Siel finally spoke, after scanning most of the documents in shocked silence, "I… I don't understand. What has this got to do with…"
As a reply, Vince took out his checkbook then wrote a sum with more zeros than she could expect or that he could actually justify to her. For him, it might not be much, and yes, according to Raquel's report she truly deserved it…
Now he's hoping that this would make her understand.
He signed the check, tears it out then walked to the front of his black walnut desk. Half sitting, half reclining on the table's ledge, he smirked as he offered the check to her.
"Please accept this as a Christmas bonus," he crooned. Having her that close is now making his senses go crazy. He even crossed his legs while still reclined just to hide the growing evidence that was stretching his pants.
Despite trying to control his rising libido, Siel couldn't help but notice the way his eyes raked her body, how now and then he took deep breaths, and how sensual his smile had become.
And now he's giving me a check?
"A bonus? But in all the years that I have worked here I've never gotten a bonus," she said, puzzled and starting to doubt this man's intentions.
"That's why I wrote it for the last five years. Please accept it, since it's our company's way of thanking you for your services," V said more sweetly and smoothly.
It was a move that she understood even less.
"I'm sorry, but this doesn't sound right. You might have misunderstood when I said I'd do anything to keep the job… I meant I will do anything as long as it's work-related, Mr. Riegel…"
"Nice of you to remember my name, Elena. But you can call me V, like I said when we first met," Vince still suavely said, unaware of the growing tension his actions were creating.
"Your name is on your appointment letter, sir, and no, I'm ok with calling you formally."
V's expression abruptly changed. Wait a minute, why is she suddenly so hostile?
"Now about me trying to keep my job with… whatever it is you think I'm supposed to do for you… Well, I hope this is just a joke. Otherwise, I'm very much insulted by how you think of me!"
So, that's it. Damn it… what the hell do I tell her now?
Too late for him, but V now realized that it wasn't usual to be formally summoned to his office, and it might not be the right approach. Especially since most people he had invited to meet him personally were summarily dismissed due to felonious activities in the past years. She really had been given the wrong impression of his good-natured gift due to this.
Realizing that his mate had already misinterpreted his intention, he unhappily shifted to his very impersonal CEO persona…
"I am sorry that you take it this way, Ms. Camden. Please take the check, and go back to your responsibilities. That will be all for today," he coldly said as he walked back to his chair.
Siel felt chills running up her back at the iciness in his words. Was she offending him? Rejecting him?
Damn, I think I did ruin for me this time… what have you done, Siel?
"Uh… sir-"
He cut her statement curtly, "Sorry, Miss, but I have other matters to deal with. Please take the check and leave."
Miss? What happened to Elena? Oh, God… I'm in trouble…
She wasn't the only one, actually.
What is wrong with you? Are you crazy!? Why are you sending our mate away!? Roth yelled angrily into V's mind.
I think I offended her by offering her money. And though I really admire her for that, it's better that she leaves for now. Just this once, back down and trust me on this one, Roth, ok?
We are not done yet, V. Mark my words, the wolf growled as he moved to the back of his human's mind.
Meanwhile, Siel was trying to calm herself down so she can think straight. She watched him as he opened a laptop in front of him giving her the impression that she's now being a nuisance, and that was the last thing she wanted him to feel about her.
"I'm sorry that this conversation didn't go well. I also apologize if I offended you."
He stayed silent. She got up and turned to leave.
I just hope there would be another chance for me to make up for whatever I've done at some point soon. But how can I do that if I'll be removed from my position?
"Miss Camden, don't forget the check. I insist."
His commanding tone stopped her, and she swallowed the spiteful words that almost came out of her mouth. She knew she needed the money, especially if she would be jobless due to this meeting. Remembering her twins, she turned around and finally took the piece of paper on his desk, not even bothering to look at it.
She was back at her own table a quarter of an hour later, feeling worse than when she had left it.
For whatever reason, our CEO will definitely fire me. Can't imagine it all started when I collided with his hard-muscular chest a while back. Damn it, Siel, stop thinking about him as a hot guy! Ugh!
"Oh, hey!" Diwa greeted her as she walked into their department area.
"Hey…" Siel answered her dejectedly.
Di sighed and put an arm around her friend's shoulder, "What happened? Was it that bad!?"
If he did anything terrible to her, I swear, I don't care if he's an Alpha… he will die for messing with Siel!
"Damn it D, I tried to fix it. I think I made it worse though," Siel said and left it hanging. She didn't have any energy left to give her close friend the details of that embarrassing and uncomfortable meeting.
Before Di could reply, Raquel approached them from Roderick's room, chewing on an apple, and with her bag already on her shoulders, "Oh, Siel! Mr. Wright was called away for the rest of the afternoon, so you can go home early today."
Due to her dark mood, Siel couldn't even see that as good news.
Yeah, sure… you're probably gonna be trained to take my place, Raquel, and that's why they're sending me home early. Damn it! Why did all this have to happen now? And me even suspecting such a nice girl… then begging, fighting, and upsetting the CEO… What the hell is wrong with me?
She sighed, smiled sadly at both her female co-workers, picked up her bag, then left her workplace, probably for the last time…
At least now, I can go home to my babies. But what will happen to us now?