Chapter Four
1034 Words
At Ceramétoire International group, a secretive team was in talks with the owner of the company in the conference room. After about some minutes the owner signed an acquisition contract at a price of 25 billion.
Little did anyone know, the boss of Ceramétoire International group had been replaced. The middle-aged man who emerged from the meeting room reported to someone over the phone, "Young master Lucas, the acquisition is done. You're now the president."
"Good!" came the casual response from the other end.
Lucas fulfilled his promise to his grandmother by buying the company where Celine worked, spending 25 billion in the process.
At this point, Celine was unaware that her boss had changed. She had eagerly resumed her work in the new office after enrolling her son in a private kindergarten, hoping for more freedom to focus on her job. As a designer sent by the design department, she enjoyed various perks, such as her own dedicated workspace and a capable assistant named Rachel.
Celine settled into her chair, absentmindedly tapping her pen against the desk, her thoughts drifting to her son. She smiled, remembering how a mother complimented him at the kindergarten earlier. "Is that your son, he's such a handsome boy! I've never seen such a good-looking boy." She gets happy when someone praises her son's good looks.
Rachel's heels clicked against the floor as she entered the office, her presence breaking Celine's reverie. "Celine, your coffee," she said, offering the cup with a warm smile.
"Thank you," Celine nodded gratefully, taking the cup.
But before she could even take a sip, Rachel knocked on the door again, her expression serious. "Celine, the manager mentioned that a meeting is scheduled for 2:00 pm, and the boss himself will be present, so be prepared."
At exactly 2:00 pm, Celine took her seat in the meeting room. The presence of numerous important members that are in the meeting, indicated that this was a significant company meeting.
As she continued to scan the room, her gaze locked with those of a striking woman in her late twenties, with a name tag "Chief Designer Vivian." Celine sensed the competitive atmosphere instantly. "In this industry, there are no friends, only rivals," she mused, feeling the weight of the competition.
Just then, footsteps approached the door, indicating more arrivals. The tall, impeccably dressed man who entered exuded authority and power as he took his place at the head of the table without uttering a word.
His mere presence commanded respect and silenced the room instantly.
The female staff couldn't help but feel a flutter of excitement as they laid eyes on the handsome, enigmatic figure. "Why does the boss look different today?" murmured one of them as anticipation filled the air.
Even Celine was surprised. "Isn't the FireArt boss usually in his early fifties? Why is this man so young?"
At that moment, the company's vice president, Landon Blakely, cleared his throat. "Allow me to introduce Mr. Lucas Rodriguez. He's now the CEO and chairman of Ceramétoire International group. He'll be overseeing all affairs of FireArt from now on. Let's give him a warm welcome."
A sudden collective gasp filled the room. "Lucas Rodriguez? He bought Ceramétoire International group?"
While others were shocked, Celine raised her head and locked eyes with Lucas, who was already looking at her. She felt a sense of unease wash over her as he didn't avert his gaze. There was something about his gaze that unsettled her, making her heart race.
She found it difficult to concentrate as Lucas's eyes seemed to follow her every move. She couldn't shake the feeling that his attention was solely focused on her, intensifying the sense of discomfort she felt.
"Could it be that as long as I reject the Rodriguez family's offer, they will keep showing up around me? Wasn't I clear enough?" She wondered.
"Let's begin the meeting! You'll lead it," Lucas shifted his gaze and said to Landon beside him.
The women in the room were excited, their eyes gleaming with Joy. They were so captivated by Lucas that they forgot about the meeting's agenda.
He exuded an unmatched aura of authority and wealth, the epitome of every woman's dream husband.
Celine, lost in thought, hardly paid attention to the meeting. Whenever she glanced up, their eyes kept locking.
Soon, everyone in the room noticed. "Why is Lucas focusing only on Celine? Is it because she's young and beautiful?" Instantly, jealousy emanated from the other women. Lucas's special attention to her fueled their resentment.
Celine wanted to demand Lucas to stop staring at her, but she endured it. She just wanted the meeting to end and leave the company, but remembering her recently signed 4-year contract left her speechless.
Finally, the meeting ended, and Celine hurried out of the conference room feeling agitated. As she reached her office, there was a knock on the door. Before she could respond, Lucas entered, and she shot him an annoyed glare.
"Is there something you need, President Rodriguez?" Celine asked, her impatience evident as she settled into her chair, lacking the usual reverence for her boss.
Hearing her tone, Lucas smoothly pulled a chair across from her desk, exuding an air of arrogance as he sat down. In a cold, commanding voice, he said, "Miss Thunwood, let's talk."
"Are we discussing work?" Celine raised an eyebrow inquisitively.
"When I was five, I was kidn*pped. Your mother saved me, and I owe her. The Rodriguez family wants to repay you. Just tell me what you need, and I'll try to make it happen," Lucas stated calmly.
"There's no need. My mother saved you out of duty. You don't owe me anything, and I won't accept it," Celine firmly declined.
"I've heard you have a son. I could help raise him with you if you want," Lucas suggested, his eyes narrowing.
Celine suddenly glanced at him, and a sudden thought flashed in her mind.
"Huh"
She actually thought for a moment that her son looked like this man. Their features, eyes, temperament, and even their hair seemed oddly similar.
"How peculiar," she thought.
"I don't need assistance raising my son," Celine refused, looking into his eyes firmly.
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