Chapter2
1180 Words
Elijah Wyatt was widely recognized not only for being the youngest CEO in the company's history and the heir to the world's largest fortune but also for his remarkable attractiveness. Despite feeling immense hurt and anger about the series of events that had unfolded earlier that day, Joana couldn't help but notice his chiseled jawline, muscular shoulders, and astonishingly handsome features.
Before she could even attempt to voice her dissatisfaction regarding the close call with his car, Elijah's gaze traveled up and down Joana's disheveled form. Without uttering a word, he nonchalantly tossed a wad of cash out the window before driving away with a flourish of the engine. The sight of Wyatt, the CEO of WereCorp, nearly colliding with her and treating her like a mere beggar left Joana incensed.
This encounter served as an even stronger reminder to Joana that werewolves, particularly those of notable success like Elijah, often exuded arrogance and a lack of empathy. Discarding the cash onto the ground, Joana gathered herself and cursed under her breath as she realized the extent of her soaked and soiled clothing. She would have to scrape together enough change to visit the laundromat and ensure her attire was presentable for another day of job hunting. But, for the time being, all she desired was to temporarily escape her sorrows.
Joana walked a couple of blocks, her mind focused on finding solace. Eventually, her eyes fell upon a quiet and inviting bar. Taking a deep breath to steady herself and smoothing down her stained shirt, she pushed through the doors and made her way toward the guard stationed at the entrance.
The guard narrowed his eyes, assessing Joana's disheveled appearance, even sniffing the air in her vicinity.
"There are no unaccompanied humans allowed," he growled, crossing his arms.
A frown etched itself onto Joana's face. "Accompanied?" she inquired.
"I am willing to pay for a drink. Just let me in," she asserted.
The guard shook his head, indicating that she was unwelcome, treating her as an inconvenience.
"This discrimination isn't legal, you know," Joana's voice grew louder. "You can't dismiss humans like this. Is my money worthless here simply because-"
“She's with me,” Suddenly, a commanding and firm voice interrupted from behind. Both Joana and the guard turned to see a distinguished man in a suit standing on the staircase.
The guard swiftly turned around to face the man standing on the stairs. Joana stood there, her eyes widening in realization that the man who had mysteriously aided her in gaining access to the bar was the same person who had nearly collided with her in his car earlier and then carelessly threw her a wad of cash as if she were a beggar: Elijah Wyatt, the CEO of WR Corp. She briefly contemplated turning around and leaving, but before she could make a decision, Elijah descended the stairs, waving the guard away, and fixed his steely gray eyes upon her.
"Come on," he said, glancing past Joana toward the door and the rain-drenched street. "It appears that it's about to rain again. You don't want to be walking around in the rain, do you?"
Although there was a hint of condescension in Elijah's voice, he was correct: it had been raining for most of the day and showed no sign of stopping. Joana didn't relish the idea of getting even more soaked, so she silently followed him up the stairs.
As they reached the top, Elijah's gaze fell upon Joana's dirtied attire. His tone turned somewhat cold as he remarked, "You're still wearing those dirty clothes. I gave you money to replace them. Why didn't you use it?"
A frown creased Joana's face. "I may be a human, but I won't accept money from rude and arrogant individuals who toss cash at me out of their car window as if I were a beggar on the street."
Elijah's lips tightened, and he scrutinized Joana for a moment before curtly turning to a woman nearby. The woman, slightly older than Joana and dressed in a plain black staff uniform, received Elijah's words in hushed tones, nodding in response. She then turned to Joana, offering a warm smile and extending her arm.
"Right this way, miss," she said, guiding Joana as Elijah proceeded into the main area of the bar. Joana stole one last glance at him before the woman directed her away, leading her upstairs to a private room. Upon unlocking the door and opening it, Joana's eyes widened in surprise. The room was filled with racks of opulent clothing, shoes, and accessories.
Curiosity piqued, Joana turned to face the woman.
"What is this?" Joana asked, turning to face the woman.
"We strive to provide the best experience for our esteemed guests," the woman replied with a pleasant smile. "This room is designed exclusively for our female patrons, offering a space to freshen up, touch up makeup, or even change clothes if needed. It is not our usual practice to grant access to a... human, but as Mr. Wyatt holds the majority share of this establishment, you are welcome to make use of our facilities. Take your time."
Before Joana could voice any further inquiries, the woman closed the door, leaving her alone in the room.
Surveying the racks of expensive clothing and exquisite jewelry, Joana couldn't help but feel a sense of confusion. Was Elijah Wyatt not as arrogant and callous as she initially thought? Did he feel remorse for their encounter on the street and want to make amends, or was this part of some twisted jest?
Regardless, Joana was still reeling from the discovery of her boyfriend's infidelity earlier. This unexpected development seemed to offer her the chance to salvage the evening.
After some time, Joana emerged from the room, donning a simple yet elegant black dress that cascaded to her ankles. The soft silk material embraced her form, with delicate straps and a plunging neckline. Completing the ensemble, she selected a pair of strappy black heels and a clutch purse.
As she descended the stairs alongside the woman, a flutter of excitement and nerves filled Joana's chest when she noticed Elijah glancing up from his table. Their eyes locked for a brief but lingering moment before his focus shifted back to the conversation he was engaged in with another individual.
"In response to the earlier incident on the street, Mr. Wyatt has generously offered to cover all expenses for the evening," the woman informed Joana. "This includes any drinks, food, and of course, the clothing. Please feel free to take a seat at the bar."
Gazing down at her dress, a faint blush tints Joana's cheeks. This all seemed so different from her usual attire, and the fact that it was hers to keep stirred mixed emotions within her. Contemplating whether she should confirm with the woman about keeping the dress, Joana looked up, only to find that the woman had already departed.
Nervously swallowing, Joana made her way into the main area of the establishment and settled onto one of the barstools.
- Writer
