NOVPUBElion sat at the head of the long, polished conference table, his fingers intertwined as he listened—or at least tried to listen—to the ongoing presentation. The meeting with the representatives of Oscars Inc. had been going on for almost an hour now, but he found it increasingly difficult to concentrate. His sharp gaze flickered between the speaker and the large screen displaying the latest financial reports, yet his mind remained elsewhere.
Kade, sitting beside him, noticed the subtle way Elion’s fingers tapped against the table—a telltale sign of impatience. With a barely restrained sigh, Kade leaned in slightly, lowering his voice so only Elion could hear.
"Please focus," Kade whispered. "The person in your office isn’t going to disappear."
Elion flicked his gaze toward Kade. He knew exactly who Kade was referring to.
Raelynn.
With a slow blink, Elion turned his attention back to the discussion in front of him, but his mind betrayed him—again. Was it really that obvious that he had been thinking about her?
Annoying.
Still, he wasn’t about to admit it out loud. Instead, he exhaled silently, shifting in his seat to straighten his posture.
His expression remained unreadable, though his eyes briefly flicked toward Kade in irritation. "I’m focused," he muttered, shifting in his seat. "I’m listening."
Kade arched an eyebrow, unconvinced. "I wish." Then, in an attempt to ease his friend’s tension, he added, "I already sent someone to keep her company. You have nothing to worry about."
Elion’s fingers stilled against the table as he turned to look at Kade fully this time. "And you’re sure this person is trustworthy?" His voice was low but firm.
Elion had known from the moment he left Raelynn alone in his office that he wouldn’t be able to focus. The meeting was important, but so was her well-being. If the pain came back—the same pain that had nearly brought her to her knees before—who would be there to help her? The thought had settled uneasily in his chest, gnawing at his concentration until he finally caved and pulled Kade aside before the meeting started with a quiet but firm request. 𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙥𝙪𝙗.𝒄𝙤𝙢
However, Elion was also well aware of how quickly rumors could spread in the company. If anyone saw Raelynn in his office, especially for an extended period, speculation would run rampant. He had no patience for gossip or employees who pried into affairs that weren’t their business. That was why he made it clear to Kade that the person he chose had to be discreet—someone reliable, someone who would do their job without turning the situation into workplace chatter.
Kade exhaled, leaning back in his chair. "For the millionth time, yes. She’s an intern. She wouldn’t dare spread rumors. And from what little I’ve gathered about her, she’s the quiet type—doesn’t gossip much."
Elion didn’t respond immediately. He looked back toward the presentation, where a suited man continued droning on about projected quarterly profits. The words barely registered in his mind. His thoughts drifted back to his office—to Raelynn. He hoped she wasn’t feeling too out of place sitting there alone.
Realizing he was slipping into his thoughts again, he straightened, forcing himself to focus. At least for now.
**
The meeting dragged on, filled with detailed discussions about partnerships, distribution channels, and growth strategies. While this was something Elion normally had no problem engaging in, today was different. His mind was restless. His mood, impatient. He checked his watch discreetly. Five more minutes, perhaps ten, if these men decided to wrap things up properly.
Kade stole a glance at him, shaking his head slightly as if saying Unbelievable.
One of the Oscars Inc. executives, an older man with salt-and-pepper hair, cleared his throat. "Mr. Vaelorian, what do you think about the revised proposal?"
Elion blinked, snapping his attention back. For a moment, Kade thought he might have actually missed the details, but Elion’s response came smooth and assured.
"The changes are acceptable," he said, his tone professional. "We can finalize the partnership terms by the end of the month, provided all legal matters are settled within the timeline."
Satisfied nods followed around the table. Kade had to admit, even when distracted, Elion still managed to carry himself flawlessly in business matters. It was only the small, fleeting signs—the subtle tenseness in his jaw, the way his fingers twitched against the armrest—that betrayed his impatience.
After a few more formalities and exchanges of polite words, the meeting finally came to a close. Elion stood up first, buttoning his suit jacket as he did. His mood visibly lightened, the weight that had been pressing against his shoulders now lifting.
"Thank you for your time," one of the executives said, shaking his hand firmly.
"Likewise." Elion returned the handshake with a practiced ease, exchanging a few more words before stepping back. His eyes flickered toward Kade, who was already gathering his notes with an amused smirk.
As soon as they were done with the last of the farewells, Elion didn’t waste another second. With long strides, he exited the conference room and headed straight for the elevators.
Kade followed closely behind, shaking his head in disbelief. "You were that desperate to get out of there?"
Elion didn’t even slow his pace. "It was a long meeting."
Kade snorted. "Sure. Not like you weren’t completely distracted the entire time or anything."
Elion pressed the elevator button, the soft ding signaling its arrival. He stepped inside, and Kade joined him, sighing heavily as he leaned against the wall.
"You do realize she’s probably fine, right?" Kade said as the doors slid shut. "Not everything revolves around—"
"I know," Elion cut in, exhaling. His eyes softened slightly, his thoughts already drifting again.
He just… couldn’t help it. His mind had been restless ever since he left her alone in his office. It wasn’t that he doubted Kade’s arrangements, but still, he wasn’t used to leaving her in an unfamiliar environment.
Now that the meeting was finally over, there was only one thing on his mind—getting back to her.
As the elevator ascended, he found himself hoping she hadn’t gotten too bored without him.
