a second encounter- part 2

In the lobby, Ethan was pacing when Mae approached him.

"Hello", Mae greeted with a soft voice.

"Hello, Mae", he responded.

"Thank you for speaking up for me in there. You did not have to, but you did, and I appreciate it", Mae expressed.

"I hope I did not give the wrong impression. I only did it because your proposal will benefit both businesses, and I am not foolish like Shaun, who allows personal emotions to cloud rational judgement", he explained.

"Whatever your motive was, it does not concern me. We both share the same goal, so I hope we won't hinder each other in the future", she replied with a smile.

"Of course, but would you mind enlightening me on the situation between you and Shaun?" Ethan inquired.

"There is nothing between us. We simply crossed paths at Zaffron on Monday, and he seems to be more interested in my best friend", she disclosed, tightening her lips and displaying a displeased expression.

"You seem to fancy him", he remarked with a grin.

"No, I don't", she denied averting her gaze.

"I presume the initial encounter with him wasn't too impressive", he suggested with a smile.

"What do you mean by that?" she questioned, meeting his gaze.

"Based on Shaun's demeanor, he likely assumed your best friend was the wealthy one, and you were merely a subordinate", he theorized.

"I frequently encounter that assumption. Why do people always view me as an inferior lacking in refinement, wealth, or pedigree? It's quite vexing to accompany her. I constantly feel branded as a servant. I… I apologize for rambling", she apologized, casting her eyes downward and fixating on the floor to evade eye contact.

Ethan gazes at her intently before making his way towards her with deliberate steps. Mae's anxiety mounts as she nervously bites her lower lip. Coming to a stop directly in front of her, he delicately plucks a stray piece of lint from her blouse.

"Thank you", she murmurs, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

"You're quite welcome", he replies.

"I do hope our paths cross again", she adds, her gaze still averted.

Leaning in closer, Ethan's face hovers near her ear. Mae's heartbeat quickens, and she begins to feel a tightness in her chest.

"Fear not, Miss Wilson. You shall soon be graced with my presence once more, he remarked with a self-assured smile. "And remember, it is essential for everyone to unburden themselves from time to time, so never feel apologetic for doing so". With that, he strides past her, making his way towards the elevator.

"That was a narrow escape, Mae commented, inhaling deeply. I would have been utterly paralyzed if he attempted to kiss me, she mused, massaging her temples. Stay optimistic, Mae. There is a proposal awaiting approval", she reminded herself before taking a deep breath and making her way to her office.

On her way to her office, she encounters Shaun. They exchange icy glances.

"How delightful. Running into the most imbecilic individual in the world", she remarked, tilting her head slightly and offering a half smile.

"And who, may I ask, do you think you are?" he inquired.

"I am Mae Wilson, the daughter of Chairman Wilson. I trust my name will forever linger in your memory", she declared.

"How is your family superior to hers?" he demanded, his eyes flashing with anger.

"Thank you for bringing up Bella. How dare you leave her waiting? You are not some deity she is pining for. She can easily find someone like you by tonight", she retorted.

"I was intoxicated, which is why I couldn't make it stupid", he responded, his eyes filled with fury. 

"That explains why only Ethan showed up at the press conference yesterday", she noted.

"That is not your concern, Mae. Inform Bella that I will be waiting for her at Zaffron, and she should be there by seven", he instructed.

"Am I your messenger now?" she questioned.

"You are even less than that to me. Just ensure Bella receives my message", he said as he strode past her.

"That man has quite the audacity", she muttered as she continued on her way to her office.

Five minutes later, in the board meeting room, everyone were comfortably seated in their designated chairs.

"What is the definitive resolution?" Chairman Owen inquired.

"I am in agreement. I pledge my unwavering support to Mae in any capacity required", CEO Wilson affirmed.

"And you, Shaun?" Chairman Owen turned to him.

"I am in favor of Mae's proposal", Shaun responded.

"Now that the proposal has been approved, we must designate a representative from each hotel to oversee and attend to Kelly", Chairman Owen stated.

"Why is that necessary?" Shaun inquired.

"We require an individual to remain at the hotel and accompany Kelly throughout her stay for the entire week. You are tasked with selecting a representative from your team", GM Michael explained.

"Understood", Shaun acknowledged with a smile.

"We have chosen Mae as our representative due to her unparalleled ability to implement her strategies effectively", GM Michael announced.

"In that case, Ethan will serve as our representative", Shaun declared with a contented smile.

"Let's observe how well the two of you collaborate", Shaun mused.

"When is Kelly expected to arrive?" Ethan asked.

"This Friday", Mae responded.

"Friday? That's soon", Ethan remarked.

"I have a business engagement in two weeks and a hectic schedule thereafter, so it's now or never", Mae explained.

"I comprehend. My schedule is equally packed. I will see you tomorrow", Ethan confirmed. 

"Tomorrow?" Mae looked puzzled.

"Yes, I will be moving in tomorrow to ensure everything is prepared for Kelly's arrival", Ethan clarified.

"Very well then", Mae consented.

"It was a pleasure to see you again, CEO Wilson, but we must depart now. We need to reach Shanghai by tonight. I will return promptly in time assist Mae", Ethan assured.

"Take care of yourself, Ethan", CEO Wilson bid farewell with a smile.

"I shall", Ethan replied as he rose up from his seat. Shaun and the lady who accompanied them also stood up.

"Thank you all for your presence. We must take our leave now. Have a pleasant day", Ethan concluded as the trio exited the meeting room.

"That concludes our meeting for today", CEO Wilson announced as the board members departed, leaving Mae, GM Michael and CEO Wilson in the room.

"Is that how it's going to be now?" Mae inquired, crossing her arms.

"We couldn't stay idly by while he mistreated you", Michael interjected.

"I was perfectly capable of handling the situation", Mae retorted.

"We are aware, but I couldn't stand him belittle my daughter", CEO Wilson explained.

"Dad am not little", Mae said.

"Michael, look at how mature your sister has become. She seems to have forgotten the times when she relied on me to guide her through every step of the way", CEO Wilson reminisced.

I love you both dearly. I am trying to avoid ruining my make up, so please refrain from making me emotional", she expressed.

"Alright, I'll stop", CEO Wilson agreed with a gentle smile.

"Mae, why does Shaun harbor such animosity towards you?" Michael inquired.

"What do you mean?" Mae questioned.

"Come on, Mae. You two have encountered each other before and it was not under favorable circumstances", Michael pressed.

"I can't keep anything hidden from you, can I?" Mae inquired, as Michael beamed. "Shaun and I crossed paths at Zaffron on Monday", Mae disclosed.

"Let me guess, Bella played role in this?" Michael speculated.

"How did you know?" Mae questioned, taken aback by Michael's insight.

"This scenario bears all the hallmarks of Bella", Michael asserted.

"Mae, why are you still associating with that young lady?" CEO Wilson asked.

"Dad, I understand Bella is not perfect, but I have faith in her ability to change", Mae defended.

"But she is not going to change", CEO Wilson maintained.

"You always taught me to find the good in others", Mae reminded.

"Recall the consequences of that particular advice; it nearly led to the downfall of your life", Michael expressed with a look of concern.

"It is commendable that you have faith in her ability to change but, it is necessary to question her willingness to do so. Your belief will hold no significance if she lacks the desire to change", CEO Wilson remarked as he stood up and approached Mae.

"Dad", Mae uttered.

CEO Wilson planted a tender kiss on Mae's forehead and then smiled.

"I cherish you, Mae and I wish to shield you from any harm. I hope you comprehend my intentions", CEO Wilson expressed.

"I love you too, dad", Mae reciprocated, planting a peck on his left cheek.

"I must depart now. I will see you at home", CEO Wilson stated.

"Okay, dad", Mae responded as he exited.

"I must leave as well, big sis", Michael announced as he rose up from his seat.

"I deeply appreciate all your efforts. I hold you in high regard, Mike", Mae expressed as he enveloped her in a hug.

"Despite your occasional vexing behavior, my love for you remains steadfast", Michael replied with a chuckle.

"Goodbye", she bid farewell as he waved and exited the room.

Mae let out a sigh of relief, swiveling around in her chair. Was her family correct in their assessment of Bella? Was she truly making an error in her judgement? Despite Bella's harsh demeanor, she had been a pillar of support during critical times. She was determined not to abandon their friendship, as true companionship perseveres through all obstacles.

Mae retrieves her phone from the table, using her fingerprint to unlock it. She navigates to her call log and selects Bella's contact.

"Hello, Bella. Shaun mentioned meeting you at Zaffron by seven", Mae relayed.

"Nice try, Mae, but your pranks are subpar. How did you and Shaun even cross paths?" Bella inquired.

"My father and Shaun's father are business partners, so he came by for a board meeting today. Whether you believe it or not is up to you. I must return to my work", Mae responded.

With a decisive click, Mae ended the call and placed her phone back on the table.

"I may just lose my composure soon", Mae muttered.

Outside RX hotel, a sleek black SUV jeep is parked elegantly in front of the entrance. Shaun, Ethan, and the lady are observed standing as Ethan and Shaun engage in a heated argument.

"What do you signify by refusing to go to shanghai?" Ethan asked.

 "So, a date with some lady holds more weight than the legacy painstakingly constructed by your father?" Ethan queried, his eyes ablaze with fury.

"It's not your inheritance, so kindly attend to your affairs and carry out your assigned tasks", Shaun retorted brusquely.

Ethan delivered a forceful blow to Shaun's face, causing him to stumble slightly.

"Do you presume that I have any interest your family's legacy? Do you believe that I desire to be present in this situation? Simply because you compensate me does not grant you a free pass to act foolishly every time. I shall proceed to Shanghai to address matters while you return to the office and fulfil your professional obligations. I shall not resume work until the following week. Utilize this period to reflect on whether you wish to persist in this manner or seek a transformation. Ella ensure that he reaches the office safely. I entrust matters to your care, so endeavor not to jeopardize your father's business", Ethan declared as he opened the car door.

The lady whose name is Ella, is taken aback by the recent argument between Ethan, the personal assistant, and Shaun, the CEO, stood in disbelief.

As Ethan entered the car and it sped away, he warned Shaun that any future disrespect would result in physical confrontation before he would ultimately resign.

 Ella pondered the significance of Ethan's relationship with Shaun, as she contemplated the undisclosed details and communication dynamics between the two.

"Summon Rick to retrieve us", Shaun declared.

"Very well, Mr Grayson", Ella responded.

"Shall we proceed inside?" Shaun suggested as they entered the hotel".