CHAPTER 21

**JAMES COLUCCI

As I continue reading the names of the other women on a random page, the sound of a new e”mail arrives on the computer.

I close the notebook quickly also taking care to erase the traces of my search for my boss's mistresses, the new email is from him.

From: James Colucci

Date: July 21, 2021”11:55 AM

To: Chloe Duarte

Subject: Ready?

Miss Duarte, I am back at the company and there is little time left before the time reserved for our meeting with the investor today, I would like to know if we can go now...

Sincerely from your impatient boss...

A smile breaks out on my lips as I read the last part of his e”mail, I still remember well the time I threw it in his face when I said that he was not born with the gift of patience.

Not wanting to make him wait irritated me, I turn off the computer and grab my purse before leaving my office, finding James with his back to the reception with his hands inside the pockets of his social pants.

He hasn't seen me yet but is talking about something serious with the unfriendly receptionist on the floor who seems lost in his beauty instead of paying attention and listening to her boss.

I roll my eyes when I see her straightening her blonde hair and leaning over the counter in an attempt to thrust her bust in James' direction, I smile discreetly when I see that he does not fall for her trap, he is either being professional or he has not yet understood that she has a crush on him.

The sound of my heels seems to wake them up and turn towards me, I see the cow's disgust when she finally notices me and sits down in her chair behind the counter.

I try to keep my balance in my heels as James' blue gaze meets mine, I can't help but notice that his eyes run from my face to the tip of my feet with a look that can make you shudder.

“Can we go, Miss Duarte?", he asks as I reach his side and with a nod of my head we soon enter the elevator.

Even without any words being spoken between us, my thoughts take me back to the moment of the elevator and being alone with him in here brings me familiar sensations.

When the metal doors close and only the sound of the elevator descending through the floors is heard, I turn my head to look at him discreetly.

James is either concentrating or reading something on his cell phone when I huff, drawing his attention to me.

**CHLOE DUARTE**

“Anna Krinsk called and asked me to let you know she is in New York and would like to see you as soon as possible, she said she is free tomorrow night...", I say trying to keep control of my voice.

Never in my entire life have I hated to say anything, saying it was more than uncomfortable for me, and James seems to realize my state when he nods.

“She should contact me personally instead of asking her to give notice of this kind of appointment, it is not her job to deal with..."

“No problem, I am your assistant and it is my job to deal with everyone who wants to make contact with you.", I interrupt him.

After this we again remain silent until the arrival of the elevator to the first floor of the company, when the doors open he gestures for me to leave first and I do it.

As we walk out of the company side by side, several people and employees stop just to stare at Mr. Colucci and greet him, he draws everyone's attention with just his powerless presence.

As we cross the hall I see Samanta sitting behind the counter looking at us with an annoying little smile, I feel like retorting, but I compose myself as we leave the company.

I am about to follow the right side of the sidewalk when James' voice makes me stop.

“Where are you going, Miss Duarte?"

“To the restaurant!", I answer, shaking my shoulders as if this were obvious.

After hearing my answer he snorts before walking a few meters and opening the door of a different car parked next to the company.

It's not the same car as us...

“Come on! The restaurant is too far to walk to!", he calls me, opening the passenger door of the gray car.

I don't know the restaurant where I made a reservation for lunch, but if he is saying that the location is far, I will accept the ride and spare my legs from a long walk.

“Thank you!", I thank him as I get in and settle into the passenger seat.

James was right, even by car the journey to the upscale neighborhood where the restaurant is located is long and long, I would easily regret it if I decided to take this route with the heels that I chose today.

I am enchanted by the view out the car window, I was dazzled when I arrived and got to know New York, but this is different here.

I was right in choosing my most elaborate outfit when I see several well”dressed people walking back and forth.

James parks the car next to a huge establishment with a sign with the name of the restaurant, helps me out of the car, and then hands the keys to the expensive car to the valet.

I follow James to the front of the restaurant where he again emits his gentlemanly gesture by opening the door and leading me through the space, the interior of the restaurant screams luxury in everything, now I know why it was so difficult to get a reservation here.

All the tables are occupied by wealthy people who look at us as we cross the room to a table located in the center where there are two empty seats.

As I approach I see that a middle aged man is sitting there fiddling with his cell phone, but his green eyes meet us as James extends his hand in greeting.

He is reading the menu in silence.

The man I predict is Mr. Albert Ramires stands up gracefully and with a smile shakes James' hand complicitly.

“It's very good to see you again, James. When we last saw each other you were still at the beginning of your career and look at you now, young man!", I am taken aback by their conversation and the informal way in which they treat each other.

“It's been years, Albert!", James remarks and I am taken aback when the man's curious eyes find me.

“And who is this beautiful young lady, my friend?"

“Albert, meet my new assistant, Chloe Duarte!", I smile shyly and extend my hand.

“It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Ramires!", I am surprised when my hand is kissed in the form of a greeting.

“I assume that you are not American...", he says as if he has noticed something in me.

“No, I am Brazilian, sir...", I answer when James pulls one of the chairs out for me before the two men settle down at the table.

“Call me Albert, I have visited Brazil a few times and I can say that it is a country full of good cultures."

A little closer to Albert I can tell that even in middle age, the man is a well mannered person full of personality.

“Have you ever visited Brazil, James?", Albert asks my boss as he waits for an answer while taking a sip of what I assume is champagne from a glass.

James' blue eyes land on me quickly, I break eye contact and begin to read the menu in silence.

“No, but in a few weeks I have an appointment in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, and I would like you to accompany me, Miss Duarte..."

Frowning, I raise my head to face him in shock, just the thought of visiting my dear parents and family already makes me euphoric.

He still stares at me intently, studying my face as he waits for my answer, lost in thought I choke and try to tell him:

“If you need me, sir, it will be a pleasure to accompany you...", I complete with a sincere smile.

After talking a little more about Brazil, I try my best to pay attention to the conversation that unfolds between them, James and Albert tell me about their experiences related to the beginning of their careers.

I also find out that Albert is the owner and founder of a large company that wants to invest in the Colucci Companies, according to James his visit to Brazil is because he intends to open two branches in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro to expand his business.

I am excited to have the opportunity to kill the homesickness I was feeling, I was thinking of flying to Brazil in a few months or on my vacation from work.

But I won't have to wait as in a few weeks I will travel to my hometown with my boss who takes all my thinking away.

“In a few days the Colucci Companies charity ball will take place, I would love for you to attend the event, Albert.", James invites his friend who finishes his lunch.