Chapter 8-Be my nude model.
"Clever man!"
I was so delighted that I touched his face.
"I just need you to promise me one thing, andI can assist you in reaching out to Monford for an opportunity. However, whether Monford is willing to reconsider his decision depends on the capabilities of you and your team."
As I ran my hand over Aiden's chin, his Adam's apple bobbed up and down rapidly.
He appeared nervous while simultaneously contemplating my suggestion.
Aiden finds himself in a challenging situation. Leading the team responsible for C Company's project bidding, they face a critical juncture. Unfortunately, one of the team members misplaced the USB flash drive containing crucial project documents.
Although the USB flash drive was eventually recovered, there's a high likelihood that the information inside has been compromised. Under these circumstances, the project dossier is no longer secure and may result in severe losses for the company.
After the team member who misplaced the flash drive was taken into police custody, Aiden rallies the other members to create a new project dossier overnight to rectify the situation.
Unfortunately, the company's leadership decides to abandon the project.
It was Aiden's inaugural project at M Company, and he is reluctant to let it go. Moreover, he is unwilling to abandon his team members at the police station.
Aiden attempts to persuade Monford to proceed with the bid, but Monford refuses to agree and won't even meet him.
Aiden gazes at me once more, recognizing that the only person who can assist him in this predicament and is willing to do so is me.
"What can I do for Miss Chloe?"
The corners of my mouth curl up, giving a slightly mischievous look.
I rise on my toes and whisper hot air gently into his ear.
Aiden's body tenses at that moment. He closes his eyes and attempts to stay composed. However, with a single word from me, all his defenses crumble in an instant.
"Be my model, a nude model."
"What?" Aiden was taken aback.
His reaction didn't surprise me. This is our first meeting, and I'm making such audacious requests.
I chuckled and said, "Is this your way of rejecting me? I won't force you. If you don't want to, you can just stay here."
"I'm not... I mean, I just..."
I placed my index finger on his lips. "Just give me a simple yes or no."
I gazed into Aiden's gray-blue eyes. His expression underwent various changes, from shock to disbelief, confusion, and finally, numbness.
Perfect!
I'm confident he won't turn me down.
"OK... Yes..."
"What is it about?"
"I will fulfill your request. The one you mentioned, Miss Chloe..."
Pretending forgetfulness, I asked, "What did I just say? I forgot."
Aiden pressed his lips tightly, as if deliberating.
"I said yes, to model for Miss Chloe. Uh... Naked, completely nude..."
"Ha ha ha!"
My laughter resonated through the hallway.
It's unbelievable. Aiden—a man with a stern face and a perfect body—is being embarrassed by me.
This time, sneaking out of grandpa's house, even though it's not advisable to have too much fun in the city, it turned out to be a significant adventure.
I've found the first guy I want to go out with!
·
When I reentered the restaurant, Monford's expression soured.
He doesn't need to utter a word. I'm sure he's jumping to conclusions about me rekindling my feelings for Raimundo.
"Well, Chloe, I thought you had left."
Monford promptly laid his napkin on the table, grabbed me by the wrist, and guided me to a table far away from Raimundo.
"Why are you back? Aren't you..."
"No! Erase those unnecessary thoughts from your mind!"
I halted Monford from saying what he was about to say.
"Then tell me, why are you here? And you know Raimundo is here!"
Monford pointed to Raimundo, gracefully enjoying his meal at a nearby table.
I glanced in the direction he indicated.
I have to admit, Raimundo is a true gentleman. He meticulously cut his steak into bite-sized pieces before placing them in his mouth. Every move he makes is elegant and pleasing to the eye.
"Will he starve if he eats like this?" I couldn't help expressing my thoughts.
Monford looked at my earnest expression and asked doubtfully, "You really don't like him?"
"I've told you countless times I don't like him!"
I rolled my eyes mercilessly at Monford.
"Alright, let's get down to business. I've come to see you. I need your help."
Monford surveyed me, pondered for a moment, and then pulled out his wallet, handing me his credit card.
"This credit card has no limit. Feel free to spend as much as you want."
"Not this!"
I was about to push his hand back when I realized I didn't seem to have any money.
So, I accepted his offer.
"Thank you. But that's not why I want to see you."
"What else do you want?"
"A chance! I want you to give Aiden a chance!"
"Aiden?"
Monford thought of the person behind the name. "Aiden Belek? The leader of Team F?"
"Yes, that's him."
"Chloe, didn't you say you and him were meeting for the first time?" Monford looked at me nervously.
I responded, "I met him for the first time, and then he caught my interest."
"Do you know who he is? Are you familiar with his family background?"
"I don't know."
I don't need to know. All I need to know is that he's good-looking and in great shape.
Monford stared at me again for a while and began to brief me on Aiden.
"He was specially transferred from the branch by his grandfather. I've seen his resume. He's truly capable. But this was the first project he was in charge of when he came to the head office, and there was such a big trouble, which is very detrimental to his future development."
Monford suddenly remembered something, and his tone turned cold.
"Project failure is one thing. On top of that, his team members went to the bar with a thumb drive containing company secrets! The flash drive got lost there!"
I may not know much about the office, but I do know that bars can be chaotic.
The Meredith family is renowned citywide. If the lost USB flash drive falls into the hands of competitors, it could spell huge trouble for the company.
"You can check the surveillance footage to see whose hands the USB drive passed through from the time of loss until its discovery by others, and whether anyone accessed its contents. If not, whatever's in there is perfectly safe. There's no chance of a leak."
"It's not going to be this easy, Chloe."
Monford guided me into a chair.
"I know you want to help Aiden, but it's best if you stay out of this. For Grandpa's sake, I only let the cops detain the guy who lost the flash drive, and the rest of the company is already speculating about Aiden. If you help him now, who will respect him in the company in the future?"
I reassured Monford with a pat on the back of his hand.
"I never said I was going to help him. All I've been saying is give him a chance. Just meet him once, listen to his explanation, review the new project proposal. Whether you choose to change your decision or not, that's between you two. It has nothing to do with me!"
Monford was relieved to hear my words.
After all, this is the first request I've made since waking up, and he doesn't want to disappoint me.
"Alright, I promise. I'll give him five days and then ask him to come to the office to meet Sophia."
I frowned slightly and inquired, "Who's Sophia?"
Monford paused while sipping his drink.
"Haven't you seen her today? I know you came to my workplace and asked her to meet you at the elevator."
"Oh! The one with the ample bosom? Her name is Sophia!"
"Chloe!"
Monford winked fervently at me, hinting that Raimundo is still around.
I glanced once again at Raimundo, who unfortunately also happened to be looking in the direction of Monford and me. Our eyes met in the air.
Catching me staring at him, Raimundo flashed a smile. His smile is so tender that it could melt anyone's heart.
But what distinguishes a man who is affably charming to everyone from a central air conditioner in a mall?