Chapter 425
Zachary Merouin stood before the towering glass facade of the Valdemar Group headquarters, adjusting his tie with meticulous precision.
"Good morning, Mr. Merouin," the receptionist greeted with a polite smile.
He gave a curt nod, but his steps faltered as a stranger caught his eye.
A woman.
Clutching an extravagant bouquet of roses.
His gaze sharpened. "Who's that?" he muttered to the security guard beside him.
The guard shook his head. "First time seeing her."
Zachary's stomach twisted.
Was she here for Sebastian Valdemar?
He edged closer, straining to eavesdrop.
"My name is Scarlett Galatea. I have an appointment with Mr. Valdemar," the woman said, her voice honeyed.
The receptionist eyed her skeptically. "One moment, please."
Scarlett waited with poised elegance, her lips curved in a practiced smile.
Five minutes later, the elevator doors slid open.
"Ms. Galatea, this way."
Zachary whipped out his phone and fired off a text: "Woman with flowers heading up. Explain."
Instantly, he regretted it.
Too obvious.
Grumbling, he stormed off to find a café.
Meanwhile, in the executive conference room...
Scarlett's smile faltered as she entered.
The room wasn't empty.
"Mr. Valdemar." She recovered swiftly, placing the roses on an empty chair.
Sebastian barely glanced up. "Sit."
For thirty minutes, she maintained flawless professionalism.
Only when the others left did she follow him into his office, bouquet in hand.
"A gift for you." She extended the flowers.
"Unnecessary."
"Consider it thanks for your help last time." She set them on the coffee table, undeterred.
Sebastian finally met her gaze. "Contact Theodore Ashcroft for project details."
She rose gracefully. "Perhaps we could exchange contacts?"
After securing his number, she left with a satisfied gleam in her eyes.
Ten minutes later, the office door burst open.
"Sebastian Valdemar!" Zachary charged in like a bull. "Who was that woman?"
Sebastian slowly closed his file. "Stalking me now?"
"I was worried!" Zachary plopped onto the sofa—directly onto the roses.
He leapt up as if burned, gaping at the crushed blooms. "Don't tell me these are—"
Sebastian's glacial stare silenced him.
The room plunged into deafening silence.