THE VALENTINE PROPOSAL

CHAPTER 18 An Offer

LIORA

Whoever it was he was calling, it seemed like he really didn’t want me to hear their conversation.

But for whatever reason, even though I wasn’t the type who cared to eavesdrop, I found myself slipping out of the bed, quietly tiptoeing to the bathroom.

My ear pressed against the bathroom door, trying to listen to what was being said inside.

I could barely hear little to nothing at all.

Then I finally heard something, a very familiar name.

"Fine, Diella, just send me the address," I heard Everett say.

My eyes widened, and I quickly spun around, tiptoeing back to the bed before I got caught.

Pretending to be asleep again, I heard the bathroom door open and the sound of Everett’s footsteps crossing the floor as he entered the closet.

A few minutes later, he came out, fully dressed I presumed, because when he approached me, I could smell his cologne more strongly now.

Leaning in, he planted a soft kiss on my head before pulling away and leaving the room. I stood up the moment he left.

Carefully opening the door, I stepped out of the room. He was no longer in the house. My gaze settled on the cameras as I picked up the remote, switching the screen to the camera in the parking garage.

I saw Everett step out of the elevator into the garage, wearing a black hoodie. He entered one of his BMWs before driving out.

Was he going to see Diella?

But why, why would he be going to see that woman at this time of the night? What could they possibly be meeting for?

I clutched the remote tightly as my mind raced with different unpleasant thoughts, each one worse than the last.

In the end, there was nothing I could do, so I just went back to bed, restless and uneasy.

*****

EVERETT

The bell above the door dinged as I stepped into the diner, the rich scent of coffee immediately hitting my nose.

Every head turned in my direction, their attention snapping to me almost instantly. There were only about four people inside, including who I assumed was the owner.

But I wasn’t here for any of them.

My gaze swept across the place before finally landing on Diella at the far corner. She gave a subtle wave, like she had been expecting me all along.

Adjusting my hoodie, I walked over to where she sat and slid into the seat across from her.

"Hey, handsome," she cooed, a sultry smile playing on her lips.

There were two steaming cups of coffee already on the table. One for me and one for her, I presumed.

"I pre-ordered," she said.

"Since when are cheap diners your style?" I replied dryly, my expression remaining just as flat as my tone.

"Well, we both wanted discretion, but I would have preferred meeting at your place," she leaned forward slightly. "We can still head over to your place right now. This discussion can be done with more privacy."

"We’re having this discussion here, Diella," I said coldly, not even finding her seductive act the least bit flattering.

She rolled her eyes at me, sinking back into her seat.

"Sure know how to ruin a good mood."

"I know you have some real deep connections, even with a man like Mr Ballamy," I said, cutting straight to the chase. "I need you to make a deal with him for me."

"Interesting." Her fingers tapped on the table like she was giving deep thought to my request. "Does this deal of yours have something to do with your fake engagement contract with that trash gutter rat coming out to the public?"

My jaw tightened.

"Don’t insult her."

"Oops, seems like I’ve hit a nerve. I’m sorry," she said, looking almost apologetic.

But we both knew she wasn’t sorry. What was I even thinking, calling her and arranging a meeting like this? If it wasn’t for the upcoming merger I needed to secure, I wouldn’t even be here.

Liora already handled things quite well with the board, but my major problem was this merger. It was the other company.

They already had some doubts about the deal thanks to Ramsay’s tireless efforts at constantly trying to pit my board members against me behind the scenes.

The timing of this leak could not be any more terrible than this.

I exhaled slowly.

"I’m sure you’re aware of the upcoming merger."

She nodded.

"We’ve managed to handle things with the board, but the other company is still skeptical about trusting my company after this whole scandal."

I paused, watching as her expression turned serious. That was good, at least she was starting to take this seriously.

"I know your father has some connection with the CEO of that company, so I want you to put in a word in favour of my company. And as for Mr Ballamy, try to convince him to stay out of my business."

She was silent for a few seconds, processing my words before finally speaking.

"What makes you so sure I can even do what you’re asking? What makes you think I will do anything for you, in fact?" she asked.

"Because we both know you will, and you can," I responded.

"Oh really, and why would I?" she asked, her brows lifting in a challenging manner.

I already knew where this conversation was going. She needed something in return for her help.

"Diella, I didn’t come here to make a one-sided deal with you. I know your help isn’t going to come for free, so tell me what you want in return."

That smile of hers returned to her face again, and I felt her leg brush mine from underneath the table.

"Give me some time to really think about this offer of yours. It’s tempting, but I think I have to sleep on it first before giving you my response," she said as her leg slowly stroked mine up and down.

"You have until tomorrow to make a decision," I said as I stood up from my seat. "I’ll be expecting your text."

"Can’t I call?" she said, pouting slightly.

"No, don’t call me, text," I replied, sending her a hard stare.

She rolled her eyes again for the second time that night.

"Fine."

I turned to leave, but she caught my wrist. I looked back at her again, this time with a hard glare.

"What are you doing?"

"Won’t you give me a goodnight kiss?" She smirked faintly. "Or is that part reserved for that little fiancée of yours?"

I didn’t try to forcefully pull my hand away from her because I couldn’t have the attention of everyone in the diner shifting to us.

Causing a scene was the last thing I needed right now, so I acted like I was complying with her absurd request.