The Billionaire’s own

CHAPTER TWO

Luella POV

“Fifteen thousand dollars.” The words kept replaying in my head even though it was three days ago. I needed fifteen hundred dollars or my mother would suffer-

“Miss Lain, can you tell me the last thing I said?” A sharp hit to my shin brought me out of my thoughts.

“Uh- uh-'' Eyes stared at me from around the table and the meanest of them all belonged to the manager. “I- i- uhm- you were talking about several funding options which are open to-”

“I said that more than five minutes ago, what was the last thing I said to Miss Lain?” He repeated and I swallowed.

“You were speaking about seeking to work with companies like S&K limited, and also looking at partnering with Hankali Institute who are going to bring a big break to this company, Right Miss Lain?”Gabrielle muttered.

“Y- Yeah.” I stuttered and she smiled at me but it didn't change the expression on his face.

“Meeting is dismissed, Martha prepares the minutes and has them on my table before ten thirty,” He said and I turned to Lily with a small warm smile.

“Thank you-”

“Miss Lain, My office, now!” I rubbed my palm on the side of my black pants, the base of my boots clicked against the marble floor as I walked to the office. I knocked on the door and with a grunt of a response I stepped inside.

“You asked for me-”

“What the hell is wrong with you Miss Lain? I mean you’re not normal so why exactly are you making things difficult by not paying attention during a meeting, an important one at that.”

“I’m sorry Mr. Peterson. I- ju-”

“You’re what? Tired of being incompetent and sloppy in doing your job, then do the needful and drop your resignation letter.” He snapped, making me flinch backwards. “Or I can still help you by firing you. Yes, that could be easier.”

“I’m sorry, please don’t fire me, it won't happen again.” I pleaded with my head bowed down and for the first time in my life, I felt so totally vulnerable, frustrated and out of control .

A lot of thoughts were running through my mind and uncontrollable tears gushed out of my eyes.

“Well you have your final warning, any mess up and i won’t hesitate.” he stated. “Now get out.” he waved me out and i retreated, even while outside his office, i couldn’t bring myself to raise my head up.

“Hey, Luelle, is everything okay?” Gabrielle asked as I pushed the button to the top floor.

“Yeah, yes I'm fine. I just need some air- alone.” I said without looking at her face, it was embarrassing crying out in public like this and if i stayed back here it wouldn't take so long for me to bawl my eyes out.

“Do you need me-”

“Don’t worry Gabrielle, I really want to be alone right now.” I said with all honesty and she nodded.

“Okay then, so if you don’t mind, would you like to grab a drink with me later after work?” That didn't seem like a bad idea.

“Sure, that’ll be great. Thanks Gabrielle.” She pulled me into a quick hug and walked away.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Lily didn’t hesitate to grab me after I finished editing the file I was working on. In the cab, i listened to her chatter away about, we approached the restaurant with Gabriella leading the way , I was greeted with flower garden smell as I stepped in the restaurant, the room was cozy and chandeliers hung pretty high to the roof , the chairs were made of high grade leathers, thick , dark and crafted with meticulous attention to details.

“This is delicious ”. I managed to say with my full mouth, while I dropped the cutlery and sipped my wine.

“I know you’ll love it, don’t rush your meal baby girl ”. Gabriella replied and continued eating .

I finished my meal , while Gabriella was still battling with hers , I felt pressed and needed to use the restroom , I signaled to the waitress next to me and asked for directions . She pointed at a narrow gap towards the end of the restaurant.

I followed on and got to the female restroom. I breathed a sigh of relief and was straightening my sweater vest when I stumbled into someone .

“Oh, I’m sorry,” I blurted out and hurriedly tried to clean the mess I already created

“You should mind where you’re going and stop walking blindly.” The man said with anger all written all over his face. Even with my head down in embarrassment, I could tell from the shine on his shoes that they cost several hundreds of dollars.

“You’re not so confident, are you?” His gaze pierced into the side of my head.

“I- uh- '' Again, it was difficult to conjure words as I raised my head to stare at the stranger and my mouth fell open. He was like a man straight out of a magazine, it had to be illegal to have someone like him standing in front of me. His hair was neatly styled to the side and his eyes, shrap with a strong aura hidden in them. His strong jaw tightened even more and his lips thin in disappointment as he stared at me.

“You should take a picture, it lasts longer.” he said and walked past me, leaving me in my own regret and his strong scent.

Who was he?

By the time I returned to the main dinning room where Gabrielle was, I noticed the new company sat on our table. Two men, which Gabrielle seemed familiar with as she laughed at their words. When she spotted me she waved me over, i walked to her but stopped when familiar strands of black hair.

“Hey Luelle, come say hi to my cousin and his friend.”