LOVE'S QUAGMIRE [18+]

Chapter 49: Project

Cyrus's POV~

I nibbled on my pen, my eyes fixed on the computer screen but my mind drifted far away. Last night replayed in my head over and over—Daphne's tearful face and her desperate pleas for not wanting to go back.

I hadn't slept at all last night and was just consumed by worry. 

Was she alright? What was frightening her so much? 

These questions haunted me all night, and I only realized I'd fallen asleep when the morning light broke. Now, sitting at my desk, the clock read 2:40 PM, and despite my best efforts, I couldn't focus on a single thing.

I wanted to see her, but how could I? I couldn't just show up at Zephyr's place without a good excuse. He'd already made it clear he didn't want me meddling in his private matters. I sighed, putting the pen down and letting the mouse scroll aimlessly as I stared blankly at the screen.

 Why was she so desperate to avoid returning? 

Zephyr, on the other hand, was all soft and gentle as he helped her out of the car. Was his kindness genuine, or just a façade? 

The way she flinched at his touch and seemed so uncomfortable—something didn't add up.

I needed answers, but to get them, I had to get closer to Zephyr. And right now, I don't have a valid reason to get that close.

My phone buzzed, and I saw my secretary calling. 

"Yes, Austin?" I answered.

"Sir, Mr. David, Mr. Zephyr's secretary, and his two bodyguards have arrived to see you. May I send them in?" 

"Yeah," I replied and hung up. Moments later, the door opened.

"Good morning, Mr. Brown," David greeted, bowing slightly. I nodded, and he signaled to one of the guards, who stepped in and placed a few items on the nearby couch.

"Mr. Reynolds sent his thanks for your help yesterday," David said, "and he's also sent this set of tuxedos for you."

I shook my head. "No need for that. He's my partner; it was just assistance. Please thank him on my behalf."

David nodded. "There's something else I need to discuss with you." He gestured to the other men, who set some files on the table before leaving and closing the door behind them.

"What's this about?" I asked, eyeing the pile of files with confusion.

David cleared his throat. "As you know, December is a crucial month for us and is eagerly anticipated by our audience. We're scheduled to release the updated version of the game, which comes around every four years."

I nodded.

"Mr. Reynolds has proposed moving the release date to October instead of December," David continued.

 My eyes widened. "Next month? That's far too soon. There are still many tasks to be done, and as per our agreements, we cannot adjust the date so abruptly."

David nodded in acknowledgment. "I understand your concerns. I was only instructed to convey this change. For further details, you'll need to discuss this directly with Mr. Reynolds."

I rose from my seat quickly and walked over to the glass windows as I dialed Zephyr's number. 

This sudden change was troubling. He needed to consider the impact on his team and adhere to our agreed schedule.