5

"There's more," Kanti said as she folded the article on her way to the bin. She disposed her biodegradable cup and walked over, going to stand behind Ari and read over her shoulder.

"Locals have made their opinions known about whether the two powerful icons for all business personalities are compatible or not-" Ari paused. "A little ambiguous, don't you think?"

"What's confusing about it? People just want to know whether you and Kaden would make a perfect couple or not," Kanti said as she grabbed the paper from Ari's hands and tossed it on her desk carelessly. "I kind of do, too."

"I have a meeting to attend to."

"Ari-"

"Not now Kanti," she said, panic flashed in her eyes. Kanti swallowed and nodded her head, smiling softly as she ran a hand over Ari's arm.

"You know I'm still waiting, right? I'll wait for as long as you need me to."

"That's why I choose you everyday," Ari chuckled, lightly tapping Kanti's nose.

"Send my regards to my future brother-in-law."

"Excuse me?"

"You think I don't know where you're going?" Kanti asked as she walked out of the office, not waiting for an answer she already knew.

Ari just laughed as she walked out a few minutes after and headed for the elevators. People greeted her as she passed by them and she nodded to acknowledge their presence. She knew all of their names and usually, she'd have stopped for a quick chitchat, but she was rushing and mentally sworn to sit down with them for lunch in the cafeteria the next day.

Even though she was now the president, or half-president, she actually started working as an intern and made friends with them all. So she knew her employees really well.

Her driver opened the door for her and handed her the car keys. In less than ten minutes, she came to a stop and parked her car in front of the large building towering over her, making her seem like a minion in a world she thought she'd conquered.

"Good day," she greeted the secretary at the reception and read her name tag. "Vicky."

Vicky smiled widely in return and proved yet again what her father had told her about the business world: Learn people's names; you'll become more successful and have a lot of allies that way.

"Good day, Ms. Mahi. The meeting is yet to begin. They are waiting for you."

"Would you mind escorting me?"

"No, not at all. Right this way," Vicky smiled broadly and came around her desk to walk Ari to the conference room. Ari was fond of her chirpiness. They took the elevators and stopped on the tenth floor.

"After you," Vicky said politely as she held the glass door open. As soon as Ari stepped into the room, everyone's eyes turned to her.

"Gentlemen," she said curtly, scanning the room and taking a seat at the only open place there was. She was directly in front of Kaden at the far end, if it wasn't for the ten chairs on each side. He looked better in person than what the Getty Images showed her.

"Ma'am, are you the representative of Mahi Dynamics?" A guy to her left asked. He had a rough-looking, quickly-growing stubble and was dressed in a black tailored suit. He looked like a bodyguard more than a business man.

"No."

"Then what brings you here, if we may ask?" Another guy asked. He was an exact copy of the first guy, except maybe the ink ran out, leaving him with red hair and a beige suit. Bad combination. She immediately knew that she'd never get along with him.

"I was actually auditioning for a role in the Friends series. Wouldn't I make an exceptional Phoebe Buffay?" She asked sarcastically.

The guy in front of her, Kaden, chuckled silently, making her glance in his direction and catch his eyes already sat on her. The small smile on his face betrayed the serious facade.

"Mason," Kaden spoke, commanding attention. "She's the president of Mahi Dynamics. Show some respect and decency," he said briskly, putting the man in his place. Then, turning to her, and slightly bowing his head he said, "Pleased to make your acquaintance."

"My apolog-"

"Save it. Let's hope your competence makes up for your foolishness," she snapped, turning her head away from him.

This is going to be a long meeting, even though she arrived 7 minutes late.

*One hour later*

"I don't agree," Ari said when everyone was signing off on the verdict. The room suddenly fell silent because it was the first time she spoke since they started.

"What do you mean you don't agree?" Guy 1 asked.

"It's not a great idea."

"Pardon me, but why are you here?" Guy 2 asked, clearly irritated by her decision.

"Because I'm a part of this."

"In that case, it'd be appreciated if you explained why you have a problem with what we've discussed."

"Simple. Approximately one in every five company is making eco-friendly this and eco-friendly that."

"And the issue is?" Red-Hair-Beige-Suit asked.

"It's very cliché."

"Almost as cliché as you just sitting there not even paying attention because you're daydreaming, and then you dare put up an argument after we've all agreed?" Kaden said nonchalantly, his eyes narrowed as he sat back in his chair. She eyed him, a million responses running through her mind.

He was a pure challenge. He was a tease, a push-and-pull kind of guy. The way he looked at her, he wanted a response. And in that moment she wanted nothing more than to play his game and get under his skin before he got under hers first.