Chapter 13
Fiona hung up the phone, her face showing a mix of confusion and shock.
“Who was that?” someone nearby asked.
“It was… Mr. Bennett.”
Jonathan was known for being extremely low–key, rarely doing interviews. Outside the company, not much was known about him. However, the front desk staff–who often had downtime and were a bit nosy–had a pretty good idea of who he was. So, it was no surprise that Fiona could recognize his voice immediately.
Fiona glanced at Cynthia, her gaze filled with envy. “What is this woman’s connection to Mr. Bennett? Why did he call the front desk for her personally? Was her earlier call meant for him?
“The CEO’s office is on the 32nd floor,” Fiona said, a hint of reluctance in her voice.
Cynthia smiled and thanked her before heading to the elevators, and the doors opened quickly on the 32nd floor. As she walked down the corridor, she paused right in front of the CEO’s office door. Without a second thought, she knocked softly.
The door swung open to reveal a tall man with gold–rimmed glasses and a polite smile. “I’m Claude Gaston, Mr. Bennett’s secretary. He’s in a meeting right now, and you can wait here for a moment.”
“I would prefer to wait in the guest room,” Cynthia replied politely.
Given your connection with Mr. Bennett, you can make yourself at home here,” Claude said with a knowing grin.
Cynthia paused, her cheeks warming, but then she smiled back. “Alright, thank you.” It was clear that Claude knew about her relationship with Jonathan, so there was no need for her to be coy.
After pouring Cynthia a glass of water, Claude stepped out, leaving her alone.
Cynthia settled onto the large sofa and took in her surroundings. The office was massive, almost like a fancy suite, with closed doors leading to other rooms.
What really caught Cynthia’s eye was the floor–to–ceiling window behind the desk. She stood up and walked over to it. The view was stunning, providing a sweeping look at the city below. Cars traveled along the elevated highways, bustling like the veins of the urban landscape.
After taking in the scenery for a moment, Cynthia turned back to the office and noticed a huge desk covered in neatly organized files. Among them, a crystal frame caught her attention.
Inside the frame was a photo of a little girl, around four or five years old, dressed in a pink tutu. With adorable pigtails and holding a fluffy bunny, she radiated joy.
The quality of the photo was a bit faded, like those old pictures. The little girl’s face was somewhat blurry, but her bright smile lit up the room, chasing away the gloom.
Though Cynthia didn’t recognize the girl, she felt a strange sense of familiarity and was about to pick up the frame for a closer look.
Just then, the door opened, and Jonathan appeared in the doorway. Their eyes met.
He noticed her studying the photo, and his brow furrowed slightly. He didn’t step inside, seemingly waiting for her to say something.
With a smile, Cynthia waved the photo a little and asked casually. “Is this your daughter?”
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15:04 Wed, Oct 30 a
Chapter 13
“Bullshit.” Jonathan’s brow furrowed deeper as he approached, speechless. He snatched the photo directly and put it back in place.
“Here you are, a big shot from Betrico, and you’re using foul language?” Cynthia retorted. Yet, there was something oddly comforting in their back–and–forth it reminded her of how they used to talk honest and unfiltered
Jonathan met her gaze again, but his expression had shifted to a gold indifference. “What do you want?”
For three years, Cynthia had never seen him like this. In her memories, he had been always passionate, charming, and maybe a little eager for her affection. But now, he seemed distag, making her wonder which version of him was the real
one.
Cynthia found her professional tone. “Can we keep our personal issues out of Yates Construction? It’s one of the top ten construction firms in the country, and I believe Bennett Group shouldn’t deny it a fair chance to bid.”
Jonathan leaned back in his chair, picking up a document from his desk. His voice remained cool and distant. “No, Filip sent you here?”
“I came on my own,” Cynthia reassured him. “I know I messed us, but I believe someone like you can separate personal feelings from business.”
Jonathan looked up, a faint smile flickering at the corners of his lips, giving him a devilishly charming air. “Mrs. Yates, no need to butter me up. I’m actually pretty good at mixing business with pleasure
“What will it take for you to give Yates Construction a fair shot? A flash of frustration crossed Cynthia’s face.
Jonathan patted his lap. “Come here.”
Cynthia walked over and, almost automatically, sat down on his lap. His eyes darkened slightly, recalling all those nights that started this way. She knew this would always have an effect on him
With a chuckle, he grasped her chin and leaned in for a kiss. She had never been this compliant before. Normally, she was the one in control, relishing the chase. But today, she was all about pleasing him, and he was getting lost in the moment.
Noticing the way his eyes glazed over, Cynthia pulled back just enough to whisper in his car, her voice soft and enticing. “What do you say you get the bid document sent out for Yates Construction, huh?”
We got so close, and she could still think about that?‘ Jonathan’s gaze intensified, the haze in his eyes slowly clearing as he pulled back slightly. He held her chin, locking eyes with her, his gaze sharp. “The beauty trick won’t work on me during the day.”
Cynthia jumped off his lap. “You could have said that sooner, you know. I was playing along for a while.”
Jonathan’s expression tightened. This woman is heartless. She has no qualms about ditching me when I’m not useful to her. Just a moment ago, I felt myself fading away, only for her to reveal it was all a game?
“Is there really no way to work this out?” Cynthia pressed.
Jonathan locked eyes with her and could see a flicker of defeat there. He knew if he said “yes,” she would leave and never look back–she had little patience for him. Finally, he spoke up. You agree to one condition, and I’ll give Yates Construction a chance.”
“What’s the condition?”
“Move out of the Yates residence and into Greenfield Villa
Greenfield Villa belonged to Cynthia, but she had just handed it over to Jonathan after she dumped him.
Without hesitation, she replied, “Fine. Just send out the bid documents for Yates Construction now.”
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