Chapter 23

The alarm clock woke me up. I groaned and checked the time, it was seven in the morning. I didn't actually ask Justin for a precise time that I should get up for work but just thought that waking up early would please him.

I got up from bed and hurried to take a bath. After taking a bath, I changed into a simple shirt and jeans trousers then made sure to pack my hair into a ponytail also adding glasses to my look. I thought it would make me look more professional and I was actually right.

The look it gave pleased me. I didn't want to put on makeup but only added a little powder and lip gloss so my lips wouldn't be so dry. We were leaving for a board meeting today and right now that's all I can't think about.

This work would add a big shot to my career and if done well I would most definitely get a promotion. That had been my biggest dream since I started working as a reporter. I worked my butt off daily so I could get that promotion I've always been aiming for.

I was all done and set off for Justin's bedroom which was literally next to mine. I knocked on the door and in a few minutes Justin opened it. He had only a towel tied around his waist while his upper body was revealed.

I immediately turned around, trying not to face him. " I'm sorry sir, I didn't know that you were in there dressing," I apologized.

" Come in," he said dryly.

I heaved a big sigh then reminded myself that he was my brother. If not for how the situation was I would have probably just laughed and made fun of myself but we weren't close and he had no idea plus I would love to keep it on a professional level.

His room was no different from mine which made me feel kind of dumb for expecting it to be more expensive than mine. He booked the same for us which was very nice of him. I sat down on one of the couches available while he went into his room to get dressed.

" I'm all done," I heard him say.

I turned to see him dressed in his normal suit, making me wonder if I should have dressed a little more formally and wore a skirt instead of trousers.

" Is this okay sir or do I need to change it?" I asked him.

" You look very beautiful Drea and many reporters dress like this so it's not a big deal," he added. I knew he was right but this case was different and this was one hell of a contract we needed to finish on a good note.

" I'm sorry sir, I know you're trying to sound nice but I need to change this," I said in a low voice.

He heaved a big sigh then slowly nodded his head in response. " You can go, do whatever you want," he agreed.

I smiled and walked back to my room. I changed into my suit instead but this time it was a skirt. I reminded myself that I needed to be very professional in order to please the people we were meeting today.

" Does this look good?" I asked, showing him the new outfit I just selected. " You look ravishing as ever Drea," he replied.

We both left for the meeting which was about a forty minute drive. We didn't really talk much and just asked each other a few questions, u enjoyed the car ride also gave me a chance to view the city more than when were back at the hotel.

" We've arrived sir," I heard the driver say.

We both got down as I looked around, admiring the company we were in. It was so magnificent and breathtaking. I knew that this was one hell of a job that we could g mess up but I was also partially confused.

" Let's go in," Justin said. I gave him a warm smile as we both walked into the company.

Camera crews were running around, setting up shots and adjusting lighting. Actors are chatting with someone I think is the director,going over lines and getting ready for their scenes. Makeup artist and wardrobe stylists are bustling about, making sure everyone is looks perfect.

Oh yeah, not me thinking we were really here for a 'Mafia'.

"So where is the Mafia?"

I asked in a sarcastic tone. He laughed.

"You could have just said we were here for this"

I pointed my fingers around the surroundings.

"If I had told you we were here for some short exclusive story, you would have wanted to go yourself and I wanted to tag along. My first time tho"

I sighed, he's right- coming with him is making me uncomfortable.

We did our thing- asking some questions about the movie.

We left the set. In the car on our way back to the hotel. He's driving.

"After all that stress, I want to treat you to dinner"

"I'll pass, thank you, I'd just eat the hotel food"

"C'mon, I heard about this restaurant in Vietnam, I've always wanted to try it but I'm always busy and no one to go with"

Oh no, I'd have to go now.

"It's not far from the hotel"

"Ok then"

Just dinner, we will be out of Vietnam tomorrow.

We got to La Maison 1888 as seen outside the restaurant.

"Get ready taste some French-vietnamese fusion dishes"

I smiled as we entered the restaurant.

I was immediately struck by the opulent surroundings. The restaurant is decorated in a luxurious style, with richly upholstered furniture, gleaming chandeliers, and polished wooden floors. The air is fragrant with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, and the tables are laid with fine china and silverware. The staff is impeccably dressed and offers a warm welcome. The overall atmosphere is one of sophistication and luxury, with a touch of old-world charm.

"Welcome, how may we help you?"

The restaurant's hostess welcomed us.

"Reservation for two , Justin Dominic..."

Reservation? Yeah, right, you'd need reservations for a place like this but what if I declined no matter what? He'd be so disappointed cause he already made reservations before he asked me.

"Drea Campbell?"

She said looking through a file.

"Yes"

Justin replied.

"Follow me"

She lead us.

We sat down.

"What would you like to order?"

We looked through the menu on the table.

- "Pho Boeuf": a classic Vietnamese noodle soup, made with slow-cooked beef, rice noodles, and fresh herbs.

- "Bun Thit Nuong": grilled lemongrass pork served over rice vermicelli noodles, with fresh herbs and a sweet and sour fish sauce.

- "Banh Xeo": a savory Vietnamese pancake, filled with pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts.

I didn't read to the end.

"I'd go for the Banh Xeo"

Sounds delicious already.

"Same thing"

Justin said to the waitress.

"I'm glad I booked the window side before anyone booked it, it's the best sit here"

I nodded. The food was brought to our table. We ate and discussed work in between.

"We'd take Armagnac"

Justin told the waiter when they came to clear our table.

"Is that desert or what?" I asked.

I'm full already, I don't think I can eat anything again.

"No" He laughed. The waiter appeared with a bottle of drink and two cups.

"It's not desert"

Clearly ...

He served me a drink. i took a sip.

"I see a promotion coming in for you," He said as he took a sip.

"Really?" I wanted to confirm.

"Yeah, you've been hard working"

A promotion, yayyyy.

My head started aching a bit and I felt dizzy.

"Are you okay?" Justin asked, caressing my cheeks.

I tried moving a bit but my body felt too weak. He stood there with a smile plastered on his face.

What's going on? I lost consciousness.