The Life we never Planned

chapter 27

Chapter 27

HIS POV

The dinner was going better than I expected.

Angela had already spoken to several investors, and from the way they looked at her afterward, I knew she had made an impression.

She didn't need me to carry the conversations for her.

That was one of the things I liked about her.

She could walk into a room filled with people who had been in business longer than she had been alive and still speak like she belonged there.

I watched from across the room as she spoke with an investor from Singapore.

She was listening more than she was talking.

That was smart.

People revealed more when they thought you were listening.

My assistant came to my side.

"The Henderson group wants to speak with you."

"I'll meet them in five minutes."

She nodded and walked away.

I looked back at Angela.

A man had joined her conversation.

I recognized him immediately.

Alexander Reed.

Young, wealthy, and ambitious.

His family had investments across three continents, and he had recently started taking over more of their business.

He was smiling at Angela.

I didn't like it.

I wasn't sure why.

There was nothing inappropriate about their conversation.

Nothing at all.

Still, my attention stayed there.

A few minutes later, Angela laughed at something he said.

My jaw tightened.

Ridiculous.

I had no claim over her.

She was free to speak to whoever she wanted.

I reminded myself of that as I walked toward them.

"Mr. Reed."

Alexander turned.

"Chairman."

We exchanged a brief handshake.

His attention returned to Angela.

"Ms. Williams was just telling me about her expansion plans."

"I know."

Angela looked at me.

"You know?"

"I've read the proposal."

"Of course you have."

There was a hint of amusement in her voice.

Alexander smiled.

"Your company is impressive."

"Thank you."

"We should talk more. I may be interested in investing."

Angela's expression became immediately professional.

"I'd be happy to discuss it."

"I'll have my people contact you."

"That works."

Alexander nodded and excused himself.

I watched him leave.

Then I looked at Angela.

"You seem to be having a productive evening."

"I am."

"Good."

She studied me for a moment.

"What?"

"Nothing."

"You're staring."

"I was listening."

"You weren't listening."

I almost smiled.

She knew me too well for someone who barely knew me.

"I was making sure you were doing well."

"I can take care of myself."

"I know."

There was a pause.

Then she smiled slightly.

"Thank you for introducing me to these people."

"You earned the introductions."

Something changed in her expression.

It was small.

But I noticed.

She wasn't used to receiving credit without someone expecting something in return.

Before I could say anything else, one of the investors approached us.

"Chairman, may I borrow Angela for a moment?"

I looked at her.

She nodded.

"Go."

She followed him.

I watched her walk away.

For the first time that evening, I realized something.

I had invited her here for business.

But somewhere between the first introduction and the second conversation, I had stopped paying attention to the business.

I was paying attention to her.

And that was becoming a problem.