Chapter 245
Nathan walked forward with a confident stride, hands tucked in his pockets and his head held high. Behind him, Nathalie followed, her head slightly bowed. Despite their differences–Nathan tall and commanding, Nathalie petite and sweet–they made an unexpectedly harmonious pair.
Nathan soon noticed Nathalie falling behind and paused to wait. Seeing this, Nathalie quickened her pace to catch up.
“Sorry about that. My legs are just too short to keep up,” she admitted, a bit flustered by her slower pace.
Nathan glanced down at her, noticing the heavy laptop bag weighing on her shoulder. “Hand over the bag,” he instructed.
“But I can’t do that. I’m the assistant, and you’re the CEO. If you’re seen carrying the bag instead of me, people will talk,” Nathalie protested.
Ignoring her objection, Nathan took the bag and slung it over his shoulder. With a playful grin, he teased, “You’re practically the same
eight as the bag. Is it carrying you or the other way around?”
Nathalie stood there, momentarily speechless, almost losing her composure. Nathan was quite amused by her expression, and chuckled softly.
This time, he didn’t march ahead, leaving Nathalie to trail behind. Instead, he walked alongside her.
They arrived at a suite Nathan had booked in advance. Inside, a round marble table was set with a spread of exquisite dishes, candles, and blooming flowers, casting a warm and romantic glow. It felt more like a dinner date than a business meeting setup.
The guests had yet to arrive, prompting Nathalie to glance at Nathan with a hint of concern. “Nathan, these bellflowers and lavender have pretty specific meanings. They might not be the best choice for a negotiation setting,” she pointed out.
Feigning ignorance, Nathan asked, “Oh, do you know what they mean?”
“Bellflowers symbolize eternal love and commitment. Lavender symbolizes waiting for love,” Nathalie explained.
Nathan nodded, as if enlightened. “Ah, I see.”
But despite Nathalie’s explanation, it seemed to go in one ear and out the other for Nathan. “You’re the fashion expert, so you know all about flower meanings. But today’s guest is an older, no–nonsense businessman. I doubt he’ll care about flower symbolism.”
Nathalie sensed something wasn’t quite right. Usually, Nathan was a perfectionist and never allowed a single flaw to slip by. Could it be that men just weren’t that fussed about flowers? She began to wonder if she was overthinking things. Choosing a spot in the corner, she sat down. After pacing the room a couple of times, Nathan sat beside her.
Nathalie watched him as he avoided her gaze, checking his watch and grumbling about their tardy business partner. “Why aren’t they here yet? Such a lack of punctuality. Maybe we shouldn’t even bother with this partnership.”
Nathalie chuckled. “You’re hardly ever this impatient.”
Nathan tensed slightly. “You noticed?” he inched closer to her.
“Nathan, do you have a thing for Ashley? You’ve been all over the place today, putting on makeup and then taking it off. You’re clearly restless. You’re acting like someone in love,” Nathalie teased.
Nathan opened his mouth to reply, “What does this have to do with her?” His nerves were clearly because of her.
Just then, footsteps echoed from the hallway.
