The Contract

As I stepped into the room, a thrill coursed through me, despite having planned this meeting for ages. Seeing him openly like this still had an unsettling effect. "Good evening, Miss Keys," that sultry voice brought me back to reality, and I felt my cheeks flush with heat. Whether it was embarrassment or longing, I couldn't quite tell.

Crescent, noticing my distress, offered greetings to our business partner. "Good evening, Mr. Ethaniel Slade."

"I hope you had a warm reception," Ethan asked, his eyes locked on mine.

Cent hesitated, unsure if the two escorts could be described as 'warm,' but responded positively nonetheless.

Regaining my composure, I introduced myself formally. "Alexandria Keys, CEO of Jewel Enterprises, pleasure to meet you," I said, extending my arm.

Ethan's gaze lingered on my hand before taking it. "Ethaniel Slade," he replied, his handshake soft, as if afraid to apply pressure.

"Please, make yourself comfortable," he suggested, nodding toward the seats.

Only then did I notice someone else in the room – his personal assistant, Valtor. A man people feared and respected almost as much as Ethan. While Ethan remained a mysterious figure to the media and his employees, I knew him intimately, down to his coffee preferences and personal habits.

A pang of envy rose within me as I looked at Valtor, but I quickly suppressed it.

Ethan glided fluidly from his desk to the lounge chair, gathering documents that I assumed were the contract papers. "Val, please make a cup of coffee for Miss Keys, and tell Drea to prepare one for her assistant."

Valtor moved to the coffee maker, inquiring about my coffee preferences. Another person entered with a cup of coffee for Cent, and I wondered how they had been informed.

The obvious special treatment Ethan afforded me made me feel warm inside.

"May I ask why you changed the deal from a month's supply of fabrics to two months?" Ethan asked, his eyes narrowing slightly.

I hesitated, unsure how to respond. The truth – that I wanted to spend more time working with him – seemed too revealing.

"I feel that rushing or speeding things up would lead to mistakes, and I value the opportunity given to our company. I'd like to satisfy you and your company with the best products," I replied, trying to sound professional.

Ethan's gaze lingered on mine. "You're not in an interview, Miss Keys. You can speak freely."

A blush crept up my face. "I really want to leave a good impression by giving you and your company the best. Plus, we'll be getting twice the original amount, so it's a very beneficial deal that requires cautiousness."

Ethan nodded thoughtfully. "I see. You can review the contract contents. If you wish to make any adjustments, please let me know. Otherwise, please sign it, and we can close the deal."

After scanning the contract, I handed it to Crescent. His eyes widened in surprise at the benefits we would receive, but he maintained his composure. "It seems alright."

I signed the deal, and this time, Ethan was the one with the outstretched hand. I took it, feeling a spark of electricity.

As we bid each other farewell, I couldn't help but wonder what other surprises lay in store.

Meanwhile, in the office...

"Val?" Ethan's voice was low and even.

"I know, Ethan," Valtor responded, a hint of fatigue creeping into his tone.

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