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Chapter 29
Seraphina was given a major task on her first day at work. She silently cheered herself on and told herself not to let her supervisors down.
Stepping into a lavishly decorated private room, she noticed several men who looked like big–time executives already seated. At the center of attention was a middle–aged man with a prosperous look, who was likely James Taylor–the important client Michael needed to win over today. The other men seemed almost deferential toward him, which confirmed her guess.
Michael entered the room, and like the others, his attention immediately turned to James. “Mr. Taylor, my apologies. Traffic was a nightmare. I’m running a bit late,” Michael said, moving forward to shake James‘ hand.
James shook hands with Michael, but his eyes were clearly drawn to Seraphin
his face.
his interest and admiration written all over
Michael couldn’t help but feel a surge of satisfaction. ‘Looks like this move’s going
pay off. After all, if a man isn’t swayed by money, he’s swayed by beauty. And with someone like Seraphina–well, let’s just say she’d be more than enough to win over ten men like James, let alone one. No man could resist a woman this gorgeous, he thought to himself.
Michael quickly introduced them. “Mr. Taylor, this is my assistant, Seraphina Johnson. Sera, this is Mr. Taylor–one of our most important clients.”
“Nice to meet you, Mr. Taylor,” Seraphina said with a slight smile and gave a polite bow.
“Well, nice to meet you too,” James replied, and his arrogant face was replaced by a big smile. He then gave a thinly veiled
compliment. “Ms. Johnson, you’re…so young and beautiful.”
Seraphina responded with a thank you and shook his hand. Once the introductions were done, everyone took their seats. Michael purposely seated Seraphina next to James.
Seraphina was the only woman around the table, and the eyes of the other men carried a certain knowing look, but it wasn’t hard to understand why–Seraphina’s beauty was hard to ignore.
Seraphina could feel the unspoken tension in the air. The atmosphere at the table felt suggestive, to say the least. But she told herself that this was just part of the sales world she’d have to get used to and learn how to handle. So, she remained polite and professional, playing along with the clients‘ conversations.
As the dishes were served one by one, Michael uncorked a bottle of red wine, poured a glass for Seraphina, and said, “Sera, why don’t you give Mr. Taylor a toast?”
Seraphina normally wasn’t much of a drinker, but she knew that refusing to drink now wasn’t exactly an option. Treating it as part of her training, she picked up her glass and turned toward James with a bright smile. “Mr. Taylor, it’s my first day at Vision Tech Equipment. I appreciate your support.”
“Oh, sure, my pleasure.” James quickly lifted his own glass and clinked it lightly against hers.
“I don’t usually drink, so I’ll just take a tiny sip,” Seraphina said, trying to keep it light.
“No worries.” James wore a warm smile, playing the part of the considerate gentleman. “Don’t force yourself. Just a sip is
fine.”
“Thank you, Mr. Taylor,” Seraphina replied with a smile and took a small sip from her glass.
The moment the alcohol hit her throat, she couldn’t help but frown slightly.
Noticing her discomfort, James quickly handed her a glass of juice. “Here, have some juice to wash it down. If I’d known, we wouldn’t have gone with the hard stuff. Should’ve been more thoughtful with a young lady like you,” he said, still wearing.
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Seraphina took the juice, thanked him, and had a sip. She’d seen the waiter open the juice and pour it right in front of her, so she figured it was safe.
Actually, Seraphina wasn’t that naive. The moment she stepped into this private room full of men, where she was the only woman, she understood what was going on. Michael had brought her here to help him close the deal with James.
If it was just a regular business dinner, she could handle it. After all, dealing with male clients was going to be part of her job going forward, and she’d chalk it up to gaining some experience. But if anything crossed the line, she was ready to walk out without a second thought.
For now, everything seemed above board. Sure, James showed some interest,
nothing inappropriate had happened yet.
After finishing her drink, and with a subtle nudge from Michael, Seraphina started chatting with James, gradually steering the conversation toward the contract. That was the real goal of the evening–get James to sign the contract over dinner.
But as soon as the topic of the contract came up, James waved it off with a chuckle. “Come on, we’re here to enjoy a meal. Let’s talk about that later. Come on, Ms. Johnson, I propose a toast,” James said while raising his glass.
Seraphina had no choice but to pick up her glass and join in. As she was sipping her wine, James shot a look at Michael.
Having been around the block a few times, Michael immediately caught the meaning behind that glance. The contract was hinged on whether James could “have” Seraphina tonight.
Michael had originally brought Seraphina out for a straightforward business dinner. Maybe let James have some intimate interactions with her, but he never intended for things to go as far as having Seraphina lose her dignity. That would be crossing a line, and it made him feel guilty. After all, Seraphina was young enough to be his daughter…
But the thought of that multi–million–dollar deal made him hesitate. In the face of such a lucrative opportunity, any sense of guilt started to feel like an afterthought.
Thus, Michael’s attitude became more ambiguous. He wasn’t shielding Seraphina as much as before, and James, emboldened by the alcohol, started to get more handsy.
“Seraphina, your skin is so soft and smooth,” James murmured in a sleazy tone while running his fingers over her hand.
‘There it is, Seraphina thought. ‘His mask is finally slipping.
The other men also chimed in and complimented her looks in ways that dripped with ulterior motives. Their words left her feeling sick to her stomach.
These so–called respectable men were nothing more than wolves in suits who preyed on women. Seraphina thought to herself, ‘I’ve just landed the job. Am I really about to lose it already?’
But the idea of trading her body to keep it was something she could never accept. It crossed a line she wouldn’t budge on. Just then, James raised his glass again and invited her for another drink.
Seraphina could already feel the alcohol from earlier taking its toll. She wasn’t a strong drinker to begin with, and if she drank any more, she knew she’d be helpless–like a lamb to the slaughter. She needed to get out of there.
With a sweet smile, she said, “Mr. Taylor, I just need to step out to the restroom real quick. When I’m back, I’ll join you for another drink.” Her voice was soft and convincing, so nobody suspected anything.
“Sure, I’ll wait for you,” James chuckled, clearly pleased.
Seraphina stood up and casually grabbed her purse from the chair.
With furrowed brow, Michael watched her for a moment. ‘Why is she taking her bag? Is she planning to leave?‘
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His hands clenched slightly on the table, tension building inside him as he struggled with his thoughts. After a brief internal battle, he finally turned to James and exhaled, his voice uncertain. “Mr. Taylor…”
Meanwhile, Seraphina had already shut the door and was quickly making her way toward the elevators. I’ve got to get out of here, she thought. “This kind of sleazy work is not what I signed up for
But she hadn’t gotten far before the sound of footsteps echoed behind her. She instinctively turned her head, and her heart dropped. There, coming toward her, was James.
“Ms. Johnson, the restroom isn’t in that direction,” James said with a smile that felt more predatory than kind.
Seraphina felt like she were staring straight into the eyes of a wolf. Without saying a word, she turned and bolted. But James, as if expecting this, broke into a run as well and quickly caught up to her with just a few strides.
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