Chapter 12 Chapter Twelve
1348 Words
The next day, Amelia was back at work.
As soon as she stepped into the office, she could feel something was off.
"What's going on today?" she whispered to Lily beside her.
Lily leaned close and said in a low voice, "Heard one of our big partnerships for the second half of the year was all set—everything agreed, just waiting on the contract. But for some reason, Mr. Johnson suddenly refused to sign it yesterday. And in today's meeting, every new proposal the project managers brought up got shot down. He even lashed out during the meeting."
Amelia nodded lightly, not taking it too seriously.
Simon's mood swings were nothing new around here. Him flipping out at a meeting? Totally on brand.
She picked up the proposal sitting on her desk and told Lily, "Get in touch with Cora's agent. Let's go ahead and finalize the endorsement contract for the new launch."
Cora Nelson had always carried that powerful, confident vibe, and this time, AVÉLIA Jewelry's new line was all about elegance and allure blending together.
Honestly, calling this endorsement a good fit for Cora was an understatement—it was basically tailor-made for her.
Ever since the concept for the new product got finalized, Amelia had been in talks with Cora's manager.
Now that the proposal had been approved, she was eager to lock everything in.
"Got it," Lily answered and headed out.
But less than a minute later, she came back frowning.
"Hey, boss, just got a call from the secretary's office. The new product's endorsement won't go to Cora Nelson. Apparently, Mr. Johnson has someone else in mind."
Amelia's brows pulled together. "Did they say who?"
Lily shook her head.
"So what now?"
Amelia paused, her expression unreadable. "I'll go talk to Mr. Johnson."
When she reached Simon's office, she could already hear his voice inside.
He was on the phone, and for once, his tone was way gentler than usual.
For no good reason, Amelia felt a dull ache in her chest.
She took a deep breath, steadied herself, then knocked on the door.
"Come in," his voice floated out.
She stepped inside.
"I've got something to deal with—we'll talk later," Simon quickly wrapped up the call and looked over at her. "What's up?"
"It's about the endorsement. Our proposal had already been approved—why the sudden change, Mr. Johnson?"
Simon loosened his tie slightly. "No need to overthink, Miss Clarke. Just follow instructions."
Amelia's face turned a shade darker.
She'd spent more than six months finalizing that pitch, and now it was getting scrapped—just like that—because this man said so.
"Then could you at least tell me who you're replacing her with? I need to do a proper assessment."
"A friend," Simon replied casually.
His tone was light, but the message was clear—he wasn't changing his mind.
Amelia could tell he wasn't open to discussion.
Since the decision was made, there was no room left to argue.
She paused, then said, "Alright, please have your friend get in touch with me ASAP. I'll need to rework the plan."
"Just use the old one. Why make more work for yourself?"
"I don't think the original plan fits anymore."
"Doesn't matter whether it fits or not." He glanced down at a contract on his desk. "Feeling better? Still having stomach issues?"
She hesitated. "A bit better."
"Good. Don't go overboard with cold stuff."
"Alright." Amelia looked at him and said, "Mr. Johnson, I still hope you'll reconsider the spokesperson for our new product. If you really want to give your friend a chance, maybe you could choose another brand under the company."
Simon paused for a second as he flipped through the contract. "Amelia, are you questioning my decision?"
Amelia swallowed. "I wouldn't dare."
He let out a low chuckle. "Really? Sure seems like you dare quite a bit. Anyway, there's no room for discussion on this. Just let it go."
Then, his tone changed. "You're coming with me to a charity dinner tonight."
Amelia exhaled softly. "Okay."
After work, Simon called her.
"Go home and change. I'll pick you up downstairs in a bit."
"Okay."
Amelia went home and changed clothes. As soon as she finished, his call came through again.
"Come down."
Downstairs, Simon was leaning casually against his car. When he saw Amelia in a long gown walking over, his brows furrowed slightly.
"Why'd you pick that one?"
Amelia had on a strapless dress. Tiny crystals were scattered along the black fabric.
It was custom-made for her by Simon for events like this. She still remembered the flicker of amazement in his eyes when she first wore it.
She was just getting changed upstairs when she saw the dress—and on a whim, decided to put it on.
Didn't expect Simon to dislike it again, though.
Men really do change moods faster than you blink.
"If it doesn't look right, I can go change," she said.
Simon's eyes lingered on her delicate collarbone. "Just throw on a shawl."
"Alright," Amelia nodded.
She came back with a shawl draped around her shoulders, and only then did Simon's expression ease a little.
"Do I really have to drink later?" she asked.
Simon drove one-handed, the other arm propped on the window, fingers loosely supporting his chin.
The sharp lines of his side profile were ridiculously handsome.
But the words that came out of his mouth? Not so much.
"You think it's okay for a manager to show up at this kind of event and not drink?"
Amelia's fingers curled slightly. "My stomach's still kinda acting up."
"Take something for it. Just have a little Champagne—it's light."
She didn't respond.
Pushing more might raise red flags.
Normally he never pressured her to drink.
He'd always been pretty considerate that way.
But today, he seemed dead set on it. Maybe he still hadn't let go of the whole pregnancy scare—or maybe he was just trying to suss things out.
By the time they pulled up to the venue, Amelia had already shoved all those thoughts to the back of her mind.
Linking arms with Simon, Amelia walked into the banquet hall.
The moment they stepped in, she spotted Anselme not far off.
Anselme lifted his glass toward her with a distant smile.
Simon chuckled softly. "Looks like Miss Clarke's got quite the fanbase."
Amelia gave a slight smile. "Relax, Mr. Johnson. I'm only into money."
Simon raised his eyebrows. "So, whoever offers the cash gets to sleep with you?"
Her smile didn't falter. "Then maybe you should up your offer a little. I just might stay forever."
Simon's face instantly darkened.
Amelia didn't say anything more.
People came over one after another to toast Simon. Amelia politely dealt with a few, barely letting the wine touch her lips—no drinking, but no one could tell.
"Mind if I take a break?"
After making her rounds, she was feeling a bit drained.
Simon let go of her arm. "Go get some food."
"Mm."
Amelia picked out two small pastries and sat down alone in a corner.
At some point, Anselme had wandered over to her side.
"Mr. Marchand,"
She greeted him with a polite nod.
Anselme handed Amelia a glass of wine.
She still didn't take it.
This time, Anselme didn't press her.
"You and Simon doing okay?"
"Yeah, we're fine," Amelia replied flatly.
Anselme chuckled, "Honestly, I thought you'd finally be done with him this time."
Amelia stayed quiet. She'd thought so too. But life always played its little jokes.
"Did you hear? His first love is coming back."
That hit her like a truck.
His first love?
Coming back?
Amelia's mind was buzzing.
The funny part? She hadn't even known he had one.
She remembered how he once said love was the most unreliable thing in the world.
That's why he never did romance. Never said he loved anyone.
Amelia used to think maybe he just wasn't wired for love.
But now... maybe he just didn't love her.
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