Mr. Badass ✔

30 Conversation with the CEO

Gemma's POV.

I pull Jacob away, escaping Luke's gaze.

"Hey, you just kissed me," Jacob says cheerfully, dragging his feet, so I have to struggle to keep him moving.

"I know."

"You flirted with me," he adds.

"It was a necessary move," I reply.

"But we can't just leave it at that. You have to take responsibility for me."

I turn my head, feeling like something's off. "Isn't that something guys usually say to girls?"

"But my parents now know we're in a relationship, and you admitted it in front of your ex," Jacob raises an eyebrow. "At the very least, we should pretend to be a couple now, right?"

I think about it and realize he has a point.

"You could also get a head start in experiencing the benefits of being my girlfriend," Jacob smiles.

In fact, ever since I kissed him on the cheek, his entire mental state seems a bit off.

I frown slightly. "But we need to set a deadline for this game."

"A year?" He raises an eyebrow.

"A year is too long, two months," I think seriously.

"Eight months?"

"Three months."

"Six months?"

I get impatient, shake off his arm, and stride forward.

"Three months it is," Jacob catches up to me from behind. "Don't stay quiet. That counts as emotional neglect and can hurt a couple's relationship."

I roll my eyes.

The weekend passes quickly.

At night, after my shower, I sit on my bed with my laptop, organizing client data when a sudden important email notification pops up in my work inbox. Group CEO Mr. Elias is visiting the New York branch on Monday, and everyone is expected to prepare for the reception.

I've never met the ceo, only seen his photo. He's around 60 years old, a chubby man with a round, kind-looking face.

But no matter how kind someone appears, as long as they hold the title of CEO with the power to decide employees' futures, they can make anyone nervous.

On Monday, after carefully dressing up, I arrive at the dealership ten minutes early.

However, my colleagues have all beaten me there.

Just as I blend into the crowd, the CEO arrives, flanked by several senior executives.

I hold my breath as I look toward the CEO in the group, but my attention is drawn to the man beside him—Luke.

Under the dazzling lights of the lobby, Luke strides in, his custom suit making him look especially striking and sharp.

My eyes unconsciously follow him until the CEO blocks my view, snapping me back to reality.

The worst part is, the CEO is looking right at me.

He smiles kindly at me, "You must be Gemma Dawson?"

Suddenly, I become the center of attention, and everyone's eyes are on me.

"Yes, Mr. Elias, she's the top sales rep at our branch," Luke introduces me to the CEO.

"Hello," I smile, hiding my nervousness.

The CEO smiles back, but behind his kindness, there's something I can't quite place, sending a chill down my spine.