Helium

Chapter Two

Coco Chanel once said, "If a woman is poorly dressed, people notice her dress, but if she is impeccably dressed, it is her that people notice." I would add: even more so when she wears red and looks straight into the eyes, with all the assurance in the world, at every person she crosses paths with. Yes, it's true; a bold lady never goes unnoticed.

I'm just not sure that the "not going unnoticed" part of my plan will have the desired effects with my boss.

Miller honks to say goodbye and drives off. In the valet parking area, luxury sedans follow one another after circling the large white fountain. It feels like we're at a high-class ceremony with everyone dressed so chicly. Today more than ever, I know I belong among them.

At the entrance, a staff member takes my coat and another gallantly escorts me inside, to the table I've reserved. The atmosphere is subdued; salmon and off-white hues tint the walls and furniture. Every detail is sumptuous yet understated. However, amidst this beautiful setting, the CEO of Iscade Enterprise is not here.

My fingers glide delicately along the curved staircase railing as we ascend. A man in his thirties comes down, holding his phone to his ear. As we pass each other, his eyes devour me intensely, and I sense all the sensual wishes they display.

Let me introduce you to Ward Cohen: the wealthy and sexy womanizer from San Diego. That's how the gossip articles I've read have described him.

As he nearly overtakes me, my peripheral vision catches him turning his head in my direction. I don't pay him any mind; my plan is not to use my feminine charms to get him to sign with Iscade.

On the upper floor, I still don't see any sign of Isaac Moreno. So I settle into my seat and choose still water when asked what I'd like to drink while deciding on my dinner and wine.

I glance at my watch. 5:23 PM. The CEO might be planning to arrive precisely on time. I use this time to gather my thoughts by scanning the crowded room. That's when I spot a new face I recognize. It's Ward Cohen's assistant.

I grab my clutch and make my way to him across the room, which is bathed in a soft jazz cosmos. Noting that I'm approaching with such little tact, the assistant seems quite intrigued. A friendly smile spreads across my lips.

"We don't know each other, I assure you," I start, immediately putting him at ease. "I just had to come over and tell you in person that this multicolored bow tie suits you perfectly."

"My fiancé thinks it makes me look like a clown," he says, delighted, fiddling with his accessory.

That comparison brings a smirk to my face. I wouldn't appreciate such an accessory on my partner either, but I mostly need to buy some time. The closer I am to the meeting table, the less chance I have of being ignored by the CEO.

"A clown with a good sense of style, then," I compliment.

"You know how to appreciate the finer things."

I release a tight smile before tilting my head back in impatience. Where is he, already?

"Oh!" exclaims the assistant. "My boss is arriving. You can't stay."

Indeed, Ward Cohen arrives.

And he's not alone.

Isaac Moreno walks alongside him.

The CEO of Iscade soon disengages from their conversation when he notices where his interlocutor's occasional glances are directed.

Me.

Isaac Moreno's arched gait slows, and his gaze freezes, not leaving me. However, his demeanor remains somehow relaxed. His hand remains slipped into the pocket of his tailored suit.