BE MY OBSESSION

CHAPTER 16

•SHELBY•

The meeting commenced smoothly as the merger project team presented their progress to William, showcasing their diligent work.

Seated at my temporary position at the edge of the table, I couldn't help but observe William closely while everyone else focused on impressing him with their achievements.

Today, he seemed different from his usual self. The playful teasing and carefree attitude were absent, replaced by a deep concentration on the meeting. A small frown marred his face, leaving me curious about the cause of his sudden change in mood.

It was peculiar to witness this new side of him. Whenever he was around me, he never took things seriously and was always engrossed in teasing and flirting. However, seeing him embody the qualities expected of a CEO intrigued me. I found myself appreciating this side of him—the William I could truly collaborate with.

If only he had been like this from the beginning, we would have had no trouble working together. Despite my lingering resentment and occasional inability to tolerate him, his current demeanor resonated with me.

Suddenly, his gaze met mine from across the table. My heart skipped a beat, and I quickly averted my eyes.

"Miss Falcon," he addressed me, and I froze in my seat.

Normally, his calling out my name would irritate me. However, given his recent change in tone towards me, I started to feel intimidated by him for the first time.

"Yes?" I replied tentatively.

"This concerns one of our international employment contracts. Our Japanese client, Mr. Nakamura, will be hosting a private dinner tomorrow night, and I am requesting your presence," he stated with a stern tone.

Wait a minute, why does he make it sound like my attendance is unnecessary, as if he is inviting me solely for his convenience?

"You're requesting me to join you?" I repeated, and he narrowed his eyes.

"Is that a problem?" I scoffed and leaned back in my chair.

"No, not at all. It's amusing how you suddenly want me to meet one of your clients when I distinctly recall you asking me to stay out of the way and focus on other matters while you handle the merger project alone."

He raised an eyebrow inquisitively.

"And your point is?"

"Is there another reason why you want me to accompany you to meet this client, Mr. Fontane?"

He chuckled and absentmindedly twirled a pen between his fingers.

"What are you implying? That I need you to be there with me?" He retorted with a much harsher tone, and everyone in the room remained silent, observing our interaction.

"You said it, not me. But what I really want to know is why you want me to join you when I believe you are capable of handling this on your own."

He didn't answer, maintaining his cold gaze fixed on me.

"Or can't you?" I prodded further.

"Miss Falcon, I am not here solely for my own benefit. You are the CEO of Falcon Group, and as we are merge partners working on this project together, don't you think it's necessary for them to meet you as well?"

I glared at him. God, I hate when he's right.

"And how do you think it would appear if you decline? Japanese culture values respect, and if you fail to make an appearance at such an important meeting, they would assume that you do not respect them or their time. How do you suppose this would affect the deal? They won't take our offer seriously if you are absent to persuade them of our sincere interest. It's the least you can do for now."

So he is angry with me.

Judging by his tone and the way he glared at me, everyone in the room was aware of his anger directed towards me.

But what the hell did I do?

"Fine, I will attend the meeting with you," I reluctantly agreed.

With his gaze still fixed on me, he leaned back and angrily closed the file in front of him, tossing it onto the table.

Okay, now his mad attitude is starting to irritate me.

"Um, sir?" Mr. Bradley, one of the team members, spoke hesitantly, capturing everyone's attention.

"Yes, Mr. Bradley?"

"Regarding the revision of payroll-"

"Miss Falcon will handle it," William interrupted abruptly, and my eyes widened in surprise.

"Excuse me?" I questioned him, confused.

He shifted his intense glare back to me immediately.

"The team and I are already overwhelmed at the moment. There is a reason why I initially asked you not to get involved. When the team becomes too preoccupied to handle anything else, that's when you come in. You'll take care of it to lighten our workload."

Well, that makes sense, but he should have said that from the beginning to avoid me causing a scene by throwing that glass at him.

"Miss Falcon?" Mr. Bradley said, turning towards me with a file in his hand.

I suppressed a frustrated groan and grabbed the file from Mr. Bradley, placing it in front of me.

As much as I dislike being controlled by him, I understand that this is also for the benefit of the company. In moments like these, I must set aside my pride and restrain my anger from escalating the situation, no matter how much I disagree.

But why is he picking on me today? And what the hell is his problem?