Entangled with the CEO

Chapter Nine

Arianna’s POV

An hour later, we were at one of the conference rooms in StarLift. I had told myself that I was ready but I could feel my nerves racking. And with Killian shutting me out, I was a mess–a disaster waiting to happen.

I pulled a seat next to Killian in the conference room, trying to go over my lines in my head. I couldn't afford to mess this up. Messing up wasn't an option, not with what had transpired earlier on our way here.

“Ensure to make no mistake today, Miss Kent.” That was the first word my employer had said to me since he snapped at me.

“Yes sir,” I smiled. “I won't.”

The conference room smelled faintly of cedar and coffee as we walked in. About seven seats were empty, and just one seatseat was occupied with the person I saw at the restaurant with my employer on the weekend

He walked up to us with a smile on his face.

“It's about time you showed up.” He gave a bro hug to my boss and then turned to me.

“You must be the Private Secretary?” He stretched his hand for a handshake. “I am Elliot Martins. May I have the pleasure of knowing your name, love?”

“My name is Arianna Kent.” I took his hands in mine.

He was the exact opposite of my employer. He was cheerful, nice and dangerously a flirt, but I preferred to just keep at the ‘nice’ part.

“Killain.” a feminine voice called from the door. She rushed over to Killian and held his shoulders.

It was the lady I saw with them at the restaurant.

“I have been waiting for you.” She whined. My employer pushed her hand but she held on firmly.

“Behave yourself, Paris.” He warned.

“Oh come on, this is my father’s company–”

“What?” I said out in shock, and they stared at me. I quickly acted like I was coughing, earning a pat on my back from Mr Martins.

“So sorry, I had something stuck in my throat.” The blondie ignored me and turned to my employer while I stared in disbelief at the fact she just mentioned that her father is the owner of StarLIFT.

So the very man we are going to pitch to was the father of this Barbie.

Really? Was calling a barbie really necessary?. My inner mind asked

“What are your plans after the meeting?" She asked him.

I excused myself as Mr Martins went out to answer his phone call.

And yes, she definitely looks like one . The blonde hair, the thick red lipstick, green eyes and I bet she wearing a contact lens

Tell me who wears a shirt and skirt like that to an office like they are strippers. Her boobs are too revealing.

Are you jealous? My inner voice asked.

No, I am not.

I wasn't a heavy package and tall like Miss Barbie ,but I had a nice figure and average height of any New Yorker.

“You seem lost watching those two interact.” Mr. Martins whispered in my eyes, and I shifted in a bit of shock.

“I am just surprised at the fact that the lady fathers is whoI have to impress in the next few minutes.”

“Are you that nervous?"

“Aint you?”

“No, I am not.”

“I am not surprised Mr Martins, this is something you do everyday.”

“Call me Elliot and No, I don't do this everyday. I don't give presentations.”

“Are you serious?” I asked “ What division do you work at?”

“I am a Lawyer. McLeod legal representatives and Killain best friend.”

“He is not my best friend.” I looked up to see my employer staring at us from across the table. I noticed blondie was no longer in the room.

“You just hurt my feelings,” Elliot pouted. “Are you going to deny me now?” He teased but I knew Mr Mcleod wasn't having it.

“Its not something–”

The door burst open and then came Mr Fred Valentine, the CEO of StarLIFT organization. I had read a bit about him online and that was what increased my nervousness because I had no idea on how I was going to impress this man. The rest of his team walked in and they all exchanged pleasantries with the men standing beside me.

“It's a pleasure meeting you, Miss Arianna Kent.” Mr Valentine took his seat at the head of the table. “Please proceed.”

Everyone was seated, all eyes staring right back at me. I stared at my employer, just once before turning my attention back to the man of the hour.

“Thank you for meeting with us today.” I began, forcing calmness into my tone. “Our goal with this new project is to align your vision with McLeod industries’ innovation–”

The door opened mid-sentence.

I turned and froze.

Standing there with the same casual arrogance I used to find charming, was Sebastian Hale, my ex-boyfriend.

Of all people.

My chest tightened. For a moment, I thought my brain was playing tricks on me. But not that innocent face, that sharp navy suit which I bought for his last birthday, that faint cologne that used to cling to my pillows- it was him.

“Apologies for the interruption,” he said

“Yes, you are right on time.” Mr Fred spoke up. “I hope you don't mind that I brought someone along, I told him to come after his meeting with the architect. His business won my company’s grant, so he will be working with us for a while, plus he has bright ideas so I need that for that meeting.” Mr Fred Valentine said to my employer.

“Sure, there is no problem.” Killain responded

Mr Fred smiled. “Come in Mr Hale, You’re just in time. Sit in.”

I wanted the ground to swallow me.

Sebastian’s eyes swept the room before landing on me. The shock on his face was brief and was replaced by a smirk. Sebastian sat right across from me and the room’s temperature dropped a degree.

I forced my hands to stay steady as I turned back to the screen. My voice sounded almost normal as I continued.

“As you can see, this new project emphasizes sustainability, brand storytelling and artistry. It's a good way to involve college students. It will not only bring profits but also the media. The numbers from our pilot run show a projected growth of —”

My throat tightened. I could feel Sebastian’s gaze on me like a heat source.

Focus Aria!! Dont let him ruin this for you.

I clicked to the next slide “Projected growth of thirty-four percent within the first quarter post-launch.”

Mr Fred nodded in agreement.

I turned and my gaze met that of Elliot “Continue.” he mouthed.

I took a breath and went on. I tried my very best to explain each slide and at the end of the presentation. I took a slight bow and smiled in relief. “Thank You.”

Mr Fred applause was the first to fill the air and the rest followed suit.

“Interesting. Ambitious, but doable.” He said. “What do you think, Mr Hale?”

“You are right sir, it's a risk I would be willing to take.” He answered

It took about 15minutes for both parties to sign the contract.

“It's a pleasure working with you Mr McLeod.” Mr Fred said to him after the handshake “I did some research on you and I am amazed by some of your works.”

“I hope I get to impress you in person.” My employer smiled back revealing his left sided dimple I saw that night.

Are you being serious right now?

I pushed the thought out of my mind and focused on the event around.

“A good presentation Miss Kent.” Mr Fred said to me, the moment we walked out of the conference room.

“Thank you sir.” I smiled widely, trying my best not to leap for joy at the compliment.

My employer and Mr Martins walked away with Mr Fred so I figured I will wait at the parking lot. On my way to the elevator, a familiar voice called out my name

“Well, well Aria” he said softly, “small world”

“I believe I have nothing to say to you Mr Hale.”

He scoffs, “Really, we are going to be all professional right now.” I didn't respond.

“Congratulations on your promotion, Olivia told me about it.”

I shook my head in disbelief.

Be matured Arianna, whosoever he hangs out with has nothing to do with you.

“Still as passionate as ever when you talk about work, huh, Aria? I guess you deserve that promotion.”

“Well, thank you.”

He hissed “This is why I had to do what I did, you were never around.”

The air snapped.

“Dont you dare Sebastian,” I warned him with anger laced in my voice as I spoke. “Dont you dare pin the blame on me. For heaven’s sake, I did my very best to make it work”

“I was never number one for you, It was always work this, work that for you. Olivia puts me first, she walked into my life right on time. She was far better than you in—”

Slapped.

I didn't know when I hit him but I did.

“Dont you ever compare me to that bitch.” I warned

“Miss Kent.” My employer called out.

I look ahead of him to see my employer and Elliot staring at us

“Let’s go.” I walked past Sebastian fuming straight into the other elevator as Elliot held it down for me.

“Remind me to not get on your bad side.” Elliot spoke up the moment we entered the elevator

“You saw that?”

He nods. “100 percent.” I looked up at my employer but there was no response or gestures from him so I turned my attention back to Elliot.

“Well, you better not pissed me off.” And we laughed it out.

“By the way, you did pretty good Aria-” Elliot said to me “I hope I can call you Aria.”

“Thank you and yes you can call me Aria.”

It wasn't like I was expecting a compliment from my employer but I hoped I received one but he did not utter a single word.

We got out of the elevator and headed straight to the parking lot.

“Go with Elliot, he will take you home.”

“But sir, it's just past 12–”

“I am not going to the office, you are done for the day. Take it as a reward, you handled yourself well.” He said simply.

I blinked. Did he just compliment me?

He got into his car and he drove off.

I stood there bewildered until Elliot pressed his hunk.

“Lets go, Miss Secretary,”