Stefan's POV
I felt a sense of satisfaction as Chadrick's piercing gaze darkened, realizing he had shown his true feelings despite his usual stoic demeanor.
Was an emotionless man actually this transparent when something threatened what he cared about?
"This is getting interesting..."
"Mr. Murray, you should not have meddled with my business," Jessica says, which makes things even more fun. I could see how Chadrick was displeased when someone had the nerve to kick him out of the room.
"I was the one who helped your family when you were about to go bankrupt." Chad blurted out, brows furrowed. "So you should listen to me when I say that Stefan is not someone you should trust."
Jessica frowned and said, "Edison Group has been a big help in expanding our business overseas. Besides, we don't have a valid relationship for you to be this concerned about me. Otherwise, if you are insisting on your relationship with my sister, then you are merely my brother-in-law, but this meeting with Mr. Hudson is exclusive..."
"Hahaha!!!" A sudden burst of laughter escaped me. I couldn't resist, not with Chadrick's face contorting in frustration as Jessica called him brother-in-law. Seeing him so sour lit a fire inside me.
Chadrick didn't seem to know how to respond, so I pushed further. "Mr. Murray, your future sister-in-law is safe with me. If there's a spark between us, what are you worried about? Jessie isn't in a relationship, and I'm single. I don't have a girlfriend, and I definitely don't have a rumored fiancée."
I made sure to emphasize my last point. With a teasing grin, I added,
"Now, the door is wide for you to leave. Jessica and I have a crucial contract that we must discuss."
Chad glared at me, clearly angry about what I said. Still, I felt relieved when he finally loosened his grip on Jessica.
I thought he was ready to leave, but instead, he stood his ground, which frustrated me. I should have known he wouldn't give in that easily.
"Well, since you said I'm Jessica's future brother-in-law, her family's business is my business too. Then go ahead and start discussing," Chad said, acting like he was the boss as he pulled out the chair I had just been sitting in.
"Chadrick Murray, get out!" I snapped, my index finger pointing at the door.
He knew he'd taken control of the situation, intentionally provoking me to see how far I'd react. I had the urge to punch him to erase that victorious smirk on his lips.
"Why?" He challenged me. "Who knows, maybe I would decide to invest in this collaboration too. The more the merrier, right?"
"Hah! As if—" I blurted out. For a second, I thought I might finally win over Chadrick, but as always, he found a way to turn things around.
"Mr. Murray, please don't make things complicated for me," Jessica begged.
Watching this, I disliked Chadrick even more. I couldn't understand why Jessica let him have so much control over her feelings, as if her freedom depended on him.
'Jessica, you should keep some dignity for yourself!'
~ ~ ~
JESSICA'S POV
I don't get why Chad is acting like this. He never gets involved unless there's something in it for him. His sudden interest in my private meeting with Stefan makes me wonder.
But I'd be foolish to think he actually cares about me. I just can't figure out what he wants.
"Mr. Murray, please…"
If I have to beg, I will. I just wanted this night to end so I could finally get some rest. I also couldn't let Dad down by losing the Edison Group.
May the Murays helped us when we were struggling, but the Edisons are our stepping stone to succeed overseas.
"Fine, but you only have 30 minutes."
Chad finally left the table, but his warning didn't make Stefan any happier.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Hudson, please, I hope this does not affect our collaboration. I promise our proposal will satisfy you."
"Hah. I'm not that petty, anyway, so I will let this go this time. But there is no next time, Jess."
Chad was still at the door, so he heard Stefan's statement.
He gave Stefan a sharp, sidelong glance before finally shutting the door with a bitter snap. Only then did I feel the tension leave my body, sighing with relief.
"I ordered some dishes you might like. They were flown in fresh, so I'm sure they'll taste great," Stefan said, pulling me out of my reverie. He pulled out a chair for me, gesturing for me to take a seat.
"Thank you."
The table was already set with appetizers, a main course, and dessert. For a moment, it felt more like a date than a business meeting over dinner.
"Mr. Hudson, aren't we waiting for the others?"
I looked around. The private room was spacious, but the sofas were empty. There was so much food on the table that it could have fed all the executive directors from both companies.
"This meeting is between the presidents of the two companies."
"But…" Dad told me he sent a few executives to accompany me. Is he deliberately lying to me so I agree to show up? Besides, I couldn't eat much, but I didn't want Stefan's effort to go to waste. "Alright, then? Let's dig in!"
"Go ahead. I'm sure you're starving."
Stefan's gentle smile helped me relax. After two years with Chad, I'd learned to read every shift in his mood and adjust myself to avoid upsetting him.
At least now, I could use what I'd learned from those years.
We ate for about half an hour before Stefan let me start talking about my business proposal.
But in the middle of my explanation, Stefan threw personal questions, which I didn't have much to share. My life was just school, the Collins villa, and the Collins company.
My life was honestly boring, with nothing to talk about except the time I spent with Chad. But that wasn't something I could share with anyone, not even Mom or Monica.
Mrs. Yolanda Collins is so set on making Chad her official son-in-law that she even spreads rumors she knows aren't true.
So I can't imagine how she'll react when she finds out that all those nights she thought I was out drinking and flirting with different men, I was actually with her dream son-in-law.
Thinking about it made me smile. I could picture Mom fainting if she ever learned the truth. She'd probably shame me online and ruin my reputation, too.
Mom is just waiting for a reason to kick me out of the family. If she ever found out I was Chad's lover, I could already guess what she'd do.
"Mind sharing a penny of your thoughts?" asked Stefan.
I tilted my head to the side and met his eyes. Although I maintained a serious expression at work, I learned to smile during contract negotiations.
"It's not interesting enough." I shook my head afterward.
"Try me…"
I looked at Stefan in surprise. Why would someone like him bother asking so many personal questions? I doubted it was just about building a business connection.
Was he trying to dig up dirt on the Collins family? It wouldn't be the first time someone offered me money to leak our future projects and help bring the company down.
But I shouldn't have a doubt. The Edison Group has been our ally. For sure, the new CEO has no intention of doing so when they benefited from it.
"Mr. Hudson, I'm here to talk business. Would you mind if we got back to reviewing the proposal?"
Stefan gave me a long, intense look. For a moment, I couldn't tell what he was thinking.
"Alright." Stefan set down his wine glass after taking a sip. I panicked when he stood up, and his assistant handed him his fur coat.
"Mr. Hudson, are you leaving already?" I asked hurriedly. 'Did I say something wrong?'
I couldn't help but wonder.
"I only give your father an hour of my time. Two if he sends his youngest daughter…" Stefan explained. He was looking at me intensely as he walked toward me. I sat up straighter when he leaned over me.
"—an entire night if I am satisfied with her performance."
His last words shocked me. I looked down and clenched my hands.
What did he mean by that? I worried he might be hinting at something beyond business.
"Mr. Hudson, I am afraid I cannot follow."
Stefan's expression darkened for a moment, but it passed quickly, almost as if it hadn't happened.
"Jess, how could you break my heart like this? As one of your major business partners, why can't I receive the same treatment as Chadrick?"