Chapter 6 Check In
Elliot’s dinner with Mr. Mashimoto went fairly well, although it started off a little awkward.
As a stubborn 60-year-old businessman, Mashimoto was not easily convinced by Meridian Global Corp. (MGC)’s new Bespoke Data Monetization Platform. However, thanks to Avery, who was exceptionally articulate, Mashimoto agreed to try the platform for a few months.
Elliot felt somewhat relieved because, while the final result wasn’t guaranteed, at least the worst-case scenario he had feared didn’t happen.
What was more distracting for Elliot tonight was Audrey’s appearance. She looked so attractive that it kept making his mind wander.
Several times, Elliot had to force himself to stay focused, every little movement or smile from Audrey pulling him in.
Although he wanted to stay close to her, the meeting had to end. Elliot felt relieved that he didn’t have to keep controlling the feelings that were starting to get out of hand.
After Mr. Mashimoto left, Elliot waited for Audrey, who had gone to the bathroom. He planned to offer to have her come home with him. It was just a kind offer from a responsible boss, a reward for all her hard work.
But when Audrey returned, she told him she was going to join her friends, who happened to be at the same restaurant.
"Friends?" Elliot asked, a little confused.
"Yeah, college friends. They're over there at that table," Audrey pointed to a group of people chatting happily.
Elliot glanced at them briefly before looking back at Audrey with a suspicious look. "How do I know they’re really your friends?"
Audrey let out a small sigh. "Why would I lie, Sir? You think I’m that stupid?"
Though still uncertain, Elliot finally decided to let his secretary have some time for herself. "Do I need to ask office driver to-"
"I can just order a cab, Sir. I’m an adult, not a kid!" Audrey ended her sentence with a small pout.
Instantly, Elliot’s attention shifted to the group of people. His mind jumped back to the unsettling dreams he had been having recently.
Damn it! What’s wrong with you, Elliot?!
He quickly diverted his gaze, trying to control himself before looking back at Audrey as calmly as he could.
"Alright, but don’t stay out too late. You still have work tomorrow!" Elliot reminded her with a neutral expression.
Ignoring her boss’s somewhat parental tone, Audrey quickly nodded with a wide smile.
"You sure seem happy." Elliot gave a half-smirk, but it didn’t stop Audrey. She was already heading towards her friends.
Elliot sighed softly before standing up. But for some reason, he felt like staying. He sat back down and watched Audrey from a distance.
He couldn’t tear his eyes away from her, enjoying how happy she looked with her friends. He felt a little annoyed seeing how carefree she was, laughing and joking—a side of her she rarely showed when she was with him.
It made him wonder if he was the reason Audrey acted that way.
"Am I too serious when I’m around her?" Elliot muttered, continuing to watch his secretary, clearly enjoying herself.
When Elliot saw a few guys talking comfortably with Audrey, a feeling of unease started creeping in. He suddenly remembered the conversation between Audrey and his mother last night about a guy who was close to her.
Could one of them be the guy she was talking about?
Elliot’s thoughts drifted, but he soon noticed that Audrey was drinking more than usual, repeatedly sipping on alcohol.
His brow furrowed as he realized Audrey had consumed too much.
His suspicion was confirmed when Audrey started laughing louder than usual, her movements becoming more uncoordinated.
"This is going to end badly," Elliot thought as he stood up to approach Audrey’s table.
"Sorry, I need to take her home," Elliot said, gently grabbing Audrey’s arm.
Her friends, who were also a bit tipsy, just nodded with smiles, some even advising them to be careful on the way home.
With her eyes half-closed, Audrey looked up at Elliot in confusion. "Mr. Harrington? What are you doing hee~~re? Where are we going?"
"Home." Elliot replied shortly.
"Home? Ugh, where’s home? I’m having fun here, Mr. Harrington!" Audrey giggled, her words slurring.
Audrey’s behavior, swaying back and forth with uncontrollable laughter, made it difficult for Elliot to get her to the elevator. Of course, their antics drew attention from people around them.
"Where’s your address? Let me take you home!" Elliot was starting to get overwhelmed by Audrey’s behavior. He tightened his grip on her arm to stop her from moving too much.
Instead of answering, Audrey just leaned in closer to Elliot, still laughing, as if this was all just a game.
Elliot stiffened. His arm felt the warmth of Audrey’s body pressing against him. Whether he liked it or not, his gaze was immediately drawn to her chest.
Audrey’s face, flushed from the alcohol but still innocent-looking, was surprisingly alluring and tempting. Not to mention the way her cleavage was more than obvious from Elliot’s vantage point.
Elliot gulped down nervously.
Damn it!
"Your address? Why do you need to ask for that? Come on!" Audrey giggled again, her glasses slightly askew.
As Elliot adjusted them to prevent them from falling off, Audrey looked at him in such a way that his face instantly heated up. He quickly shifted his gaze away.
Elliot silently groaned, trying hard to keep his expression neutral. And, of course, to keep everything else under control!
After regaining his composure, Elliot focused again on his drunk secretary. "Audrey, seriously. Where’s your home address?"
But Audrey only moved even closer, making Elliot flinch and step back slightly. "Mr. Harrington, why are you so handsome tonight?" she said, her voice filled with light laughter.
"Audrey, stop messing around!" Elliot said, half-annoyed, though inside, he couldn’t stop his heartbeat from picking up.
"I... can order a cab myself, Sir! Really, no need to take me. I’m... fine!" Audrey refused, though it was clear her legs were unsteady, and she was swaying.
Seeing how out of it Audrey was and still not getting an answer, Elliot rubbed his face in frustration. He decided not to drag this any longer. He quickly booked a hotel room at the same place they were dining.
Once he got Audrey to the room, he planned to head home.
That was the plan.
At the hotel front desk, Audrey, with her awareness significantly lowered, still caught onto what Elliot was doing.
Suddenly, she gave him a flirtatious look and smile. "Mr. Harrington... what are you planning by making me stay here?"
Elliot felt his cheeks heat up, especially as Audrey leaned in closer. The hotel clerk behind the desk gave them both a knowing smile.
Frustrated and muttering under his breath, Elliot tried to ignore it.
This was truly difficult!