Chapter 20 Chapter 20
Theo
“What connection would Lucas' son have with Selena?” I asked Ethan as we walked into the restaurant chosen by Ethan.
Our men were situated around, ready to interfere if things turned differently.
“I’ve no idea. I told you that having Selena might come with a lot of trouble, it seems it has started.”
I turned lazily to look at Ethan. “Why do I feel you purposely ignore her dating life? For someone interested in labeling her, you sure left a clean spot.”
Ethan rolled his eyes. “You didn't search that either. You also rendered it useless.”
I looked ahead.
No, I didn't leave out her relationships because it was useless, I did because I didn't want to know anyone that had touched her.
I might just kill them.
“Welcome Mr Mateo, here.” A man in a tailored suit stepped out. With a smile, he led us.
“Whatever he has to say must be important. Seeing him wanting to talk despite the rivalry between both companies, it must be important.” Ethan added.
The male opened the door, and I stepped in, but Ethan stood back. My gaze narrowed.
“What are you doing?”
“He requested to speak to you alone. Whatever it is, I’m not interested, so enjoy.”
Useless.
I entered.
Inside stood who I must assume to be Noah Theodore.
“Oh, Mr Mateo,” He bowed his head, greeting.
They said Lucas had an elderly son who had suddenly quit the company, leaving the almost useless second son. The company has taken a huge blow after that, only to recover months later, after the father's secretary had stepped up.
But now, it seemed the dear son was back.
He was young, maybe a little younger than me. His hair was parted in the middle, his tailored suit brown.
Not bad.
“Thanks for granting me your presence, Mr Mateo,” He held out his hand.
I looked down on it.
What did he have on Selena? How did he get to know her?
What did he do during his absence from the company?
Her eyes weaved, and he smiled. He appeared composed. But I could see the tint of sweat on his face.
He was nervous, or afraid.
I moved past him to sit on the chair. My eyes glance around the food displayed on the table.
What's this? A food feast?
I looked up to meet his gaze.
Noah swallowed, and then he smiled. He was trying not to break into a cold sweat. Such little confidence.
“Thanks for taking this invitation, Mr Mateo. I know it came out so urgently, so thanks for gracing it. I’ll drink to your kindness.” He took a glass of wine and gulped it down.
It wasn't for me, but to drown his nervousness.
Not like I came here for him. It was all for Selena. And it would be better for him to start speaking.
“Hm, I’ll take my seat now.” He drew out the chair opposite me. and sat down.
How slow.
If it were another person for a different reason, he would have been dragged out of here. Each minute of my time wasted would be paid for.
I rubbed my nose bridge. Annoyance pricking at my brows.
“Though the news has been out of me being in charge of my father’s business now, I don't know if you have heard this.”
Silences.
“I guess not. Anyways, I wish our company to strike a deal. For years, we have gone at each other's heads, but now it's different, since I’m the one in charge.”
“Speak to my assistant. Not the female assistant, but the male assistant.” I answered. Patiently waiting for him to speak correctly.
“Oh, that’s only right.” He nodded. “I should speak on today’s matter then.”
He was smart.
He placed his hands on the table, shoulders squared, and then locked eyes with me.
Fearlessly. But I knew better. Behind the facade, the anxious tap of his feet on the ground strains my ears.
“I have someone whom I wished to protect from any harm, we have been together for many years, but…but we ended up on a drifting end, and my actions have caused this person to join your company. She is rebellious, and would do anything to go against me.” He said in a goal, his words fast like he had practiced them.
This was getting interesting.
I leaned forward, placing my hand on the arm of the next chair.
“Now that the company is in my hands, I want to care for her properly, and only wish to make her my assistant. I know she already works with you, so I’m ready to do anything to make you fire her.”
My brows drew together.
But I waited, waited for him to say her name. Each second tormented my fingers, clenching hard on my palm.
“Selena Duvain is my girlfriend's name. Please fire her.”
How audacious.
I released my hands.
An ex. I screened him. Noah wasn't bad looking, but I was better.
That increased my chances of having my way with Seleneright.
Noah was just an heir, while I hold so much power. That’s relieving.
“You are on your drifting end?” I asked to confirm.
“Yes. Though we have broken up, I still l—”
“That's good then.”
“What?”
“You must not be aware of the position Selena holds in my company now?”
He licked his lips “I don't . But I’m sure she is given a minor role because of her qualifications. Someone like her may be smart, but she doesn't have what it takes to work in your company. Selena knows this, but is being stubborn about it. She has always been that way,”
“Hmm,” He belittled her.
What type of person was he towards Selena? Did he hurt her?
“Selena is my personal assistant. Hearing you, I want to question my sense of judgment. You see, I picked her personally,”
His eyes widened, and he stood up, bowing. “I’ll never dare to think that way. Selena may be lacking, but she has always had unique traits.”
I think so too. I stretched out my legs.
“Now that you are aware, you should let go of her.” My face tightened. Looking at his bowed head.
His eyes widened, and he straightened his back. “It's too dangerous. I don't want her life to be endangered, so please. You can always find someone else, a better replacement for her. I’ll find a better assis—”
I stood up.
I’ve spent enough time now. “ I’ll ignore everything you said today. Selena is my person now, and I don't have plans on letting her go.”