"I know that a business meeting can be tiring, but it doesn't hurt to take a break for a while." I approach them with the tray.
A glance at Luke makes me suppress my laughter. His menacing eyes say to me,What the hell are you doing here?
But of course, I just brush it off like he did to me last time. I can feel his gaze on my deep V-neck dress, and I know that I just brought a lion out of its cage.
He will definitely scold me later, but right now, I'm enjoying this too much.
I place the tray on the coffee table, arranging the cups of tea and coffee for them.
"We hope you'll enjoy this refreshment. Oh, did I just interrupt an important discussion?" I ask them, innocently.
"No, not at all!" some of them exclaim right away, and I bite a smile.
After I finish placing the drinks, I finally can have a good look at the board of directors. They're all staring at me with mouthsagape, starstruck.
Damn. Maybe I've underestimated the effect of this photoshoot wardrobe, hair and makeup.
"Gentlemen, I believe that we have ended today's meeting and will continue the discussion on Monday," Luke speaks through gritted teeth.
The victory feels like I just conquered a medieval battle. I should make a meme of people giving me standing applause and me thanking them with tears of joy in my eyes.
"What? But I thought that we were just halfway through the topic," one of the directors blurts out.
"Which means that I expect the full data and conclusions reported on my desk first thing on Monday," Luke says—his voice speaks of danger. "All of you might want to conduct another meeting with your subordinates at your respective home offices now. In fact, I'm instructing you to do it right this instant for you to meet the deadline in a timely manner."
All of the directors gulp.
I scoff at Luke.Geez. He doesn't have to punish these innocent people.
"Honey, why so serious?" I plaster a cute pout on my face, trying to lighten the atmosphere, while Luke shoots me another glare.
He should have known that his glare doesn't work on me.
Disappointment crosses each of the director's faces as they prepare to leave, but before they walk off, one of them approaches me.
"Cassie, my daughter is a big fan of yours," he says. "Can we take a picture together?"
"Of course." I beam, and he takes out his phone before snapping our selfie.
"Thank you. It's nice to meet you, Cassie." A big grin creeps onto his face. "My daughter would go crazy."
Another man approaches me, automatically knocking theprevious one off my side. "Cassie, my wife and little son adore you so much. Can we take a picture?"
I give him a warm smile. "It's always been my pleasure. Please send my regards to them."
He snaps a few selfies, and before I know it, the rest of the directors approach me too to take pictures together, one by one.
Meanwhile, Luke is seething.
At least, they are now walking out of the room with big smiles on their faces.
When the last person steps out, I remind them from the doorway, "Have a safe journey back home, gentlemen!" As I'm watching them go, my heart is beating fast now that I'm left alone with Luke.
Oh, no. It's time to go. Run for your life.
Before I can totter out of the room, Luke closes the door and locks it.
I gulp, staring into his eyes, which are filled with anger.
