Chapter 11 The Perfect Façade
As Elliot entered the familiar upscale restaurant, he could already smell the faint lavender in the air, and soft music played in the background, setting the usual calm, elegant atmosphere. His mother always chose places like this. Everything had to be perfect, just the way she liked it.
His eyes immediately found her. Sitting at a table for two, Rebecca Harrington looked as poised as ever in a cream-colored dress. Her hair was neatly styled in a bun, and a small, approving smile formed as she saw him approach.
"My son is on time," she said, her voice soft but commanding.
"As usual," Elliot replied flatly, sitting across from her. He didn’t waste time. "So, are you trying to set me up again?"
Rebecca chuckled, not denying it. "Why do you always accuse me? What would you like to drink?"
Before Elliot could respond, his mother waved a hand toward a waiter, signaling for someone to come over.
Moments later, a woman appeared, dressed in a white gown that perfectly hugged her form. Her hair flowed gracefully as she walked, and she held herself with a poised, almost regal air.
Elliot glanced at her with a neutral expression, immediately recognizing the situation. He wasn’t surprised. His mother had been hiding this woman from him, but if he had seen her earlier, he probably would’ve left without a word.
"Elliot, meet Catherine," Rebecca said with a meaningful smile.
The woman extended her hand with a polite smile. "It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Harrington."
"Just Elliot," he replied briefly, shaking her hand with the same professionalism he reserved for business.
Catherine laughed softly, but it sounded a little forced. Elliot’s eyes flickered briefly to Rebecca, who appeared satisfied with the arrangement.
"Catherine is from the Fairmont family," Rebecca added, her tone casual yet calculated. "A very distinguished family. I’m sure you’ve heard of them."
"Of course," Elliot replied, not hiding his lack of enthusiasm. He knew the Fairmont family — a conglomerate involved in global business dealings.
Catherine sat down next to Rebecca, adjusting her hair as she smiled at Elliot. "Your mother has told me a lot about you. I’ve been curious to meet you."
Elliot raised an eyebrow, not impressed. "Really? What did she say?"
"Many things," Catherine answered, her smile unwavering. "How you lead the company so well, how sharp your vision is, and how your personality... is quite unique."
Elliot’s eyes narrowed at the word ‘unique,’ which he knew his mother often used as a euphemism for ‘cold and unapproachable.’ He didn’t care to correct her.
"It’s all part of the job," he answered, keeping his tone neutral.
Inwardly, he couldn’t shake the feeling that Catherine was just another one of his mother’s well-mannered, overly polished introductions. Everything about her screamed ‘too perfect,’ and he had little patience for it.
"I think you two would make a good match," Rebecca chimed in, her smile wide and satisfied. "You have a lot in common."
Elliot glanced at his mother, then back at Catherine. "Maybe, but I’m not a fan of these arranged meetings."
Catherine smiled, undeterred. "Sometimes, these meetings turn out to be the start of something great."
Elliot barely managed a smile, leaning back in his chair. He picked up his glass of water and took a slow sip, not really interested in the conversation.
Rebecca wasn’t pleased with his response, but she kept her cool. "Catherine, why don’t you tell Elliot about your family’s latest project? I’m sure he’d find it interesting."
Catherine lit up. "We’re developing a new line of health tech. Most of the Fairmont family are doctors, and we’re focusing on devices that help patients monitor chronic illnesses from home."
Elliot nodded slightly, his tone indifferent. "That’s a good idea."
Rebecca gave him a warning look, but Catherine didn’t seem to notice. She was too busy trying to capture Elliot’s attention.
"We think it’s a great opportunity, especially with the growing demand for digital health services. Your company has investments in that area, doesn’t it?" she asked, leaning in slightly.
"Just a little," Elliot replied, barely concealing his boredom.
Rebecca, clearly getting frustrated, pushed the conversation. "Elliot, Catherine is extremely talented. She recently received an international award. You should take more interest."
Elliot gave a brief smile, not hiding his lack of enthusiasm. "Congratulations, Ms. Fairmont."
"Thank you," she replied, quick to seize the moment. "I’m also curious about your major projects. They must be challenging."
Elliot shrugged. "Challenging enough."
Catherine wasn’t ready to give up. "What’s the most interesting part of your job?"
Elliot turned toward her and answered, almost deadpan, "The results."
There was a brief silence, then Catherine laughed, trying to play off the awkwardness. "Short and to the point. I like that."
Throughout the meal, Catherine kept trying to engage Elliot. Talking about her projects, asking his opinions, even making small jokes to lighten the mood. But Elliot’s cold responses only seemed to intrigue her more.
"I heard you enjoy reading," she said, leaning forward. "I read a lot in my free time. What was the last book you read?"
Elliot didn’t even look up from his glass. "Project documents."
Catherine laughed again, though it didn’t quite sound natural. "Sounds very... serious."
"That’s my job," Elliot replied briefly, making Rebecca sigh inwardly.
Catherine didn’t give up. "I’m sure you have a relaxed side too. Maybe you could show me more of your world?"
Again, Elliot just shrugged as he's leaning back. "My world is pretty simple. Nothing interesting."
Rebecca finally couldn’t hold it in anymore. "Elliot! Can you be a little more polite? Catherine’s trying."
Elliot raised an eyebrow but kept his expression neutral. "I am being polite, Mom."
"That’s not what I mean," Rebecca muttered, clearly exasperated.
Catherine, sensing the tension, smiled through it. "It’s alright, Auntie. I think Elliot just wants to make sure I’m comfortable."
Elliot almost laughed at that comment, but he kept it to himself. He simply nodded, retreating back into silence.
Rebecca’s patience was clearly running thin, but Catherine, despite everything, remained undeterred. She was used to men like Elliot—cold, distant, and difficult to impress. But for some reason, she found herself drawn to him even more.