Chapter 62
Gradel
Getting to Los Angeles late in the evening didn't stop me from calling for a meeting at the hotel I'd lodged into. My heart churned with guilt at the way I left Iris, but I pushed the unwanted feelings aside and prepared for the meeting.
My phone beeped and quickly picked it up in anticipation. I was expecting a message from James, one of the sentinels I'd put in charge of PRO, but why did my heart skip immediately?
I scratched my head and flung my phone on the bed in disappointment. What made me think that she would pick up her phone and call me?
Besides, I asked for space not her.
I stared at my reflection in the mirror and brushed my hair into its usual comb-over style. Satisfied with how good I looked, I waltzed out of the room and headed to the bar.
James had assured me that the bar was less crowded as I'd paid for some parts of it so that our meeting wouldn't be disturbed and I saw it as a good deal because I didn't want to start driving around town.
Most of my flings were here and if they caught a whiff of my presence, I would have a hard time avoiding a scandal. To top it all, my mind decided to keep replaying images of Iris from our last intimate night together.
I needed to keep my body under control because I couldn't be spotting an erection while talking about business.
Maybe I shouldn't have been so proud. I should have just forgiven her.
Shoving the thoughts of her aside, I entered the bar and found James waiting for me by the entrance. He led me to the secluded part of the bar where everyone I'd called for the meeting was waiting for me.
I'd asked for the former workers from our pack who had migrated to the human world for personal reasons to assemble and a few engineers who would point out the parts of the factory that needed repairs.
A waiter strolled toward us and I requested two bottles of red wine. She disappeared into the dark and then I fixed my attention on the men.
I cleared my throat and took a deep breath. "It's a good thing that we are all here tonight because it has come to my attention that our factory which is supposed to be bringing enough revenue has shot down because of inadequate funds. The good news is that it won't be the case anymore."
They clapped enthusiastically and rays of hope showed on their faces when I stared at them which brought me a sense of fulfillment that I didn't expect to have.
All these while I wanted to run away and stay away from the truth and duties that continued to glare in front of me, but now I realize how stupid I've been.
Running away never solved anything, it only made things worse.
"So I want to know what kind of herbs you used to make and what you think will sell faster since you all have been here for a while." I gave the chance for feedback.
Mr Thompson, the head of staff raised his hand then paused when the waiter returned with two bottles of wine. She dropped the bowl on the table and uncorked the bottles.
After pouring the content into our glasses, she bowed politely and left.
Mr Thompson resumed speaking. "There have been records of heart attack and joint issues lately, and according to my research, it can be attributed to lifestyle and diet. I believe that we can include some of our medicinal plants which have great potency in curing such diseases as the other plants we used to process. We'll get the NAPA to ensure quality control and give us certification. It shouldn't be a big deal."
I nodded in agreement. "Sure, it isn't a big deal. I'll relay this information to the people in charge of getting the plants so that production can begin in earnest."
Then I asked the engineers to carry out a survey at the factory tomorrow and inform me of whatever faults they find with the equipment.
The meeting ended some minutes later and then they left. I downed the remaining wine in my glass and trotted to the counter as the bar was getting filled gradually.
I couldn't remain in the secluded part of the bar as I'd find myself missing her once again. Though I was doing the wrong thing, I wanted to see how long I could stay without her.
The barman took my order while I scrolled through my phone for the umpteenth time for a call I'd probably never receive.
In the meanest way possible, I suggested that she pack her things and move over to the house I got for her. It would be a huge surprise if I find her when I return.
My privacy was disturbed when a familiar voice rang in the air. I could recognize that voice anywhere, no matter where I was.
"Hello, handsome," She called and my face formed a frown.
"Sandra," I retorted with a tone of disapproval. "What are you doing here?" I growled.
She smirked sultrily and settled on the chair beside me with her cleavages nearly popping out from the sequin low-neckline bodycon dress she wore.
"Someone doesn't look so excited to see me. What's that face for, Gradel?" She drawled.
I gulped the whiskey from the shot glass and frowned. "You must be delusional if you think I'm going to jump on my feet and dance around just because you are here. How did you even find me?"
She shrugged and touched my thigh. "I didn't expect a warm welcome but dancing around wouldn't be so bad. The last time I checked, you weren't a good dancer. And for your question, this is a club. Anyone can be found here," She bit her lower lip seductively and trailed her fingers to my crotch.
A few years ago, I'd have pounced on her and fucked her till I was sated, but the woman seated before me didn't wield such power over me anymore. Only Iris did.
"And now that you managed to find me, what the heck do you want?" I snarled.