Chapter 7: The dinner invitation
693 Words
By Friday afternoon, Amara had almost convinced herself that the anonymous messages were nothing more than an attempt to scare her.
Almost.
She was finishing a report when Mrs. Carter stopped beside her desk.
“Amara, Mr. Blackwood wants you at the staff dinner tonight.”
Amara looked up.
“Everyone is going, right?”
“Yes.”
“Good.”
Mrs. Carter smiled.
“You look relieved.”
“I was beginning to think he specifically wanted me there.”
“He does.”
Amara's smile disappeared.
“Why?”
“I don't know.”
“That doesn't make me feel better.”
Mrs. Carter laughed.
“Relax. It's a company dinner, not an interrogation.”
Amara wasn't entirely convinced.
By seven that evening, the restaurant was already crowded with Blackwood Holdings employees.
Amara stood near the entrance, looking around.
She had chosen a simple dark dress and kept her makeup light.
Noah spotted her immediately.
“There you are.”
“Have you been looking for me?”
“No. I was looking for someone who looked equally uncomfortable.”
She laughed.
“Found her?”
“Unfortunately, yes.”
They joined the others at the table.
For the first hour, everything was surprisingly enjoyable.
People joked about work.
Someone told an embarrassing story about Noah.
Noah denied every word of it.
Amara laughed until her stomach hurt.
Then the room suddenly became quieter.
Kian had arrived.
He walked toward the table with two other executives.
Amara looked away quickly.
Noah noticed.
“Oh.”
“What?”
“You're staring.”
“I am not.”
“You absolutely are.”
“I was looking at the wall.”
“The wall is behind him.”
Amara kicked him lightly under the table.
“Ow!”
“Keep talking.”
He grinned.
“Interesting.”
Before she could respond, Kian took the empty seat across from her.
Of all the seats available.
Across from her.
Amara picked up her glass of water.
Kian glanced at her.
“You seem to be enjoying yourself.”
“I am.”
“Good.”
Noah leaned toward her.
“See? He does have a personality.”
Kian looked at him.
“Noah.”
“Yes, sir?”
“Did you finish the report I assigned you?”
Noah's smile disappeared.
“Almost.”
“Almost isn't finished.”
“Yes, sir.”
Amara covered her mouth to hide a laugh.
Dinner continued.
Later, when most of the employees had moved toward the other side of the restaurant, Amara stepped outside for some fresh air.
She rested her hands on the railing.
The city lights stretched below her.
“You disappeared.”
She turned.
Kian stood a few feet away.
“I needed some air.”
He nodded.
For a moment, neither spoke.
Then he asked, “Are you enjoying the job?”
“Yes.”
“Even with me as your boss?”
She smiled.
“I'm still deciding.”
A quiet laugh escaped him.
“You're honest.”
“Most of the time.”
Kian looked out at the city.
“You should be careful.”
Her smile faded.
“About what?”
“People.”
“That's vague.”
“It's supposed to be.”
She studied him.
“Is this another warning?”
“Yes.”
“From you?”
“Especially from me.”
Before she could ask what he meant, a waiter stepped outside.
“Mr. Blackwood, your car is ready.”
Kian nodded.
Then looked at Amara.
“I'll see you Monday.”
He walked away.
Amara watched him leave.
She couldn't explain why, but something about the conversation felt different.
Not threatening.
Not exactly.
More like a warning from someone who knew something she didn't.
Her phone buzzed.
She pulled it out.
Another anonymous message.
He isn't protecting you, Amara. He's protecting himself.
She stared at the words.
Then slowly looked toward the parking lot.
Kian had stopped beside his car.
For one brief moment, he looked back at her.
Their eyes met.
And Amara suddenly wondered...
What exactly was Kian Blackwood afraid she would discover
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