Chapter 6 The Setup

1088 Words
"Aira?" Benjamin called out as soon as he stepped out of the car, spotting her lingering near the company entrance. He finally came! Aira beamed and walked toward him. "Benjamin, I'm here to return your jacket. Benjamin glanced at her briefly. She seemed to be in a good mood. Something nice must have happened. "Come on up," he said, gesturing for Aira to take the private elevator with him. Benjamin's office was like the man himself—elegant and minimalist. "This is my own work, as a thank you for your help," Aira said generously, handing him a sketch. Taking the artwork, Benjamin studied it for a moment and then looked back at her with interest. "Not bad. It's my style." Aira didn't miss the amused glint in his eyes—he genuinely liked this style. Perfect, this could work! She ventured cautiously, "I really like the design of your jacket. Do you remember who the designer is?" Benjamin was surprised by her question. He remained silent for a moment before turning his face away. "I don't remember." Aira pondered whether he genuinely couldn't remember or was deliberately being evasive. But considering his status, forgetting the designer of a single jacket seemed perfectly normal. She'd just ask his assistant when she had the chance. Seeing her fall silent, Benjamin took the initiative. "Trevor's company is now under my name. Are you interested in continuing the collaboration?" "I need this opportunity!" Aira's eyes lit up at his words. This was too good to pass up. "Actually, I have some plans and was hoping to seek a friend's help..." "Aira, you should know that I'm a businessman. If you want my help, you need to offer me something in return," Benjamin's gaze flickered, the suggestion in his words unmistakable. "I can provide you with more quality designs." Aira was confident in her work. Benjamin's eyes swept over her moist, inviting lips, eventually settling on her clear, bright gaze. "That's not enough." Aira instinctively leaned in a little closer, pressing, "What else do you need? As long as it's within my power..." Her voice abruptly trailed off when she felt Benjamin's long fingers brushing against her lips, leaving her frozen in place. 'Is there something on my lips?' Aira quickly dismissed the thought when she saw the desire hidden in his eyes. But she didn't pull away—after all, it wasn't like she was at a loss here. Taking her lack of resistance as permission, Benjamin leaned in, brushing a light kiss against her earlobe before moving forward, savoring her scent. Aira's misty eyes widened, only to be gently covered by his hand. As his kiss deepened, a soft moan slipped from her lips. Benjamin held the back of her head, resting his forehead against hers, panting slightly. "For now, this is all I need." "I've taken my reward. Now tell me your plan." Benjamin seemed to be in a good mood. That was all he wanted as payment? That was way too easy. Aira stayed silent for a while, trying to remember what she had intended to say. "Matthew Manson's company rightfully belongs to my mother, and I will take it back!" Aira's eyes burned with fury. "He doesn't deserve it!" "What do you plan to do?" Benjamin poured two glasses of red wine, handing one to Aira. "First, I need you to sign a contract with him, making sure he funnels the company's cash flow into it," she said, her tone calculated. "That way, I can monitor the finances." "Then, make me the lead designer and let me run the project," she continued. "That way, I'll have control over the company's direction." Benjamin gave a casual nod. "As you wish." Aira raised her glass, clinking it lightly against Benjamin's, the crisp sound hanging between them as they shared a knowing smile. The familiar taste of red wine brought Aira back to that night. The image of the man's flawless body surfaced in her mind, and her face flushed red. Benjamin, too, recalled that night, the memory of her body far sweeter than any wine. "Aira, you're drunk," he said with a smirk, reaching out to wipe away the trace of wine from her lips. Aira covered her cheeks. Maybe she really was a little drunk. Otherwise, why would she find Benjamin so gentle? As the head of the Graham family, how could he possibly be associated with the word "gentle"? She lifted her head again. "Thank you, Benjamin. Your promise is as intoxicating as this wine. But I think I've already taken enough of your time." Benjamin nodded, watching as she left. On the day they were to sign the contract, Aira arrived early. After organizing her designs, she sat in the reception area, savoring the coffee that Garcia had brought her. Soon, she heard Matthew's fawning laughter, followed by Alice's exaggeratedly high-pitched voice. "Mr. Graham, it's a pleasure to work with you." Aira chuckled coldly to herself, recalling the phone call she had made three days earlier. She had told Matthew that Benjamin was interested in working with him, and Matthew naively took it as an olive branch. "Aira, I know you're a good girl. We both lost our tempers before, but since you've made the right choice, we're still family!" Only God knew how hard she had tried not to smash her phone. Aira had clenched her teeth and said, "After all, this is Grandpa's company. Why should I let someone else benefit from it?" Alice had also been present during the call. Even through the phone, Aira could hear her sharp laughter. "Aira, I've always said you shouldn't go against us, but you insisted on making foolish decisions. At least this time you've finally wised up. Don't worry, once the contract's signed, I'll give you some money for your mom's medical expenses. Haha!" 'Fine, just wait and see.' Aira smiled coldly as she walked out of the reception area. In the conference room, Alice's designs were being praised by the industry experts present. She even noticed that Benjamin was watching with great interest. Amidst the applause, she held her head high, like a proud peacock. "Mr. Graham, I'd like to formally recommend myself as lead designer!" Benjamin had no particular reaction. He simply tapped on the table, drawing everyone's attention. "These designs are indeed impressive, but I'm afraid the position of lead designer has yet to be decided." Alice hadn't had time to ask why before everyone's gaze shifted toward the door, following Benjamin's lead.
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