“No, it’s not necessary,” Dylan Scott reassured her, his gaze thoughtful as he studied her profile.
After picking up her employee badge, he had investigated everything about her.
Avery Bennett had graduated from Southern University of Finance and Economics two years ago, ranking first in her class. She joined Apex Global as a material accountant before transitioning to cost accounting. Earlier this year, she was promoted to assistant accountant. Known for her diligence and reliability, she consistently earned perfect attendance awards and had earned high praise from Hunter Brooks, the finance manager.
Among her peers, Avery stood out as tall and slender, though slightly delicate. Her facial features were soft yet defined, with a natural elegance that required no makeup to enhance. Her flawless complexion was a testament to her beauty.
But what truly captivated Dylan were her eyes. Bright and clear, they resembled a tranquil lake, exuding a quiet charm even in stillness. When they moved, they sparkled like a flowing stream, radiant and lively, with a hint of playfulness and intelligence. Once seen, they were unforgettable.
That’s why he was certain she hadn’t been among the employees who welcomed him yesterday.
While the entire company seemed to be in a frenzy, she had remained calm and focused, buried in her work in the office. Dylan found this both incredible and intriguing.
When they first met in the elevator, he assumed she would be like any other woman—drawn to him, as he was often the object of admiration. But she quickly averted her gaze, as if the floor indicator was more interesting than he was. This indifference sparked a rare irritation in him.
Though he usually found the attention from women somewhat annoying, this was the first time he had been so blatantly ignored. It stirred an unexpected anger within him.
Her lips were pressed tightly together, unlike other women who might have used the confined space of the car to subtly lean closer. Instead, she sat quietly in the corner, her expression neutral but tinged with a faint annoyance. It seemed that accompanying him to dinner was a task she found particularly burdensome.
He thought she might be putting on an act, but her eyes weren’t focused on him at all. They were slightly downcast, as if she were lost in thought.
“Ahem!” He cleared his throat to get her attention.
“Oh, do you have a cold, Mr. Scott?” Her tone was polite, but the underlying distance was unmistakable.
“No, I was just reminding you that we’ve arrived,” Dylan replied, slightly flustered as the car pulled up to the grand entrance of the hotel.
The five-star hotel stood tall and majestic, its opulent decor almost overwhelming, resembling a palace more than a place of business. This was a world Avery would never have ventured into on her own.
Following closely behind Dylan’s tall figure, Avery couldn’t help but worry. If the cost of tonight’s dinner was deducted from her overtime pay, her hard work today would have been for nothing. She sighed, casting a resentful glance at his back.
Once seated at the table, Dylan handed her the menu.
“Oh, you order. I don’t usually come to places like… this,” Avery said politely, pushing the menu back toward him.
“It’s fine. You can choose a few dishes you like. I have my own menu,” Dylan insisted.
Avery reluctantly took the menu, her expression still tinged with reluctance.