Chapter 12
Gavin had his arm around Stella, looking completely unapologetic about holding onto another woman while Cecilia stood. before him.
Cecilia’s injured arm hung at her side, the pain and numbness concealed under the silk sleeve of her blouse. Her face, however, gave nothing away.
She met Gavin’s superior look head–on and held out the documents with her left hand. “This needs your signature.” she stated, her tone businesslike and cool.
Fury flashed across Gavin’s features at her words. “All those times you came to see me before, holding me up now… it was all just for this?”
Gavin couldn’t believe Cecilia wasn’t the least bit jealous or trying to play the coquette like he’d expected.
“Yes, this document is critical.” Cecilia affirmed, stepping closer. She continued explaining earnestly, “Jewelry Exhibition is my project. Of course it’s what matters most to me right now.”
Stella was still putting on her dizziness act. Gavin felt genuine concern for her, but his frustration was primarily fueled by Cecilia’s cold, dismissive attitude.
“Cecilia, I don’t have time for your document right now.” Gavin demanded, “Stella’s injured and needs the hospital. You’re fussing over this when you still can’t see what truly matters. If anything happens because we’re delayed, I’d regret it for the rest of my life.”
Cecilia saw right through Stella’s little act.
“Ms. Yates should be fine.” Cecilia said, “But this document is time–sensitive and on the critical path. It won’t take more than a minute of your time. Please sign it now so that Project Division can move forward.”
“Cecilia! Is your job the only thing that matters?” Gavin snapped, her focus solely on work finally pushing him over the edge.
“Are you doing this to get at Stella? Didn’t I offer you a way out first? You weren’t even hurt. What’s there to be upset about me helping Stella first? How much longer is this childish pettiness going to last?” he demanded.
“Mr. Foster, I’m speaking strictly business here.” Cecilia cut him off, her voice level and firm. Even under the watchful eyes of the maintenance crew and everyone present, she remained calm and poised.
Gavin only grew angrier. Cecilia’s unwavering independence showed her clear lack of needing Gavin from the very start, which was a deep–seated frustration for him.
Stella’s dependent nature and affection, in stark contrast, were exactly what soothed his ego. When it came to Cecilia, all Gavin could feel was resentment over their failed romantic entanglement.
Predictably, Gavin’s feelings were drawn to whoever seemed to need him most.
“Don’t tell me how to run my business. This is my company.” he stated, his tone thick with unreasonable authority, “I decide what’s important. You’re just an employee in Project Division. If I choose to cancel Jewelry Exhibition, this document will
become worthless.”
Cecilia’s eyes widened briefly in shock, her spine stiffening almost imperceptibly.
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“If you make such sudden decisions on a whim, Mr. Foster,” she stated flatly, “I will formally call it out in tomorrow’s company meeting.
“Jewelry Exhibition is running smoothly and on schedule. There is absolutely no justification for canceling it. Even this is your company, you still have to answer to the other shareholders.”
Cecilia would never allow all the effort she’d poured into the exhibition, nor the dedication of her entire team, to be casually tossed aside like it meant nothing.
Gavin’s eyes
narrowed with a dark, dangerous intensity as he gazed Cecilia. “Are you daring to threaten me?”
“I’m simply reminding you to keep work and personal matters separate.” Cecilia countered, holding out the document once
more. She met his gaze head–on, each word deliberate and clear, “If you refuse to sign, Mr. Foster, I will take it to the other shareholders.”
A bitter, humorless laugh escaped Gavin. He had never thought that Cecilia, the woman who’d stood by him for years, would dare defy him, let alone publicly undermine his authority like this.
“Mr. Foster, Cecilia.” Stella interjected softly, her eyes downcast and glistening with unshed tears, “Please, don’t argue because of me. My little scratch is nothing serious. Mr. Foster, you should please attend to Cecilia’s document first.”
The standoff stretched on, thick with tension.
After a long moment, Gavin finally snatched the document, flipping through its pages with barely a glance.
His eyes, cold with contempt, locked onto Cecilia. “How utterly selfish you are. I must have been wrong about you all along.”
Gavin signed the document and tossed it aside. Then he scooped Stella up gently. “It’s okay, Stella.” he soothed, “I’m taking you to the hospital right now.”
Inside, he thought, ‘Cecilia pushed me toward someone else with her own hands. She’ll regret it.
Cecilia wasn’t bothered at all. She headed straight to PR Division with the documents to get things moving and sorted out her team’s tasks.
She was flat out busy all the way until 3 pm. That’s when she finally got a chance to sit down for a breather.
Cecilia’s arm was still aching badly from the bump. She was just about to finally head to the hospital to get it checked when her phone pinged with a new message.
It was from Mr. Hall. [Ms. Jordan, your piece has been delivered from Hall Manor. I’m at the office now. Can you come by at the moment?]
Cecilia replied: [Yes. I’ll be right there.]
Then she made her way straight to Hall Group.
*****
The receptionist smiled respectfully. “Good afternoon, Ms. Jordan.” she said. “Mr. Hall is waiting for you in his office. Please come this way.”
“Thanks.” Cecilia replied, returning a small smile. She followed the receptionist behind her.
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The elevator opened directly onto the office suite on the 68th floor.
Even though it was her first time here, Cecilia politely kept her eyes forward, resisting the urge to look around.
Still, she took it all in with one sweeping glance. The office was done in a stark black and white minimalist palette. It gave off a serious, all–business vibe that felt a bit oppressive.
“Please have a seat, Ms. Jordan.” said Simon, looking up at her from behind his desk.
His suit jacket was draped over the back of his chair. He wore a light blue button–down shirt and tie, giving off a vibe of cool distance. He carried himself with that effortless grace and dignity he seemed born with.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Hall.” Cecilia responded with a smile.
Simon briefly told his secretary, “Two coffees and pastries, please.” Then he walked smoothly over to the sofa and gestured toward something on the table.
Following his gesture, Cecilia looked toward the table. There sat her piece, carefully boxed up.
“I never imagined I’d see it again.” she said softly. She carefully lifted the lid, instinctively trying to use her right hand, but it just wouldn’t cooperate.
Simon caught the slight wince as she tried to move her hand. He frowned. “Ms. Jordan, is your right hand injured?”
“The elevator had a glitch today. I just got bumped.” Cecilia explained, a bit surprised he’d noticed.
Simon was already on his feet, picking up the internal line. “Have my personal doctor come over.” he instructed.
“That’s really not necessary. I was planning to go to the hospital later anyway.” Cecilia jumped in quickly, trying to stop him.
“Is it even possible to get an appointment this late?” Simon walked back to her. “Would you mind if I checked it out?” he asked.
Cecilia paused for a beat, then didn’t refuse. She rolled up her right sleeve.
Simon leaned in gently, pressing the spot lightly with his finger.
“Let the doctor check it first. Then we’ll see about the hospital.” he said, “If I hadn’t called you, you’d probably already be at the hospital by now. Hands like yours, Ms. Jordan, are really valuable for your craft. Can’t afford to get them hurt.”
Cecilia could tell he was sincere. And she meant it when she said, “Thanks.”
While waiting for the doctor, Cecilia looked at her piece.
She ran her hand slowly over the carvings. Closing her eyes, she felt like a kid again, learning from her dad. Those memories were old now, but she still kept the warm feeling of his love.
This piece was really special to her heart.
Cecilia couldn’t help but wonder, “Mr. Hall, how come you ended up with this one?” Back then, she wasn’t anybody yet, and he paid way too much for it.
Facing her curious look, Simon felt his heart skip a little.
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“That auction,” he started, “I collected eleven pieces.” His gaze moved to the lifelike sculpture of the girl, and for a moment, something deeper flickered in his eyes.
“To me, this one feels alive. I didn’t know who designed it back then, but the piece itself was the reason why I wanted it. Seeing you back designing jewelry now, Ms. Jordan, it just proves I picked a winner.”
“Well then, I can’t let you down, Mr. Hall.” There was a spark in Cecilia’s eyes–the fire of her dream coming back to life.
“About the fee for loaning the piece out for the show, I’ve made my decision.” Simon’s gaze stayed on her, his voice low. “I want your second piece, Ms. Jordan.”
There was a lot more to Simon’s words than met the ear–it was something deep and quiet he’d held onto for a long time.
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