Chapter 3

Since the food trick didn't work, I'd have to go for something a bit more direct.

And soon enough, an opportunity popped up.

Grant Holdings had a video conference lined up with a major overseas client, and thanks to the time difference, it was set for 10 PM.

Of course, as chief secretary, I had to be there the entire time.

In the conference room, Dylan sat at the head of the long table, and I sat right beside him.

Halfway through the meeting, I made a show of getting up for some extra documents. I "accidentally" stumbled, losing my balance right in Dylan's direction.

If this were a rom-com, I'd have fallen straight into his arms, our eyes locking, sparks flying everywhere.

But reality? Dylan sidestepped instantly, quick as lightning.

With a loud thud, I landed squarely on his lap.

The pose was downright scandalous for a business setting.

The whole conference room went dead silent. Every executive was staring at us, eyes wide, and even the overseas client on the video call was watching with a knowing smile.

I was frozen in place.

This was not how the script was supposed to go!

I was supposed to fall into his arms, not end up sitting on his lap in such a dramatic, over-the-top way!

Dylan stiffened too, and I could practically feel his leg muscles tense up beneath me.

Even through the thin fabric of his suit pants, the warmth of his body was enough to make my cheeks blush.

"S-sorry, Mr. Grant, I lost my balance..." I stammered.

I tried to get up, flustered.

But just then, Dylan's arm suddenly wrapped around my waist, holding me firmly in place on his lap.

I looked up, meeting his deep, unfathomable eyes that felt like they could swallow me whole.

He didn't even glance at me. Instead, he turned to the client on the video call and said calmly, "Sorry for the interruption. Just a little mishap. Let's continue."

His voice was calm and detached, betraying no emotion at all.

But the hand around my waist was hot as fire, like a live wire burning against my skin.

I sat there, stiff as a board, not daring to move an inch.

All I could smell was that crisp sandalwood scent on him, mixed with something else, an almost electric warmth that made me feel... strangely flustered?

I snuck a glance at his other hand. He was spinning his prayer beads so fast they were practically a blur.

I didn't hear a single word from the rest of the meeting.

I sat there like I'd been hit with a paralysis spell, completely stiff on his lap, not daring to move until the meeting was finally over.

"Meeting's over," Dylan said.

As soon as he spoke, I shot off his lap like I'd been zapped, my face so red it felt like it could bleed.

"Mr. Grant, I'm so sorry, I..." I stammered.

"Get out," he cut me off, his voice rough and low.

I didn't dare say another word. I practically bolted out of the conference room, desperate to escape.

Back in my office, I leaned against the door, my heart still pounding like crazy.

Just now... I could've sworn he was definitely affected by me.