Chapter 9-Compel Aiden to come with me.
I left Monford once again and exited the dining room alone.
Monford has grown accustomed to my habit of ignoring him.He didn't express any dissatisfaction beyond sighing as I walked away.
Aiden awaited me outside the restaurant, leaning against the wall with one hand in his pocket. His face bore no expression, and a cold aura radiated from his body, making anyone hesitate to approach.
Striding toward him in my high heels.I noticed his gaze fixed on the white tips of my shoes, my feet seemingly as soft as tofu against the air.
For a moment, an impulse surged in him to kiss the backs of my feet.
Aiden was about to look up when I approached. I wrapped my arms around his neck, trapping him against the wall.
Locking eyes with him, I smiled, and through his gray-blue eyes, I witnessed my smile shining as brightly as fireworks.
"I've secured an opportunity for you with Monford. Remember our agreement!"
Aiden met my gaze, his eyes revealing a mix of excitement and a hint of restraint
"Thank you very much, Miss Chloe!"
"Don't thank me. It's just a regular collaboration."
I intentionally brushed against his chest as I withdrew my arm.
"Anyway, now we..."
Before I could complete my sentence, Aiden swiftly dodged to the side, taking several steps back.
"Miss Chloe, I appreciate your willingness to give me a chance. When I meet with the CEO, I'll come to you as we agreed. Now, I need to have a meeting with my team and review the project proposal!"
Aiden spoke rapidly, almost as if trying to avoid me.
No chance.
As Aiden was about to turn around, my words halted him in his tracks.
"I can either make Monford give you a chance, or make him discard it!"
When Aiden turned to look at me again, his eyes reflected shock, now viewing me as a potential deceiver.
Ignoring his surprise, I approached him slowly.
"Aiden, is exploiting people and then discarding them your typical modus operandi?"
"Miss Chloe, why did you break your promise? I've helped you so much. You must tell me what trouble you're in. You've seen what I can do. Maybe I can help you."
Aiden thought silently for a moment before leading me to an empty corner.
Observing the surroundings, I couldn't spot any cameras and couldn't help but chuckle.
"You didn't bring me here to do something to me, did you?"
"Of course not!"
Aiden denied vehemently, anxious to dispel any misunderstanding.
"Because what I'm about to say is meant for your ears only. With no one around, I can share the whole story with you."
I leaned against the wall, mirroring his earlier stance at the restaurant entrance. A subtle nod signaled his readiness to speak.
In just two minutes, Aiden succinctly conveyed the entire situation.
His rapid delivery suited my impatient nature, and understanding why and how things transpired required minimal effort.
"... That's the whole story. I know everything stemmed from my failure to control my team members, and I apologize. But I couldn't abandon the project or my team."
"So, what was the real purpose of your meeting with Monford? I doubt it was as simple as him reviewing your project book."
Aiden nodded, confirming my suspicions.
"I'm taking a gamble. I want to find proof that the contents of the flash drive weren't leaked, so my team can be safe. Even if he can't return to the company, at least he won't face legal action."
I couldn't comprehend his motives.
"Monford mentioned you're new to the head office. Given the brief time you and your team have known each other, why go through all this trouble to help him?"
"He was my team member, and I was his group leader."
"For that reason?" I found it even more perplexing.
"Yes!"
Aiden asserted with determination.
His responsibility as a leader struck me as a stroke of luck for his team, and for me, it ensured the smooth execution of my plan.
Date him, hold hands, kiss, and finally, share a bed...
"Alright. I may not understand your motives, but I know what to do next. Come with me!"
Taking his hand, I guided him into the elevator.
Although unsure of our destination, Aiden obediently followed. Despite he repeatedly asking where we were going, I deliberately ignored all his inquiries to prevent him from rejecting my plans.
Upon leaving the office, I noticed Jack's used car in the distance. Waving at him, Jack promptly drove the car to the company door.
"Get in!"
"Miss Chloe, where are you taking me?"
This marked the 23rd time Aiden asked the question.
"We'll head to the police station to meet your team members."
Opening the car door, I nudged his shoulder to prompt him inside.
Aiden, with his muscular physique, stood his ground like a mountain, resisting my efforts.
"I can't leave the company now, Miss Chloe. I'm still at work."
"Didn't you mention that the job was more crucial than rescuing the team?"
My words prompted him to waver.
Locking eyes with me, his tone softened.
"Miss Chloe, I appreciate your help in securing the CEO's agreement. The next thing..."
"Let's handle this together!"
Anticipating his refusal, I leaned in and whispered in his ear, "You can't refuse me now. You have to listen to me. Otherwise, our agreement is null and void!"
With no other option, Aiden reluctantly entered the car.
His sigh before getting in the car represented the only resistance he could muster.
I grinned triumphantly at Aiden in the car, then walked to the other side.
Jack had already exited the car and waited to open the door for me.
Upon seeing me, he offered a warm smile and remarked.
"Miss Chloe is quite impressive! You were alone when I dropped you off, and now you've brought someone out. And a good-looking guy, too."
Satisfied with his comment, I rewarded Jack with an additional $50 for his flattery.