“Come in. You’ve already sat here this morning, so sitting again… won’t hurt,” he said casually, his tone relaxed.
Avery Bennett, realizing he had recognized her, steeled herself and stepped inside. She couldn’t exactly climb down sixteen floors and collapse in a corner, gasping for breath, could she?
The elevator descended in silence. When they finally reached the ground floor, Avery mumbled a quick “Goodbye” and tried to make a swift exit.
“Your employee badge is still in my possession,” he reminded her.
Avery sighed. It was solid evidence, and there was no way to destroy it now. She turned back, looking at him cautiously. “Thank you.”
“No problem. Let me treat you to dinner as a reward for my most diligent employee,” he said. When he wasn’t smiling, his eyes were dark and intense, but even the faintest smile seemed to light up his entire face, his pale blue eyes sparkling like stars.
For a moment, Avery was mesmerized. She awkwardly took the badge he handed her. As he withdrew his hand, his pinky brushed lightly against her palm, sending a shiver through her.
She pulled her hand back as if shocked and politely declined, “Thank you, but the company will pay overtime, so there’s no need for you to spend on me. Goodbye.”
His pupils narrowed slightly, and he called after her, “My name is Dylan Scott.”
So, it was the legendary CEO himself!
Avery cursed her luck. Twice now, she’d been caught by him in the elevator. She stopped in her tracks, turned around, and greeted him respectfully, “Hello, Mr. Scott.”
“So, will you join me for dinner?” His expression was serious, almost stern.
Avery shook her head slightly. “It’s already late. Maybe next time…”
His long legs closed the distance between them in just a few strides. He leaned down slightly and said, “Let’s go.”
His gaze was like a beam of sunlight, direct and unwavering, impossible to refuse. She felt like a delicate vine in the darkness, stretching out its leaves in desperate need of light.
Dazed, she followed him. His car, a Phantom LWB, was already waiting at the entrance. The car exuded a regal elegance and understated authority, much like its owner.
This aura of power was subtle yet unmistakable.
Dylan opened the door for her with gentlemanly grace, and she slid into the seat. He gave the driver an address, and the car glided smoothly into the night.
Avery felt out of place. Her entire outfit probably cost less than one of the car’s seat cushions. The man beside her, though seemingly relaxed, carried himself with an effortless poise.
She felt as if every move she made was being scrutinized, so she kept her eyes fixed on her fingers, as if they held some profound secret.
“Yesterday… I didn’t see you?” he asked casually, but Avery was taken aback.
His memory was too sharp, and his patience… well, it left something to be desired.
“Ah, well… yesterday when you arrived, I was busy with work, so I didn’t come to greet you,” Avery explained, glancing up briefly.