turned towards Fina who moved close to her. “Is everything alright with you?” she whispered to Laura.

“Yeah.” She gave her a polite smile before turning her attention back to the meeting that was at hand. “Sorry for earlier.” She said as she sat up straight. 
“Please continue.”

The meeting went on for a few more minutes before it was finally dismissed. Laura remained in her seat as everyone else took their various belongings and left the meeting room. Everyone but Fina.

“Yes Fina? Is there something you'd like?” She asked the girl who still sat besides her, seemingly unready to leave.

“Are you sure you're really okay, ma'am?” Fina asked.

Laura on the other hand leaned into her chair as she stared at her young assistant. “Why do you say that?”

Fina exhaled softly as she moved her chair closer to Laura. “It's just that you've seemed distracted ever since you arrived at the office. Almost as if something has been bothering you ever since.”

Laura passed Fina a small smile. She moved closer to the girl and gently patted against her hand. “I am perfectly fine, Fina.” She told her. “Just a little tired here and there but you don't have to worry.”

Before Fina could say anything else, Laura stood up from her seat and Fina had no other choice but to drop the discussion. The two of them made their way out of the room and towards the elevator that would take them to the floor where their offices were located.

When the elevator opened up, l
The two ladies made their way out of the lift and towards their office. Getting close to her office, Laura caught sight of a familiar face and her black face was immediately replaced with a bright smile. 

Leo returned the smile as he watched Laura rush towards him like a small kid who had just been presented with a gift.

“Leo,” she reached towards him and Leo embraced her in a tight hug. She finally pulled away. “What are you doing here? I thought you had work?”

“Well, I did.” He said as he pulled the bouquet of daisies Laura had not noticed at the beginning. “But I thought I should bring you these.”

Laura smiled sheepishly as she took the flowers from him. “They're really pretty, thank you.” she said, scenting the sweet fragrance of the flower. “But why exactly are you here? You didn't tell me you were coming.”

Leo nodded as she caressed her hair slowly. “I know, but I thought I should come get you for lunch.” He told her and she stared at him with a puzzled look.

“Lunch?” she asked. All of a sudden, realization hit her as she noticed the sunglasses that he wore which stood out.
“Um…what's with the shades?”

Leo immediately held onto them. “Oh these, I just thought I should dress up today, that's all.”

“Dress up? And the best way was to wear sunglasses where there's no sun?”

Leo laughed awkwardly and Laura could notice that something was up that he wasn't saying.

“Take the glasses off, Leo.” She said with a straight face this time.

“What?”

She rolled her eyes. “Didn't act like you didn't hear what I said.”

“It's nothing, Laura. I'm just wearing it for no reason.” Leo told her but Laura was not having any of it.

“If that's the case, you wouldn't have a problem taking it off.” She said as she folded her hand against her chest.

“Laura, it's just…”

“Take it off, Leo.” Her voice deadpanned as she left no room for any more arguments.

With that, Leo exhaled slowly as his hand moved to take off the dark shades. Laura watched him keenly until the glasses were finally away from his face.

Laura gasped as Leo's bruised right eye came into view. “Oh my goodness, Leo.” She reached to touch the eyes lightly and Leo flinched. “It hurts?”

“I'm fine. It's just a little…” 

“A little? How did this even happen?” She asked as she stared at his eyes that were swollen red. “Did you walk into a door or a wall?”

“Neither actually.” He said. “It's quite weird and complicated.”

“Come on, let me help apply some things to reduce the swelling.” She led  him into her office.

While Laura searched for a mini treatment kit she usually had in her office in case of unforeseen events, Leo casually explained to her what had happened to warrant the bruise on his eyes.

“You mean to say you have no idea who had thrown the ball?” She asked as she dabbed a wet cotton bud around the bruise and Leo flinched lightly. “Sorry.”

“Well, I didn't see anyone in sight. I wouldn't have even turned if I didn't hear someone whistle at me. But there was absolutely no one.” Leo said, while he sat up straight to let Laura do what she did best.

“That makes no sense at all. I mean, who throws or even plays a tennis ball in the middle of the street?”

Leo shrugged. “I tried to wrap my mind around it but I couldn't figure out anything. I thought probably the owner of the ball would return to take it out of the bin, but it was surprisingly still there when I left my apartment.”

Laura sighed as she focused her attention on applying ointment around the areas of the bruise to avoid it from swelling more or even leaving a scar.

“How long do you think it's going to take for it to heal?” Leo suddenly asked 

“Well, it depends on how long you actually treat it for.” She told him. “I'd advise you to rub this on the bruise after your bath in the morning and at night. It should help dry it down and lessen the chance of it swelling again.”

Leo nodded. The next moment, he held her wrist and slightly pulled her to sit on his lap while Laura stared at him wide eyed.

“Now that you're done being my nurse…” he wrapped his hands around her. “How about we go back to discussing lunch?”

Laura smiled at him as she wrapped her hand around his neck. “So what plans exactly do you have?”

“Well…” he pushed away the strands that fell to her face. “Grandfather insisted that I come over for lunch at the estate, and if possible—to bring you along.”

Laura blinked..“Bring me?” She sounded funny. “But, does he know we're…”

“Not yet.” He answered before she could finish the question. “But I was thinking we should break the news to him today.”

“Today? Do you think today would be the best day?” She asked and Leo could only smile at her.

“Well, I think it is actually.”