Ex Husband Wants Me Back

Chapter 20

Lessie's POV

The cab drove straight to the company.

This was my first time here, as we had only met Mr. Rodriguez at his social party before now.

My colleagues must have already arrived. The meeting was scheduled for 10 a.m., and I was twenty minutes early.

I approached the secretary’s desk and gave her my name.

“Ah, Mrs. Green? This is where you’ll wait until the CEO is ready to see you,” she said, gesturing towards an entrance.

I wasn't exactly sure where to go, as she only pointed in a general direction, but I couldn’t ask her for more help since she had to stay at her post. Luckily, just then, someone passed by, and the secretary asked them to guide me to the waiting area.

“Thank you,” I said politely before following the person.

When I arrived, I saw my colleagues were already there. As soon as they spotted me, they called out in unison.

“Lessie is here!”

I scratched my head apologetically. “Sorry I’m a bit later than you guys.”

I’m usually punctual for work events, and this was only the second time recently that I’d arrived late. The first was when I had to drop the kids at school, and now today. There may have been more times, but I just can't remember.

“Oh, Lessie, why are you apologizing? We just got here too. Even the boss hasn’t arrived yet.”

I sighed, knowing they were just trying to make me feel better. Judging by how they were already seated, it was clear they'd been here for a while.

“So, the boss hasn’t arrived yet?” I asked, steering the conversation in a new direction to avoid awkwardness.

“No, he hasn’t come yet. It’s so unlike him,” David replied with a shrug.

“Did anyone try calling him?”

“We did, but he said he’s busy with something and will be here on time.”

I frowned. What could Benjamin be busy with that he’d risk being late for a business meeting?

Since Benjamin wasn’t here, I’d have to let the question go. I glanced around and took a seat in an empty chair. Charlotte, the chatterbox, scooted over to sit next to me, but this time, instead of small talk, she discussed the upcoming meeting.

We shared ideas and compared notes. Although Charlotte is usually lively and talkative, she’s surprisingly sharp at her work.

Fifteen minutes later, Benjamin finally arrived. It was right on time, and we all filed into the conference room. I didn’t get a chance to ask Benjamin anything, as there was no time to spare.

Inside the conference room, we found Mr. Rodriguez already there. He had just wrapped up a meeting with his internal team, so it made sense he’d be ready and waiting.

“Welcome, Mr. Benjamin.” Mr. Rodriguez stood up, shaking hands with Benjamin and also with me.

He greeted my other colleagues as well.

“Please, have a seat,” he gestured to the empty chairs.

Benjamin didn’t stand on ceremony and sat down as directed, and the rest of us followed suit.

Initially, the atmosphere was pleasant, but then it turned serious.

Benjamin looked at Mr. Rodriguez carefully before asking, “Where’s Mr. Freddie Green? Shouldn’t he be here already?”

The others nodded, waiting for Mr. Rodriguez’s response. Since Freddie was part of the partnership, he should have been here, right?

Just as Mr. Rodriguez was about to respond, an unexpected voice echoed in the room.

“And who said I’m not here?”

Everyone, myself included, turned toward the door.

It was Freddie.

He paused at the entrance before walking over to his seat, and the room grew tense. His tone held an edge that made his presence feel heavier.

“Heh, Mr. Freddie is here,” Mr. Rodriguez said in a friendly attempt to ease the tension. I had a feeling he was trying to smooth over the awkwardness, but it wasn’t my business to dwell on that.

I tried to look away, but before I could, Freddie’s gaze locked onto mine.

“Ugh, so embarrassing.” I quickly turned away.

Freddie acted indifferent as he sat in the chair Mr. Rodriguez indicated.

“Let’s start the meeting now,” Benjamin said calmly, unaffected by Freddie’s attitude, which was something I admired about him.

We all turned to face the large display screen on the wall as we brought out our business plans.

The meeting was strictly business from that point on. My colleagues and I presented our parts well, and Mr. Rodriguez nodded along, looking pleased.

The only one with a different expression was that big-headed Freddie. I couldn’t tell what was on his mind, not that I really cared, but as partners, everyone’s opinion mattered. Frustrating.

Once we wrapped up, I saw the secretary approaching Mr. Rodriguez to say something, and I quickly stopped her before she left.

“Sorry, could I get a glass of water?” My throat was dry from all the talking, and any embarrassment I might have felt was long gone.

"Uh, sure." The secretary was cooperative. It didn’t take long before someone brought the water on her behalf.

I quickly drank it, feeling my thirst disappear. Then, noticing Mr. Rodriguez and the others watching me, I muttered, “Sorry,” in a low voice.

“Hehe, go on, drink more,” Mr. Rodriguez chuckled, making me laugh, feeling even more embarrassed.

“Today’s meeting is over, and the next one is in two days. By then, we should already be making progress,” Mr. Rodriguez announced, and we all nodded.

Everyone stood and made their way out. We said our goodbyes to Mr. Rodriguez as we prepared to leave the company.

Benjamin also said goodbye to Freddie.

Just as we were about to leave, Freddie stopped us, his eyes fixed on Benjamin. “Let’s have a meal together,” he said directly.

“Us?” Benjamin asked, uncertain.

“Yes, just you and her.” Freddie’s gaze shifted to me, making it clear that “her” was me.

Oh gosh, what is Freddie up to now?

“You mean just me and Lessie? What about the others?” Benjamin looked surprised.

“I don’t care,” Freddie replied, already showing signs of frustration with Benjamin’s questions.

Benjamin hesitated, clearly considering Freddie’s suggestion, but I panicked and quickly spoke up. There was no way I’d let just Benjamin and me have a meal with Freddie.

“You don’t care? Well, we won’t be joining you either.” I hurriedly grabbed Benjamin’s hand before he could agree.

Benjamin looked confused by my sudden hold on his hand, but I didn’t care. I glanced at the others, who seemed awkwardly ready to follow me. I understood their hesitation. Freddie wasn’t a simple man.

“Are you daring me?” Freddie asked, his displeasure obvious.