Chapter 105: Jayden's plan
The meeting with the investors had gone smoothly. For once, Jayden didn't have to fake too many smiles or argue his way into getting the last word. Everything had fallen right into place. They agreed with his terms, trusted his projections, and even praised his vision for the next phase of the company.
It was one of those rare meetings that ended on a good note.
As the last investor stepped out, Jayden exhaled and leaned back in his chair, silent for a moment. Athena, who had been quietly taking notes and managing the presentation slides, began to gather his things. She packed the tablet, folded up his suit jacket, tucked the loose files into his briefcase, and slung her bag over her shoulder.
Without saying a word, she turned and walked out of the restaurant to wait by the car. The sun outside was already heating up, casting long shadows across the pavement. The streets were busy, people rushing about their day, completely unaware of the silent storm brewing inside Jayden's mind.
He stepped out a few moments later, stopping at the door.
Jayden took in a deep breath, held it for a few seconds, then slowly let it out. It was a calming habit he had picked up over time, a way to quiet the storm inside. But it wasn't working today.
His thoughts wandered back to earlier that morning.
Donald had shown up in his office, looking more confident than ever. And he had said something that Jayden had not been able to forget since - something about Monalisa. Something about love. Something about moving on.
Jayden rubbed his forehead and sighed deeply. That name again. Monalisa.
He shook his head and began walking slowly toward the car.
Athena noticed him and immediately straightened up.
"Sir," she said gently, "the next meeting is scheduled for 1:30pm. We have a little time."
Jayden stopped beside her and glanced at his wristwatch. It was already 12:56pm.
"Damn. What a long day," he muttered.
He looked off into the street, his tone growing distant. "What day is it again?"
Athena raised her brows slightly. "Today? Today is Wednesday. Any problems, sir?"
Jayden hissed through his teeth. "Shit. Fuck it."
Athena blinked. "Sir?"
He turned his head and looked directly at her.
"The launching of that fucking fashion line is this Saturday. And guess what? I haven't made a single preparation to attend."
Athena paused. "You could decide not to attend. No one would hold it against you."
He shook his head. "No. I want to be there. I will be there. And like I said before, you'll be my date."
Athena's eyes widened. "Pardon? Me?"
Jayden didn't even flinch. "Yes. You."
"But sir, Miss Cynthia could-"
"Hell no," he snapped. "Cynthia will destroy everything for me. She has no filter and no manners. She'll make the event all about herself. I can't have that mess."
Athena looked unsure. "Alright, if you say so."
Jayden looked at his watch again. "We've got thirty minutes to ourselves. Let's not waste it."
"What do you have in mind?"
He turned and pulled open the car door. "Get in."
"Yes, boss."
They both slid into the backseat. The driver started the engine and waited for instructions.
Jayden leaned forward and said, "Drive to a good boutique. Something high-end."
"Yes sir," the driver responded as the car pulled into motion.
Athena turned her head slowly to Jayden, frowning a little.
"Boutique?" she asked in a soft voice, almost to herself. "Sir Jayden... you're going to a boutique?"
Jayden sighed without looking at her. "You'd live longer if you just sat still, shut up, and followed instructions."
Athena blinked in surprise and bit her tongue.
"Yes sir," she mumbled and sat properly, fixing her seatbelt. "Rude thing," she muttered under her breath.
The ride was quiet except for the soft hum of the car. Athena kept sneaking glances at Jayden. He looked lost in thought. His jaw was tight. His gaze was locked on the window like he was watching something far away.
He wasn't just thinking about the boutique. He wasn't even thinking about Saturday. His mind was tangled up in the past, in regrets, in things left unsaid, in memories that wouldn't go away.
Fifteen minutes later, they arrived at the boutique.
It was tall, made of glass and marble, with gold signage that screamed class. Two doormen stood at the entrance, dressed in sharp uniforms.
Jayden stepped out of the car first and looked around.
Athena stayed seated, unsure if she was supposed to go in too. She looked at the boutique, then at the car door. Her hand was on the handle when she heard a sharp knock on the window.
She jumped and turned. Jayden was standing right outside, staring at her with narrowed eyes.
He made a small circular motion with his finger, signaling her to roll the window down.
She did.
"Do I need to bow down to you before you get your fucking self out of the car, Miss Personal Assistant?" Jayden snapped, clearly irritated.
Athena's eyes widened. "Me? No sir. I'm coming."
She quickly opened the door and stepped out, smoothing her skirt and adjusting her bag.
"I'm sorry," she added quietly.
Jayden scoffed. "Commoners," he muttered, brushing past her. "Let's go."
Athena followed, her heart beating a little too fast.
She had no idea what he was up to. No clue what was going through his mind.
Athena walked briskly behind Jayden, clutching her bag a little tighter as they stepped into the boutique. The double glass doors opened automatically, letting in a soft breeze from the air-conditioned interior. The store was pristine and luxurious, with marble floors that reflected the bright overhead lights and displays filled with elegant dresses, glittering heels, and accessories that screamed class and money.
The scent of expensive perfume hung in the air, and a soft classical tune played in the background.
As soon as they entered, two boutique staff in black and gold uniforms approached with graceful smiles.
"Good afternoon sir, welcome," one of them greeted warmly, slightly bowing. Her tone was polite but held a hint of admiration. Clearly, she recognized Jayden.
Athena stood quietly beside him, watching the interaction.
Jayden didn't return the smile. He simply walked forward like he owned the place and sat on the emerald green velvet couch positioned at the center of the boutique. He crossed one leg over the other and pulled out his phone, barely looking at anyone.
"What exactly would you like us to show you today, sir?" the staff asked with a bright, hopeful smile.
Jayden didn't lift his gaze from the screen in his hand.
"Get her something nice," he said simply, motioning toward Athena with a slight tilt of his head. "I don't have the time or patience to sit here watching her try on a hundred things. Just get her the best. Something stunning. Something that stands out. Got it?"
"Yes sir," the staff said with a small nod. She turned to Athena. "This way, ma'am."
"Me?" Athena asked, glancing at Jayden, unsure.
He didn't respond. He was already engrossed in whatever he was looking at on his phone.
Athena cleared her throat lightly. "Right. After you," she said to the staff, falling in step behind her.
They walked deeper into the boutique, passing rows of shimmering dresses and glass shelves adorned with heels and jewelry. Athena tried not to let her nerves show. She had never been in such a high-end boutique in her life. Everything around her looked like it belonged in a magazine.
Suddenly, her eyes fell on a royal blue gown displayed on a mannequin.
She stopped walking.
There was something about it. The way it sparkled under the lights. The gentle curve of the neckline. The way the stones were carefully arranged across the bodice. It was breathtaking. Every detail looked like it had been touched by magic. Elegant. Regal. Perfect.
She took a step closer.
"Perfect," she mouthed under her breath.
"You like it?" the staff asked, noticing the way Athena was staring at the dress.
Athena blinked. "Pardon? Uh... yes. It looks really good. It's beautiful."
"Then I'll package it for you," the staff said with a proud smile.
"Wait," Athena said quickly. Her eyes moved down to the price tag hanging at the side of the dress. Her breath caught. "Oh wow. That's... it's really pricey."
The staff nodded, still smiling. "It's one of our latest luxury pieces. Imported. Limited edition."
"Maybe I should go for something more affordable," Athena said slowly. Her voice sounded small, unsure.
The staff tilted her head. "Are you sure? Because the gentleman who brought you in was very specific. He said perfect. Not good. Not okay. He said the best. If you ask me, this dress fits that description."
Athena hesitated, her fingers brushing lightly against the fabric.
"Okay," she said finally. "Then please, package it."
"Wonderful choice," the staff said. "Now, do you need shoes? Jewelry?"
Athena looked confused. "Uh... I mean, if he tells me to..."
"Then let's go ask him," the staff said. "Come along."
They returned to the front of the boutique where Jayden was still seated, still scrolling on his phone like he had all the time in the world.
"Sir?" the staff asked gently. "Shall I add a pair of shoes and jewelry to match the dress?"
Jayden didn't even look up. "And a bag too," he replied. "Make it perfect. Don't come asking me about price. Money isn't a problem. You've got ten minutes to do all that. I'll leave in the next ten minutes. Got it?"
"Yes sir. Right away." She turned to Athena. "This way, miss."
Athena followed the staff again. The next few minutes passed in a blur of silver heels, diamond-studded earrings, and a small matching clutch that could probably buy someone's rent for a year. Everything was packed into glossy black and gold shopping bags with the boutique's name written in cursive.
Athena felt the weight of the bags as they were handed to her, but the real weight sat in her chest.
She followed Jayden out quietly and walked behind him to the car.
As soon as they got in, she couldn't keep silent anymore.
"Thank you, sir," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Jayden glanced at her. "Don't overthink it," he said. "Just consider it payment for a job you're about to do."
Athena looked confused. "Sir?"
"This isn't part of your job description, is it?" Jayden asked, staring straight ahead. "You're going to attend an event with me. Stand beside me. Smile for pictures. Play the part. So take the dress and everything else as your payment."
"I understand," Athena said softly. "Yes sir."
Jayden leaned back against the seat, his eyes drifting toward the window. "Put it all in the trunk."
"Yes sir," she replied, nodding.
As the driver pulled away from the boutique, Jayden suddenly added, "One more thing."
Athena looked at him quickly.
"I already called a beauty salon. It's near the hotel. You'll go there, get your hair done, makeup, the whole thing. I want you looking your best."
Athena's eyes widened slightly. "Yes sir."
"My chauffeur will come pick you up from the salon when you're done. We'll meet up at the hotel lobby and head to the fashion line launch together."
"Understood."
Jayden turned his face away again. "Good. Drive."
"Yes sir," the chauffeur responded and stepped on the gas.
As the car sped down the road, Athena turned her gaze toward the shopping bags resting on her lap. Her heart was racing. She wasn't sure what this meant, she wondered what Jayden was up to this time around. He's made her do lot of things for him but this, was different. She crossed her fingers and exhaled softly.