billion book
120
Sylvie frowned, the smoke making her cough. She didn't like being in a space where people smoked. Kage knew this, but of course, he didn't care about her anymore.
"L..." She dropped her gaze. "Astrea Label's office here in Oasis was closed down by you. I'd like to know the reason it was."
Silence fell between them, Kage's eyes not leaving hers as he took another drag from his cigar.
Sylvie felt small under his scrutiny. It was funny how they were in an enclosed space yet in very complicated situation. Here, he held all the cards, and she was completely at his mercy. "That is confidential. Of what importance is it to you?" He asked, tapping the embering tip of the cigar against the ashtray.
Sylvie's tongue darted out to lick her dry lips. "I am affiliated with them."
Kage remained silent. Then, she added. "Please, could you leave them out of this? They don't have to get involved, K-Mr. Hawkins."
Kage's lips curled in a cold smirk. "Doesn't it bother you that they're keeping you hidden from the world?"
Sylvie's shaky hands fisted beside her. 'How wouldn't they after what you did to me at the party?"
Memories of how he had spilled the drink on her and broken the glass st her feet filled her head and made her chest swell with rage. He was wrong, but of course, he didn't care.
"Well, I'm sure you're aware of the reason the office was closed down. It's still under investigation, and once the investigation is complete, it'll be reopened. Problem is," he tapped the end of the cigar on the ashtray again. "It might take a long time- possibly months." Sylvie's eyes rounded in shock. Her grandfather would kill her!
"P-Please! We don't have such time." She dragged her gaze from the floor, meeting his. "This is important to me. I'm ready to do anything-anything at all."
Kage, who bad been leading his cigar to his lips, stopped midway, his expression darkening..
It wasn't until that moment that Sylvie realized her mistake.
God, she shouldn't have made that statement.
"Anything?" He cocked a brow. "Including going naked?"
Her lips parted in shock, her heart quickening again.
Of course, her nudity wouldn't be new to him, but this was different.
"That was a joke," He said in a flat tone, taking a long drag from his cigar again.
Sylvie released a shaky breath, not feeling relieved yet.
"But I've told you the only possible solution. You and your family will have to wait."
The way he spoke to her... It was as if they were mere strangers, like they never shared good memories.
'You're my family now, Sylvie. Three of you. I won't stand by and watch anyone threaten you. Not even my own mother. His words from four years ago still ignited butterflies in her stomach. Chapter 120
Her heart twisted with pain. Why hadn't he asked about the kids Why was he acting like he didn't remember anything?
But, of course, he did. Else, he wouldn't hate her this much.
Kage pressed a few keys on his keyboard with his free hand. "If that is all you wanted to say, you can leave now. I'm busy." He said, dismissively.
Sylvie clutched the sides of her dress, her gaze down to the floor again. She made no attempt to leave.
Minutes passed. She could hear Kage typing on his keyboard but made no attempt to move.Please check at N/ôvel(D)rama.Org.
To her dismay, Kage placed a call. "Come get her out of here."
That was when she snatched her gaze from the floor, looking at him with eyes filled with dread.
"I cant leave like this." She shook her head. "Please."
But he didn't even look up from his system.
The door opened behind her with two hefty men walking in. Sylvie's heart hammered in ner chest. Was Kage really going to drag her out of his office?
She looked back at Kage, wishing he'd change his mind. One of the men put his hand around her.
"Come on, miss. We don't have to do this the hard way." His voice was rough.
Sylvie knew she stood no chance against the men. With one final pained look at Kage, she turned and started for the dook herself.
Her mind teased her with all the terrible things Galen would do to her when she returned home as a failure. She'd have to go back to Australia, and how disappointed Ruby would be in her...
"It's only been four years, though. Do you really think you're good enough in fashion to get involved in Astréa Label?" His voice halted her at the door, causing her to turn to him.
The securities, seeing that Kage was talking to her, didn't try to touch her.
Sylvie furrowed her brows. Was he thinking her incompetent?
"Maybe if you think you're that good," he shrugged, hitting the end of the cigar on the ashtray again. "I might have a challenge for you. Although, I'm sure you'll fail it."
Hope glimmered in Sylvie's eyes despite his insulting remark. "Will the office be open?"
"Perhaps," another shrug. "But first, you should worry about failing, because I think that is what you've been doing for most part of your life."
His words sent a sharp sting to her heart. How can he
say that to her?
She clenched her hands beside her, determined not to give him the privilege to see how deeply his words broke her.
Turning his system to her, she found an animated dress on the screen.
"If you can make this within twenty-four hours, then maybe, we'll have a deal."
Sylvie's lips parted in disbelief, her eyes going round. What in God's name?
She returned her eyes to the screen. It was a floor-length gown, with an array of lace patterns and shimmering beadwork that entwined like vines. The making would, no doubt, be complex. There was no way Sylvie could make it within the given 10:08 Mon, Nov