Chapter 43: I’ll Be Waiting for You

Vivienne paused, then sent a casual reply: “What’s up?”

Derek called immediately. “I hope I’m not disturbing you,” he said, his voice betraying his intention beyond mere courtesy.

“Sorry for the delay,” Vivienne responded.

“Got plans tomorrow?” Derek’s deep, captivating voice filled the air.

Distractedly sifting through papers, Vivienne quickly replied, “Yes, I’m tied up.” Her new role demanded her full attention.

“Is that your reason for turning me down?” Derek wasn’t surprised.

“Starting a new job takes some getting used to,” Vivienne explained. “What made you want to see me all of a sudden?”

Derek’s voice softened. “I was hoping to invite the woman I admire to dinner, but it seems she might not be interested.”

“Have you become this direct with your feelings?” Vivienne laughed.

“Vivienne,” Derek’s voice resonated warmly. “I see no reason to hide my feelings from you.”

His words were like savoring fine wine; his deep baritone felt like a heartfelt lover’s confession, stirring emotions within her.

Feeling a flutter in her heart, Vivienne cleared her throat. “If that’s all, I’m going to hang up now.”

She ended the call and set her phone aside. It buzzed soon after, a new message: the address of a restaurant and a voice message from Derek: “I’ll be waiting for you.”

Derek had a way of offering choices that weren’t really choices. He set the stage, and she found herself inevitably playing her part, with no real option to decline.

The following morning, Vivienne arrived punctually at Sinclair Group headquarters. All eyes were glued to the tinted windows of her car. When she exited, she ducked slightly, stepping out gracefully. Dressed sharply in a tailored suit and cigarette pants, she radiated capability and a distant coolness. A simple twist held her long hair up, save for a single wavy strand at her temple that softened her stern expression and added an intriguing allure. Her arrival halted conversations; her presence was too imposing to ignore. After their initial shock, her assistants hurried to her side as she entered the building.

As she reached the elevator, an eager man stepped forward to press the button. “Miss Hayes, I’m Mr. Castillo’s assistant, Elliot Foster.”

Vivienne gave him a cold look, prompting a quick smile from Elliot as he added, “Mr. Castillo hasn’t been well and is currently resting, yet he made it clear that I should look after you exceptionally well. He mentioned that if you need anything at all, I should not hesitate to exceed expectations.”

Vivienne’s deep eyes locked with Elliot’s eager gaze. “Let Mr. Castillo know that he should concentrate on his recovery at home. We won’t disturb him with company matters. We’re committed to ensuring he has a well-deserved retirement after all his dedicated service,” she responded. “Handling this request should be straightforward for you.”

She entered the elevator.

A well-deserved retirement? Elliot was left bewildered, rooted to the spot. He had intended to complicate things for Vivienne under Dominic Vaughn’s orders, yet it appeared the tables had turned against him.