Chapter 6

"It was really good to see you," I said. "But now isn't the time for nostalgia."

I motioned toward the door with my eyes.

Benjamin smiled. The lock clicked open. I pushed the door and got out.

Back in my own apartment, I felt completely drained.

Ella was right. The reason I couldn't accept anyone else was simply because they weren't Benjamin.

Just that brief encounter had taken everything out of me.

I covered my face with my hands, trying to stop thinking about him.

But I couldn't.

That night, I couldn't sleep.

The next day, I put on heavy makeup to cover the dark circles and walked into the office looking polished and put together.

I was still the Gianna everyone saw. Elegant, detached, flawless.

David handed me a file. "Gianna, here's the report you asked for. I compiled a list of the most promising rising stars in Kandos City lately."

I took the file and headed into my private office.

David brought me a coffee.

I thanked him, took a sip, and opened the folder.

My eyes landed on the man on the cover. Someone impossible to look away from.

Different from before, Benjamin now looked steady, reserved, exceptionally distinguished.

He was undeniably outstanding in every way.

Seeing I hadn't turned the page, David explained, "Gianna, this is the new heir of the Wilson Group, Benjamin. He's been overseeing their overseas operations abroad for the past few years and just recently returned..."

David watched my expression and added his pitch, "He's my top pick for this issue's feature."

I slowly sipped my coffee and set the file on the desk. "You've got big ambitions..."

I glanced at him. "Remember that standout issue from two years ago?"

David answered without hesitation, "Of course. The feature on Jackson, heir to the Brooks Group, stayed trending for a full month. That was all thanks to you, Gianna."

I raised a hand to stop the flattery.

Since Scarlett had transferred to a branch office as VP, I'd taken over the planning, operations, and team here.

Even so, I still respected what Scarlett had pulled off back then. Even now, I couldn't guarantee I could land someone like Jackson.

"That was thanks to Ms. Stone." I wasn't interested in taking credit for past wins. I asked him, "How long have you been with the company?"

"Three years."

I smiled and closed the file. "You've got a good eye, and your intel is sharp. But convincing Benjamin won't be easy."

I handed the file back to him. "You proposed this, so it's yours. Are you confident you can handle it?"

David looked thrilled. He took the file and said, "I have a friend who went to school with Benjamin. They've stayed in touch. I can ask my friend to make an introduction. Shouldn't be a problem."

I nodded. "Good. Get to work, then. I'll wait for your good news."

After David left, I threw myself into a busy workload, trying not to leave my mind any empty space.

10 PM. I finished two creative drafts, stretched, packed up, and headed out.

Downstairs in the parking garage.

I was about to get into my car when headlights flashed nearby, followed by a honk.

Benjamin got out of his car. "Ms. Anderson, got time for a late-night bite?"

I knew exactly what time it was, but I still glanced at my watch. "Mr. Wilson, is this your usual time for supper?"

His smile deepened. "I've been waiting here two hours. You're even busier than I imagined, Ms. Anderson."

I didn't feel like small-talking about work. "Where to?"

Benjamin dangled his car keys. "Come with me. You'll see."

This time of night, just the two of us, going for a late meal. It was clearly an "adventure" between two adults.

I looked at him calmly. Maybe worried I'd refuse, he countered, "What? Scared?"

I stuffed my keys back into my bag, walked straight to his car, and got in after he opened the door for me.

Once we were moving, he asked, "Remember how we first met?"

I smiled. "I wish I could forget..."

Back when I was twenty-four, fresh in the workforce, I'd been forced to drink at a client dinner with my manager. Standing alone on the street trying to hail a cab, I accidentally got into Benjamin's car.

Thinking back now, it was ridiculous. What was I thinking. A Ferrari as a ride-hail?