Chapter 24: Not Someone You Can Touch

No one around the table said a word.

The senior managers exchanged glances but wisely kept their mouths shut. They’d all been in the company long enough to know when not to speak.

The sales manager who had taunted Cora earlier had let her recent success go straight to her head. She’d been praised by Mr. Watson only days ago and clearly thought that made her untouchable. The company would make sure she learned otherwise.

Cora followed Austin to the twenty-first floor.

“Mr. Watson and the guest have already arrived?” she asked quietly. “Do I look all right?”

Austin nodded. “Yes, ma’am. They’re inside. Just… if the client says anything impolite, please don’t take offense.”

Cora’s brows lifted slightly. So this guest is going to be trouble?

Before she could knock, a syrupy female voice floated from inside the private room.

“Mr. Watson, no wonder you’re called the king of the market! You slashed prices by five percent just like that. Don’t be so ruthless! If you squeeze us any harder, our company will go broke!”

Cora’s mouth twitched. That tone alone screamed flirtation.

Of course he’d be surrounded by women like that, she thought, knocking lightly.

“Come in,” Julian’s deep voice replied.

She took a steadying breath and entered.

The woman at the table looked exactly as she’d imagined—perfect figure, glossy burgundy curls, flawless makeup, and a smile honed for seduction.

But Julian’s expression was calm, indifferent. Not even a flicker of interest.

Cora didn’t know why, but she felt an odd sense of relief. Then immediately scolded herself for it. Why do I care? Their marriage was a contract, nothing more. His love life had nothing to do with her.

Still, Julian’s eyes caught that brief exhale of relief, and a faint, knowing smile flashed across his face before vanishing.

“Mr. Watson,” she said softly, lowering her gaze. “I’m sorry I’m late.”

The other woman blinked in surprise. Clearly, she hadn’t expected anyone else—especially not another woman.

Julian introduced them smoothly. “This is my personal assistant, Cora. Cora, this is Ms. Riley, Vice President of Alders Corporation.”

Cora smiled politely. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Riley.”

Riley didn’t even bother to hide her disdain. She turned back to Julian. “I thought today was supposed to be a private lunch, unrelated to business?”

“You were just discussing business a moment ago,” Julian said mildly. “Since my assistant is here, I hope you don’t mind if she joins us.”

“Of course not,” Riley replied with a brittle smile. “I’m only a guest.”

Austin pulled out a chair for Cora. Riley’s eyes flickered again—surprise, then calculation. So she’s special enough for that kind of treatment?

Cora sat down, palms damp. The tension at the table was thick; she could practically see the power games being played. She focused on keeping her posture straight and her breathing even.

Every time she thought of excusing herself, she’d catch Julian’s calm, unyielding gaze across the table—cool, silent, impossible to defy.

Riley studied them both. For years, Julian’s assistants had been exclusively male. This woman had to be more than a simple secretary. And yet, there had been no news of a marriage. A mistress, perhaps?

If so, he treated her far better than the rumors suggested.

A knock interrupted the tension.

Cora instinctively began to rise, but Julian’s hand closed around hers under the table, pressing it down.

Her breath caught. He didn’t even glance at her, just held her there for a second—firm, unreadable—before withdrawing his hand.

Austin was already by the door.

“Who is it?” Julian’s voice was calm but cold. “Did I not say no interruptions during lunch?”

Only upper management was allowed on this floor, so whoever it was had to be bold—or foolish.

“Mr. Watson,” came a saccharine voice from outside, “I just realized I forgot to brief you on something important from this morning’s meeting. May I come in?”

Cora’s smile was instant, dry amusement flickering in her eyes. The same sales manager. Of course she couldn’t resist showing up after being humiliated earlier.

Riley caught the tiny smile and arched a brow. Interesting, she thought. Most women would be furious at a rival barging in. This one laughs? No wonder he finds her intriguing.

Julian’s expression darkened.

Austin understood immediately. He stepped out, and moments later, the woman was gone—escorted back downstairs before she could even glimpse the room.

Riley’s half-smile lingered as she turned to Cora. “You seem nervous, Ms. Dev. When did you become Mr. Watson’s assistant lead? I’ve heard his aides are all exceptionally talented. You must be quite skilled.”

She raised her wineglass with deliberate poise. “A toast to you.”

Cora froze.

She’s pregnant. She can’t drink.

She looked at Julian, silently pleading for backup. But he only stared down at his plate, expression unreadable.

Really? You’re going to make me deal with this alone?

Her fingers tightened on the glass. She was about to lift it when Julian’s voice cut through the air.

“She’s just a team lead. Does that really warrant such a performance? If someone needs to drink, I’m still here, am I not?”

Riley’s eyes gleamed. He’d finally shown his hand.

Julian turned to Cora, his tone light but firm. “You have a meeting to run this afternoon. Showing up drunk would be unprofessional. Austin.”

The door opened immediately. “Yes, Mr. Watson.”

“Bring her juice instead.”

Within seconds, Cora’s wineglass was replaced by a glass of orange juice. She caught on quickly, nodding. “Thank you, Mr. Watson.”

Julian’s lips twitched—the ghost of approval.

Riley chuckled. “Mr. Watson, since you’re feeling generous today, maybe we could revisit those five percentage points. Two instead? Let’s both make money.”

Julian pushed his plate forward slightly. Austin understood, sliding it in front of Cora.

“I’ve reviewed your company’s numbers,” Julian said calmly. “Five percent is the most sustainable margin. Any higher, and Alders might choke on it. You wouldn’t want indigestion ruining your reputation, Ms. Riley.”

He said it to Riley, but his gaze stayed on Cora.

Cora kept her head down, silently eating, her pulse racing. Just don’t embarrass yourself. Just survive lunch.

By the time it ended, she felt like she’d run a marathon.

As soon as they left the private room, she all but fled. If every meal with Julian was like that, she’d need a therapist before the baby came.

⸻

She had barely made it to the hallway when someone blocked her path again—the same sales manager, cheeks flushed with fury.

“Cora! What did you tell Mr. Watson? You think you can seduce him and steal my position?!”

Cora blinked, exhausted. This woman again?

“I had to beg for days just to get a meeting,” the manager hissed. “And you—you walk right in and sit at his table! Who do you think you are?”

Cora sighed. She wasn’t sure whether to laugh or cry.