Chapter 5

After the usual morning meeting wrapped up, Louise clicked her heels all the way back to her office. From the early days when major shareholders either ignored her or looked down on everything she said, to now-where even her boldest moves got zero pushback-it was clear just how capable and formidable she'd proven to be. Standing respectfully off to the side, Ian Caldwell held out a tablet, going over her schedule. "Miss Bennett, there's a planning department meeting at ten, lunch with the Arakora team at eleven-thirty, and then at one..." "Hold up," Louise interrupted, glancing quickly at him. Ian froze. Oh no. Boss was famously strict about work-had he messed something up? "Move the lunch meeting back a bit." "But... the team from Arakora is flying back tomorrow," Ian hesitated. Ever since Louise took over, the Bennett Group had been riding high, and landing that Arakora deal had been huge. As the host, they were expected to show proper hospitality. If Louise didn't go, and things got awkward... that could seriously impact future deals. "Where's the venue again?" she asked, frowning slightly. "Jade Court." Relieved, she breathed out. Dominic also asked to meet there. It'd be their first post-wedding ‘date' or whatever, and now it looked like she was going to be late. "Okay, move the lunch half an hour earlier." "Got it." Later, sitting at the table, she took a second shot of vodka just as Dominic's message popped up on her phone: "Room 201. I'll come get you." "Miss Bennett, come on, don't just stare at your screen. Let's toast-to a smooth partnership with the Bennett Group," said a middle-aged Arakoran man, he raised his glass toward her. Louise flashed a polite smile. "Of course. Bottoms up." "You really are a powerhouse," he said, before shamelessly reaching to drape an arm over her shoulder. She smoothly leaned away without making a scene. "I'm really sorry, but I actually have something urgent to deal with. Ian'll take great care of you all." Catching her drift in a flash, Ian cheerfully stepped up. "Sir, allow me to offer you a toast." Once she stepped out of the private dining room, Louise finally let out a breath. She smoothed her hair and adjusted her outfit, double-checking everything before heading upstairs toward the second floor room. She knocked lightly. A deep voice replied, "Come in." Dominic had on a white shirt again, different collar this time, but same clean style. Hair still neat. Still ridiculously good-looking. Louise smiled. They barely knew each other, but if she had to be legally tied to someone, at least it was someone easy on the eyes. "Sorry I'm late." As she walked past him, Dominic caught a strong scent of alcohol. His eyes subtly flicked to her red lips and slightly flushed cheeks, a small crease forming between his brows. "I just got here too. What do you want to eat?" Louise randomly picked a few dishes, then looked up. "Mr. Ellis, don't you think we should get to know each other a bit better?" "Sure." His handsome face wore the same calm expression. She was about to start a conversation, but he beat her to it. "Dominic." "Huh?" He glanced at her. His voice was low, smooth. "You can just call me by my name."