Chapter 156 The dinner trap

Chapter 156 The dinner trap
"Wait, you said you are the personal assistant to the CEO, right?"

Chloe pressed her mobile phone hard against her ear. The rough edge from earlier had completely vanished from the manager's voice. A smooth, familiar tone replaced his previous impatience.

"Yes," she answered.

"You are on social media, aren't you?" he asked.

She tightened her grip on the device. Her online profile received direct messages from men every single day. She listed her official job title on her page, making it incredibly simple to track her down.

"I owe you an apology for hanging up," the man continued. "My schedule has been incredibly chaotic today."

He was lying. She knew his sudden change in attitude had nothing to do with finding free time. He had searched for her pictures online.

"Apology accepted," she said politely. "Does Miss Lucy have time to discuss the brand ambassador contract this afternoon?"

"I am handling all her negotiations," he replied. "But my afternoon is packed."

"We can set up a quick phone meeting whenever you are free."

"A simple phone call will not work for a deal this big," the manager insisted. "Let us meet for dinner tonight at eight o'clock. We can discuss the terms properly over a meal."

A dinner meeting.

Chloe gritted her teeth. The professional boundaries were completely dissolving. Men constantly tried to buy her time, and this guy was using her company's urgent needs as leverage.

"Can we handle this this afternoon instead?" she offered.

"Lucy has six different cosmetic companies begging for her signature right now," he stated. "If you want Zenith Beauty to secure her, you should definitely be at dinner tonight."

It was a direct threat. He held all the cards.

"I will be there," she agreed, forcing her tone to stay completely flat.

"Perfect," he said. "I will select the venue and text you the details shortly."

The line clicked dead.

Chloe lowered the phone. She let out a sharp scoff.

Another arrogant man was trying to force a date under the cover of corporate business. She usually ignored these advances without a second thought. She had a secret boyfriend to protect.

They kept their relationship completely hidden from the public eye. Their regular Saturday night dates were her favorite part of the week. Tonight would have been a major scheduling disaster.

Fortunately, her boyfriend had a big stage performance scheduled for this exact evening. He had offered to cancel his appearance just to spend the night with her. She had refused his offer immediately.

Holding his career back was never an option. His show freed her evening, saving her from making a painful choice between her secret romance and her job.

She walked back toward the executive suite. Her phone buzzed in her palm. A text message flashed across the bright screen.

The manager had sent the address for their meeting.

She read the location and let out a heavy, frustrated breath.

The Jade Pavilion.

\---

"You look nice."

Chloe sat straight in her plush leather chair. She stared across the polished wooden table. She had originally planned to wear basic jeans to send a clear, unwelcoming message.

The restaurant choice ruined that plan entirely. The Jade Pavilion enforced a strict dress code at the door. Wearing casual clothes in a room full of judging billionaires would have humiliated her and Zenith Beauty.

She had compromised. A sleek, modest black dress paired with simple heels kept her within the rules.

"Thank you," Chloe said quietly.

She turned her head, scanning the grand dining room of the third floor. Crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over the private tables. Wealthy guests spoke in hushed tones, sipping expensive drinks from delicate glasses.

"It is impressive, isn't it?" the manager asked.

She brought her attention back to the table. "The architecture is well done."

"It must be your first time visiting a place like this," he remarked. "Do not worry about the menu prices tonight. I can keep bringing you here if you enjoy the atmosphere."

His arrogance was suffocating. He assumed her silence meant she was intimidated by the money surrounding them.

"I appreciate the offer," Chloe said, sitting forward. "But we should move straight to business. Zenith Beauty is ready to draft a formal agreement for Miss Lucy."

A server approached their table, holding a silver tray. He set two crystal water glasses down and offered a leather wine menu to the manager.

"We will take a bottle of your best red," the manager ordered without consulting her.

"I will just have water," Chloe corrected quickly. "I am working."

The server nodded and stepped away. The manager leaned back, resting his arms on the armrests.

"You are very serious for an assistant," he said.

"My CEO expects results," she replied. "What are your client's current rate expectations?"

"Lucy does not sign anything for less than a two-year commitment," he stated. "She requires creative control over the photoshoots and a massive upfront bonus."

Chloe pulled a digital tablet from her purse. "We are offering a one-year exclusive contract. The bonus structure is tied directly to regional sales performance."

"That will not work," he countered smoothly.

"We can negotiate the base salary," Chloe pressed. "If Miss Lucy commits to the upcoming launch event, Zenith Beauty will increase the initial payout."

He picked up his water glass. "Why are we rushing? The night is still young."

"Because my time is limited," she said.

She had kept her eyes on her tablet since sitting down, focused on the negotiation rather than the man across from her. Now, pressing her point, she finally looked up to meet his gaze directly.

His appearance caught her completely off guard.

He was not the sloppy, middle-aged agent she had pictured over the phone.

Sharp cheekbones framed a strong jaw. Dark, intense eyes stared right back at her. His tailored suit fit his broad shoulders perfectly. He possessed the kind of striking, flawless appearance usually reserved for the leading actors he represented.

Chloe blinked, her train of thought stalling for a fraction of a second.

She had spent years surrounded by wealthy, attractive men in the corporate world. None of them had ever caused her to lose focus. This man radiated a dangerous, magnetic pull.

Then, just as quickly, he looked just like her boyfriend — but older.

The manager noticed her sudden pause. A slow, kno
wing smile spread across his lips.

"Do you like what you see, Miss Chloe? Or are we ready to talk about the contract?"