The CEO's Challenge

Chapter 9: The Disruption

I freeze, my heart suddenly pounding in my chest. "Wait, what? Your son is Damien Blackwood?"

Joanna beams, her earlier condescension forgotten. "Yes, that's right! Damien is my youngest. Oh, this is just too perfect!"

Joanna leans forward, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "So, Nova," she begins, her voice dripping with playful teasing. "Does Damien ever get distracted by your beauty? I mean, I can't imagine how he could focus on work with someone as stunning as you around."

I feel my cheeks heat up, a mixture of embarrassment and indignation washing over me. "Actually," I reply, my tone firm despite the blush creeping up my neck, "it's quite the opposite. Damien is the one who constantly demands my attention, always needing me to handle one crisis or another."

Mom chimes in, her laughter ringing out across the table. "Oh, Nova! You're so modest. I'm sure Damien appreciates having someone as talented and dedicated as you by his side."

I can't help but smile at her words, feeling a sense of pride and validation. "Well, I do my best to keep things running smoothly, but it's not always easy."

Joanna nods, her expression thoughtful. "I can imagine. Damien has always been a bit of a workaholic. But he's also one of the most brilliant minds in the industry. I'm sure he recognizes your value, Nova."

As we continue to chat, I find myself relaxing, the initial shock of the revelation fading into a warm sense of connection. It's strange to think that Damien and I have this unexpected link, one that goes beyond the confines of our professional relationship.

But for now, I'm content to bask in the glow of this newfound discovery, and the promise of more interesting conversations to come.

As the dinner winds down and the plates are cleared away, Joanna leans back in her chair, a satisfied smile on her face. She looks at me, her gaze warm and inviting.

"Nova, dear," she begins, her voice soft and sincere. "I've truly enjoyed getting to know you tonight. It's not often I get to connect with someone who has a direct insight into Damien's world."

I feel a flutter of excitement at her words, touched by her genuine interest. "Thank you, Aunt Joanna. I've enjoyed our conversation as well."

Joanna beams at my use of the term "Aunt," clearly pleased by the familial connection. "Listen, I don't want this to be a one-time thing. We should definitely stay in touch. Would you mind giving me your phone number?"

I nod, quickly rattling off my digits as Joanna types them into her sleek smartphone. The gesture seems to solidify our new bond, and I feel a sense of warmth and belonging wash over me.

As we stand to leave, Mom comes over to give me a tight hug. "I'm so glad you met Aunt Joanna," she whispers in my ear. "She's a wonderful woman, and I have a feeling she's going to be a great influence in your life."

I return her embrace, smiling up at her. "Thank you, Mom. For everything."

As we exit the restaurant, I can't help but feel a sense of excitement about the future. With Joanna in my life, and my newfound connection to Damien, I feel like anything is possible.

And as I slide into the backseat of the Uber, I pull out my phone, deciding to send Damien a quick text.

"Had an interesting dinner with Mom and her friend tonight. Turns out her friend is your mom. Weird, huh? ;)"

I hit send before I can second-guess myself, a smile playing on my lips as I imagine his reaction. Whatever happens next, I know one thing for certain - my life is about to get a whole lot more interesting.