Between Two Billionaires

CHAPTER 5: TWO BILLIONAIRES

ELLA'S POV

“Hunt asked me to deliver a message to you,” Norman said, a little smile crept on his face.



“What message could you possibly not deliver in front of my manager?” I questioned, moving around my desk and taking my seat. I crossed my legs and arms, my eyes kept a constant lock on him.



“He would like to invite you for lunch if you don't mind,” he confessed. He stood there across my desk, his legs apart, his hands crossed against his loins.



“Well, I do mind,” I admitted.

“I appreciate the gesture, but I don't wish to meet with him,” I said, beeping on my computer screen. My hands swept across the keyboards.



“Why not? I promise you, Ethan is a great guy and I can attest to that,” he said, taking a few steps closer to my desk. His eyes held a friendly but firm look.



“Help me personally thank Mr. Hunt for the donation. If there's nothing else…”



“Okay no problem, I'll send your regards.” He interjected, cutting me off. His face still had that quiet smile but dormant expression.



“His card is still with you I believe? If you change your mind, contact him. Have a good day.” He concluded firmly, taking his leave.



I sat there, flabbergasted.

“Why would Ethan want me? He probably has also reached out to many other women,” I sneered. I stared into my screen, my hands sweeping through the keyboard.



‘Ethan Hunt.’

my mind didn't want to let go.



One week later.



Mrs. Moore and I were at Osborn Companies. She had told me about this trip when she assigned it— finalization of funding pledges.



We stood outside Osborn Companies HQ. The building was high-rise, all glass and steel, reaching towards the sky. The lobby was way more impressive than the exterior. Marble tiles, the chandelier hung above, against the high ceiling, reflecting the light rays below. The receptionist and team assigned to receive us looked expensive— tailored outfits, perfect smiles. The whole place reeked of glamour.



We were escorted to a room on the top floor. The floor-to-ceiling window was an elegant showglass of the skyline. A long marble table dominated the centre of the room. Office executives dressed in tailored suits were present, including Osborn Lucas.



He stood up as we entered, casting a cheerful look our way. His black hair was slicked back, his cheeks broadened, his suit well fitted. He had a small custom tag on his pocket which indicated his name. I did remember seeing him at the charity gala, still as tall as I remembered. 



“Mrs. Mary,” he said elately, clasping her hands in his.



“Mrs. Moore…the pleasure is mine.” She gushed.



Then he turned to me.



“And you are?” He asked, his broad smile seemed to have stuck to his face.



“Ella Sheffield sir.” I answered, adjusting my stand.



Then he took my hands in his. Held it for a moment— perhaps a moment too long. His eyes lingered on mine, his gaze unfazed.



I gently pulled back my hand. “It's an opportunity to meet you, Mr. Lucas.”



“Please call me Osborn,” he replied.

“My friends call me Osborn!,” he exclaimed, his voice louder as he turned around facing his executives. I glanced around, taking note of the people staring. They sat in their seats watching us like we were a view to behold.



“I'm sure we'll be friends after this,” he said, taking a wink at me.

“Please take your seats at the grand table,” he added, waving us over with his hand.



The meeting was a blur of numbers, digits and legal jargons I couldn't properly grasp. I sat there quietly, only taking note of the two million dollars that was about to be funded.



And then the door flung open, Ethan Hunt walked in. From a simple glance, I had transitioned to a stare. His black hair perfectly in place, his ocean eyes glistened with perfection. He was dressed in a black tuxedo. He took a look around the room and when his gaze landed on mine, time seemed to stop.



For a moment, our gaze unwavered.



“Ethan!” Osborn called out.

“My brother from another mother. It's good to have you,” he added, his voice echoing through the room as he made his way towards Ethan.



“Hope I'm not interrupting..I can wait outside,” Ethan said as he paused in his tracks.



“Surely not!” Osborn exclaimed.

“We were just finishing up. Meet Mrs. Moore and Ella Sheffield from Wings for Kids orphanage.”



Ethan's eyes met mine again. I hadn't stopped staring.



“it’s good seeing you again Mrs. Moore,” he said, taking a few steps closer to where I was seated, his cologne reeked of wealth. “and Ella..I thought I'd never see you again.” He mentioned, his tone gentle, as he took my hand in his. 



I took a quick glance around, the whole room seemed to have their eyes on us. My cheeks blushed in embarrassment.



“You two seem to share something,” Osborn interrupted with a giggle. “Shall we finish up quickly,” he added, signalling us to get back on track. 



Ethan took a step back, making his way to one of the extra seats away from the table. I couldn't help but feel his presence behind me.



After we were through, everyone picked up after themselves, excusing the room. Mrs. Moore and I also were leaving when Ethan called. 

“Ella. A word please.” 



Mrs. Moore and I both stopped in our tracks. 

“Just Ella.” Ethan emphasized. Mrs. Moore cast a blank stare at me before leaving.



“How can I help you sir?” I asked, as I came briskly to him. Our eyes met.



“Can I take you out for dinner? Just dinner, please.” He responded, his voice warm but firm. His ocean eyes stared into mine, his gaze always seemed to get me off guard.



I snapped away, taking a few steps backwards. I panned around, my hands against my face in a thoughtful manner, and that's when it hit me. Osborn was still in the office. Staring at us.



I looked back in his direction, he had been watching us perform this dramatic play.



But he wasn't smiling any longer and his face no longer had an expression. His eyes had gone cold.