Chapter 26 - Fire This Woman

On their way to Dynasty Hotel, Zaria kept flipping through the files she had brought with her, irritating Desmond immensely.

A hand with long fingers appeared at the top of the file as the file got snatched away.

"What now?" She snapped.

"You're making too much noise." He closed the file with self-justification.

Zaria was tempted to land a slap on his cheek, but she held it in. "My boss is a multibillionaire and I'm not. So, I need to work hard. I would very much appreciate it if you don't do anything to make that difficult." She pulled the file right out of his hand.

Alas, he swiped it yet again and held it above his head.

She was in disbelief. "Are you seeking my attention?"

In response, he looked down at her as though he could not comprehend what she was talking about. She took a deep breath to stop herself from launching a resounding slap and decided to ignore him.

Although she ignored him, she kept peeking at him from the corner of her eye and waited for the right opportunity to grab it back.

historical

When he let down his guard, she turned and grabbed tightly onto the file. However, his reflexes were fast and he pulled it up at the same time as the car took a sudden sharp turn. The impact was too sudden, she ended up flying right into his arms.

Zaria froze and so did Desmond. Seeing the situation at the back, the chauffeur apologized as he rubbed his nose and continued driving, minding his business.

Zaria so badly wanted to fly out through the car window. What kind of situation was this? Just as she was battling what to say, she came to a realization. This was not her fault! Why should she say anything?

At that thought, she snatched back her file and opened it as though nothing had happened.

However, Desmond did not ignore it. He grinned devilishly as he looked at her. "If you want to hug me so badly, you can just say so. You don't have to do it in such a roundabout manner."

She frowned when she heard his words. "Narcissist."

Luckily, they arrived at Dynasty Hotel and it saved her the effort of having to argue with this childish and unreasonable man.

As Mr. Dumont's assistant led them to the Dynasty Hotel, Desmond couldn't stop his lips from curling upwards. A good show was about to commence.

After several turns, they finally arrived at the vintage-styled meeting room. Zaria glanced through the room in a brief second and finally understood why such a reputable hotel had been declining in business lately.

The whole hotel was vintage-themed, which was a great choice. Besides, it was not common in Imperium, which was a great advantage. However, the color combination was such an eyesore. No matter how excellent the services rendered were, aesthetics was an important aspect too.

She wondered whether the people in charge ever took time to check out the ratings. If they did, she was sure that they would have improved the style ages ago.

"Mr. Fort, we meet again." The man jubilantly greeted Desmond, and his smile froze when his gaze landed on the latter's assistant.

Desmond looked at Zaria then back at the man curiously, using his eyes to ask what had happened.

"What's your surname?" He asked without beating around the bush.

Although she was curious, Zaria calmly answered, "Williams."

The man muttered an inaudible string of words with a frown, making the duo exchange puzzled glances.

When he calmed down, he opened a file and slammed it on the long table in front of Desmond. "This deal is canceled."

"What?" Zaria was the first to react, while the man beside her maintained his calm expression. She stepped forward and demanded, "May I ask why?"

"You are asking me?" Mr. Dumont was on the verge of losing his temper.

Zaria looked up at him, not raising her voice. "Yes. You are canceling a deal that has been discussed for months. The least you could do is provide an explanation, don't you think?"

Although she was not loud, her tone was quite intimidating as she demanded an explanation.

Sneering, Mr. Dumont glanced at Desmond, and then at his assistant. "You want an explanation? I will give you one. I do not collaborate with people of questionable character. Not even if it is a one time deal. And you, Miss Williams, are the vilest kind of snake on earth! Is this explanation enough?" His finger trembled in fury as he pointed at Zaria.

The latter took a deep breath to calm herself from the shock she had just received from his words. Not just Zaria, but Desmond was shocked too. Did these two know each other?

Zaria's question answered him. "Mr. Dumont, I am sure we have never crossed paths. How did you come to such a defamatory conclusion about me?"

Hearing this question, Mr. Dumont so badly wanted to slap the hell out of the wretched woman. She had the nerve to ask! Calming down his anger, he looked at Desmond instead. "Mr. Fort, this deal was discussed between the two of us after all. If you fire this woman, we can still negotiate terms."

To this, Desmond's lips curled into a lopsided smirk in amusement. He then nudged the woman beside him. "Let's go."

What he hated most was people who went back on their word. Calling off a deal and then proposing terms a minute later? What did this man think of Preston and Fort Group?

Zaria could only helplessly follow her boss, deciding to dig into the matter later. The man was walking with such long strides that she had to half-run after him in her high heels. When they entered the elevator, he glanced at her through the fully mirrored wall. "You are my EA now. You represent me so don't go begging anyone for collaborations. They will take Preston and Fort Group lightly."

"I didn't beg." She explained. She was only demanding the truth, which is the sanest thing to do in such a situation.

The man did not give a response to her explanation. Instead, he frowned. "Also, clear up whatever mess you have against your name. Preston and Fort Group does not need a scandalous employee to tarnish its reputation."