The Executive Lie

Chapter 11: First Dinner

The next week passed so fast, I hardly noticed. I had just been doing deep audits and strange, quiet work with Elias. With the closeness to Elias, his show of kindness not just to me but to those I work with, I’d found myself thinking about him more than the numbers.

That evening, I was organizing my data for the next phase of the integration, when my door opened without a knock. It was Elias, now standing in the doorway.

"You're still here," he stated, his voice quiet, as he walked up toward my desk.

I quickly sat up straight. "Yes, Mr Thorne. I'm just finalizing the vendor analysis, Mr. Thorne. I thought I could round it up before the end of the week."

His eyes moved quickly over the files and then to my face, his sharp gray eyes resting there for a moment. "You look tired, Clara"

The cold, caring command was back. "I’ll manage", I said, trying to give a reassuring smile

He nodded, a slight movement that seemed to approve the use of his name. "Good. Then you will prioritize your well-being. We’ll need to discuss the legacy contracts, but not while you’re this tired."

He leaned a hand on the edge of my desk. "So I suggest we do it on less intense grounds. I've arranged for a work dinner tonight by 7:30pm. "

I was completely thrown. The suggestion sounded as a non-negotiable directive, yet a very sweet gesture.

"A dinner? Tonight? Away from the office?" I asked, trying to keep the surprise out of my voice.

"Yes. So we can both relax and ease the stress a bit. You've earned a change of environment after handling the integration work all this time," he said, using the business language to cover the kind gesture.

" I'll send you the address. And don't worry, you don’t have to wear a suit."

He left my office as silently as he arrived, leaving me staring in amazement.

Twenty minutes later, I was back in my apartment, taking off my work clothes. I pulled out my phone and called Avery.

"Avery, you will not believe this," I said, the moment she picks up. " He said I look tired, so he just ordered me out of the office to a work dinner, like he actually cares."

Avery scoffed warmly. "He cares because you are important to the company, Clara. Relax. It’s just dinner."

" He used my first name, but looking at me like he was genuinely concerned," I continued, putting on a cream silk blouse. "He's all control, Avery, but it’s wrapped up in this confusing courtesy. It keeps forcing me to drop my professional guard."

I caught my reflection in the mirror, examining the flush on my cheeks. I was starting to think maybe he wasn’t just a ruthless machine, but a powerful man who showed his compassion through rigid control. The thought was dangerous, and incredibly attractive.

"It’s weird to think this way, but when he looks at me, like he did just this afternoon. I start to think maybe he’s not as ruthless as they say, or maybe he’s just ruthless with everyone but me."

Avery paused on the other end. "Okay, that's new territory, Clara. But fine, go to dinner, have a drink, and keep your guard up.”

“Sure thing!”

“Have you made any progress on that secret Vance account? I need to know where I should focus tonight."

"I haven't been able to dig deeper. I’ve been busy with the priority contracts he wanted," I sighed. "But I've got the initial payment accounts flagged. Can you just cross-reference the transfers with any old Vance employee accounts from five to seven years ago? Just the first step."

"Alright. I’ll get on it. You go play Mrs CEO. I’ll be the tech scout.”

“Stop ittt!” I say jokingly

“Hehe. Take care, Clara. Bye"

I put down the phone and look at the clock. 7:10pm. I grabbed my clutch, checked the address Elias sent and head out.