Later that night, Emily's phone rang. She picked it up, expecting it to be a friend or maybe even Alexander himself. But to her surprise, it was Alexander's mom, Mrs. Gray.
"Emily, dear, I hope I'm not disturbing you too late," Mrs. Gray said, her voice warm and friendly.
"Not at all, Mrs. Gray. I was just winding down after dinner," Emily replied, trying to sound casual.
"I wanted to ask, what did you think of Alexander tonight?" Mrs. Gray asked, her tone curious.
Emily hesitated for a moment, unsure how much to reveal. But Mrs. Gray's warm demeanor put her at ease. "He's...interesting," Emily said, trying to choose her words carefully. "A bit reserved, but I think there's more to him than meets the eye."
Mrs. Gray chuckled. "That's exactly what I like to hear. Alexander can be a bit prickly, but he's a good man. I'm glad you're willing to look beyond his exterior."
Emily smiled, feeling a sense of connection with Mrs. Gray. "I think everyone has more depth to them than we initially see," she said, trying to sound sincere but not too eager.
Mrs. Gray seemed to approve of Emily's response. "I think you'll get along well with Alexander, Emily. I'd like to give you his personal number, so you can reach out to him directly if you need to."
Emily's heart skipped a beat as she took down Alexander's number. "Thank you, Mrs. Gray. I appreciate it."
As they wrapped up their conversation, Emily couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. She had Alexander's number now, With Alexander's number in hand, Emily felt a sense of empowerment. She could finally reach out to him directly, without having to go through formal channels.
As soon as she hung up with Mrs. Gray, Emily's mind started racing with ideas. She thought about sending Alexander a text, but then decided it would be better to wait a bit. She didn't want to come on too desperate.
Instead, Emily spent the next hour brainstorming ideas for her next move. She thought about their conversation at dinner, trying to recall every detail. What were his interests? What made him tick?
As she pondered, Emily's eyes landed on her notebook, where she'd jotted down notes about Alexander's business ventures. She realized that she could use her knowledge of his company to break the ice.
With a plan forming in her mind, Emily decided to send Alexander a text the next day, under the guise of discussing business. She would keep it light and professional, but with a hint of friendliness.
The question was, what would she say? And how would Alexander respond?
As it happened, Alexander had indeed agreed to meet with Emily the next day to discuss the business collaboration between Gray Innovations and her marketing firm, Lumina Creative. They were set to meet at Gray Innovations' office over a lunch date.
With Mrs. Gray's phone call fresh in her mind, Emily decided to send Alexander a text to confirm their meeting time and place. She typed out a brief message: "Hi Alexander, just wanted to confirm our meeting for tomorrow at 2 PM. Looking forward to discussing the details of our collaboration."
Emily hesitated for a moment before hitting send. She wondered if she should add something more, something that would break the ice and set a friendly tone. But she decided against it, opting for a straightforward and professional approach.
As she waited for Alexander's response, Emily felt a mix of excitement and nerves. She was eager to discuss the business deal, but she couldn't help but think about the possibilities beyond the meeting.
Alexander sat on his couch, scrolling through his phone, he noticed a text from an unknown number. His curiosity piqued, he opened the message and read Emily's words.
At first, Alexander was taken aback. How did she get his number? He thought about responding with a simple "How did you get my number?" but something about Emily's message put him at ease.
He remembered his mother's warm demeanor and her mention of Emily's interest in collaborating with Gray Innovations. Alexander's expression softened, and he typed out a response, his message brief and to the point: "Confirmed. See you tomorrow at 2 PM."
Emily smiled, feeling a sense of anticipation. Tomorrow's meeting was going to be interesting, to say the least. she texted right back: "Also, don't forget to grab something to eat before bed, even if you're busy - sleep on a full stomach not an empty one. Goodnight, and I hope you get some rest. Sweet dreams!"
"You're worried about my eating habits? That's cute." Appreciate the concern.
Emily's eyes lit up as she read Alexander's response. She smiled to herself, feeling a sense of accomplishment. "Appreciate the concern," she typed out, mimicking his tone. "Good, I'll make sure to prepare a meal when coming to your office tomorrow." what do you think?
Alexander's response came quickly. "No, Not necessary, but thanks for the offer."
Emily chuckled to herself. She was starting to enjoy this back-and-forth with Alexander. "Okay, boss man," she typed out. "I'll behave."
There was a pause before Alexander's next response. "Looking forward to tomorrow."
Emily's heart skipped a beat. Was Alexander actually looking forward to their meeting? She felt a surge of excitement and anticipation.
Emily's fingers flew across the keyboard as she typed out a response. "Me too. I'll make sure to bring all the necessary documents. See you tomorrow!"
As she hit send, she felt a sense of nervous excitement. She had a feeling that this meeting was going to be important, not just for the project, but for her working relationship with Alexander.
The rest of the night passed quickly, with Emily finalizing her preparations for the meeting and going over her notes one last time. As she drifted off to sleep, she couldn't shake the feeling that tomorrow was going to be a game-changer.
Meanwhile the next day, Alexander was having breakfast, when he's mind drifted back to Emily, he couldn't help but think about Emily's messages from the night before. Her concern about him eating before bed had caught him off guard, and he finds himself wondering what it would be like to have someone look out for him like that more often.
Alexander pushes the thought aside, focusing on the task at hand. He reviews the project details with Patek Industries as he eats. He still had an unresolved meeting with Sofia Patek.
Emily wakes up feeling refreshed and prepared for the meeting with Alexander. She's got her notes organized, and her game face on, and her outfit laid out.
As she gets dressed, Emily thinks about how she can subtly tease Alexander in a professional setting. She wants to show him that she's not just a serious businesswoman, but also a person with a sense of humor and charm.
She decides to wear her hair down, but in a sleek and polished style that still looks professional. She adds a simple yet elegant necklace and a pair of high heels that make her feel powerful.
Emily has chosen a fitted white blouse and a tailored black pencil skirt that makes her feel confident and professional. She's added a pop of color with a bold red blazer, which she thinks will make a statement in the meeting.
As she checks herself out in the mirror, Emily practices her "meeting face" - a mix of seriousness and warmth that she hopes will make Alexander take notice. She's determined to make a good impression and show him that she's a force to be reckoned with.
Emily stood in front of the mirror, she gave herself a final once-over. The fitted white blouse accentuated her curves, and the tailored black pencil skirt fell just above her knees, exuding confidence and professionalism. The bold red blazer added a pop of color, drawing attention to her bright smile. She felt like a million bucks, ready to take on the meeting with Alexander.
With a deep breath, Emily gathered her thoughts and composure. She practiced her "meeting face," a blend of seriousness and warmth that would convey her enthusiasm for the project without compromising her professionalism. As she headed out the door, she felt a sense of anticipation building within her. What would the meeting bring? Would Alexander be impressed by her preparations?
Just as she's about to head downstairs for breakfast, her phone rings. She glances at the screen and sees her mom's name flashing.
"Hey, Mom!" Emily answers, trying to sound cheerful despite the early hour.
"Emily, darling! How was dinner with Alexander Gray?" her mom asked, her voice full of anticipation.
Emily hesitated, recalling the awkward dinner her mom had set up a few days ago. Alexander's cold demeanor had made her feel like she was trying to crack a walnut with a hammer. "It was fine, Mom. We didn't really talk much about anything personal, though."
Her mom chuckled. "Oh, that's just Alexander being Alexander. He's a busy man, I'm sure. But I'm sure you'll win him over with your charm. You're making progress with the business partnership, aren't you?"
Emily sighed inwardly. Her mom had always been pushy about her marrying well, and Alexander Gray was the ultimate catch. "Yes, Mom, the business deal is going to go great. We'd finalize the contract today okay," she said, trying to steer the conversation away from her personal life.
But her mom wasn't having it. "Good, good. I'm sure Alexander will come around once he gets to know you better. Just be yourself, sweetie, and I'm sure he'll fall for you."
Emily rolled her eyes, knowing her mom wasn't going to let up anytime soon. "I'll try, Mom," she said, trying to placate her.
After hanging up, Emily couldn't help but feel a sense of frustration. Her mom's expectations were weighing heavily on her, and she wasn't sure if she could deliver. She thought about Alexander's cold exterior and wondered if she'd ever be able to reach him.
As she sat there, lost in thought, her mind began to wander to the business partnership and how she could use it to her advantage. She started to formulate a plan in her mind, one that would bring her closer to Alexander, both professionally and personally.
As Emily navigated through the traffic of Country A, the soft sounds of music filled the car, and she tapped her fingers on the steering wheel to the rhythm. She was focused on the road ahead, but her mind was preoccupied with thoughts of the meeting with Alexander. She had prepared extensively, rehearsing her presentation and anticipating potential questions.
The drive gave her time to collect her thoughts, and she mentally rehearsed her opening statement. She wanted to make a strong impression and showcase her expertise. As she drove, she glanced at the clock on her dashboard, ensuring she would arrive at Gray Innovations with a few minutes to spare.
The traffic slowed down, and Emily sighed, accustomed to the city's notorious congestion. She took a deep breath, letting the stress of the traffic roll off her shoulders. She had allowed plenty of time for the drive, so she wasn't worried about being late.
As she inched closer to her destination, Emily's thoughts turned to Alexander. What would he be like in person? Would he be receptive to her ideas? She felt a surge of determination, ready to showcase her skills and make a lasting impression.
The GPS announced her arrival, and Emily pulled into the parking lot of Gray Innovations. The drive to the office was a blur, her mind preoccupied with thoughts of the project and the man she would soon face.
As Emily pulled into the parking lot of Gray Innovations, she couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the sleek, modern architecture of the building. The glass and steel façade gleamed in the sunlight, giving off an air of sophistication and innovation. She felt a surge of excitement and anticipation, knowing that this was a company that pushed boundaries and stayed ahead of the curve.
She took a moment to collect herself, smoothing out her clothes and gathering her belongings. With a final check of her appearance in the rearview mirror, She parked her car and stepped of the car, ready to face whatever the meeting might bring.
Emily took a moment to gaze up at the building. She felt a sense of pride and determination, knowing that she was about to meet with one of the company's top executives, Alexander. She took a deep breath, mentally preparing herself for the meeting ahead.
As she walked towards the entrance, Emily noticed the logo of Gray Innovations emblazoned on the wall. It was a symbol of excellence and innovation, and she felt a sense of honor to be meeting with someone from such a prestigious company.
With a final glance at the building, Emily pushed open the door and stepped inside. She was immediately struck by the modern décor and the bustling atmosphere of the office. She felt a sense of energy and creativity.
As Emily entered the office, she was immediately stopped by the tight security. The guards eyed her with a mixture of curiosity and skepticism, their faces stern and unyielding. "Can I help you?" one of the guards asked gruffly, his tone implying that he was already certain she didn't belong there.
"I'm here to see Alexander," Emily replied confidently, her voice steady despite the flutter in her chest. "I'm Emily, and we have a meeting scheduled."
The guards exchanged skeptical glances, their expressions unchanged. "Sorry, ma'am, but we don't have you on the list. And even if we did, we'd need to confirm with Alexander himself."
Emily's smile began to falter, and she felt a spark of irritation ignite within her. She took a deep breath, reminding herself that security protocols were in place for a reason. "I'm telling you, I have a meeting with him. Can you please just call him and-"
One of the guards chuckled, a low, mocking sound. "We've heard that one before, sweetheart. You're not the first woman to claim Alexander is the father of your child or that you're his long-lost lover." The other guards snickered, their faces leering with amusement.
Emily's face burned with embarrassment and anger. She felt her temper rising, and she struggled to keep her tone even. "That's not what this is about! I assure you, I'm here for a legitimate meeting."
Just then, Sofia Patek walked by, overhearing the exchange. She raised an eyebrow, amused by the scene unfolding before her. "Looks like someone's having a rough morning," she said with a smirk, her voice dripping with condescension.
Emily's anger boiled over, and she felt a surge of resentment towards the woman. Who was this woman, anyway? And why did she seem to take such pleasure in her discomfort? Emily's eyes flashed with annoyance, but she bit back a retort, focusing instead on resolving the situation.
Then she suddenly remembered that she had Alexander's personal number. She pulled out her phone and dialed Alexander's number, but it went straight to voicemail. The guards laughed, a harsh, mocking sound, and Sofia shook her head. "Looks like Alexander's not interested in talking to you, honey," one of the guards said, his tone dripping with sarcasm.
The guards' laughter and Sofia's smirk only fueled Emily's frustration. She felt her anger simmering just below the surface, threatening to erupt at any moment. She was about to lose her cool when a tall, imposing figure stepped out of the elevator. Ryan, Alexander's trusted bodyguard and friend, strode towards the group, his eyes fixed intently on the scene unfolding before him. He had seen what had been transpiring and he had caught Sofia Patek infuriating attitude towards Emily.
Ryan's presence was like a thunderclap, commanding attention and respect.
The guards straightened up, their demeanor changing instantly. He spoke, what's this nuisance for ? "Just a...a misunderstanding, Ryan," one of them stammered, their faces pale instantly.
Ryan's gaze landed on Emily, and his expression softened slightly. "Ah, Miss Emily. You're right on time. Alexander's expecting you."
The guards' eyes widened in surprise, and Sofia's face fell. She looked like she'd been punched in the gut, her eyes flashing with anger and surprise. Ryan's words hung in the air like a challenge, and the guards apologized profusely, their faces pale.
Sofia's expression darkened, and she stepped forward, her voice low and urgent. "Ryan, who is she?" she asked, her tone demanding an explanation.
Ryan's expression turned neutral, but a hint of amusement danced in his eyes. "Emily is Alexander's guest," he said, his tone dripping with authority. "Alexander's mother niece and Future Mrs. Gray," he added with a smirk directed at Sofia. his words dripping with authority. The guards nodded frantically, their faces slick with sweat.
Sofia's eyes narrowed, her expression darkening and turning red with anger, and she looked like she wanted to say something, but Ryan's aura thundered upon them all, commanding respect and attention. The guards' faces turned bright red with embarrassment, and they quickly apologized, their voices profuse. "We're so sorry, ma'am. We had no idea. Please, let us escort you to the meeting room." The guards parted to let Emily through, their faces sheepish.
As Emily walked towards the elevator with Ryan, she felt a sense of relief wash over her. She was grateful for Ryan's intervention, and she couldn't wait to see Alexander. Ryan's presence seemed to command respect, and Emily felt a sense of security in his company.
"Thanks for stepping in," Emily said, her voice sincere. "I don't know what would have happened if you hadn't shown up."
Ryan smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "No problem, Miss Emily. You're part of the Gray. Alexander's been looking forward to meeting with you. Let's get you settled in."