It was eerily quiet for a moment until Evelyn Goldwood broke the silence.
She stared at me with a stretched eyebrow. "Ahh . . . little girls' imaginations nowadays are pure fantasies that I can only envy as for grown-ups can no longer imagine such things."
I looked down at the files in my hands, a bitter smile gracing my lips.
This was why I didn't want to attend adult meetings. Give them my opinion, and they would dismiss it as a mere child's fantasies.
"I think it's a brilliant idea." Hynes Fay rubbed his chin, shooting me a look of approval.
"Cutting the project into phases to reduce the cost, and at the same time, generate income with each phase. Building at a time while gaining the public's support and approval."
I smiled sweetly at him. I like him already.
"It has logic. Instead of building in one go, we can do it by phases. When you think about it, it's like building another of our previous projects." James Jansen supported his chin with his hand and smiled at me.
Evelyn Goldwood 'huramp' and rolled her eyes, yet her lips were tight.
"You found yourself a tactician, Zhander." Jaime Jansen glanced at his son before he smiled at me. "And so young at that."
Zhander was quiet for a moment. His violet eyes captured mine.
"Yes, I plan to keep her from now on," he said with a serious face, eyes never left me.
My cheeks burned that not even the chilly air emanating from Cain could extinguish.
I peered at Uncle Luke with pleading eyes to save me. But much to my dismay, the old man appeared to be enjoying my predicament.
"Anyone interested can sign the contract prepared for you. If you have any more queries, Zhander will accommodate you all. If there's nothing else, the meeting is adjourned." Uncle Luke stood, and I scrambled to my feet.
My freedom awaits!
We were all outside the boardroom, and I made my way into the elevator lobby when I heard my name.
"Leanna."
I turned and saw Cain and Zhander approaching me. I panicked and wanted to run, but my feet froze on the carpeted floor.
"Let's have lunch," both the men said.
And at the same time it took me to blink, they were right in front of me.
"I-I . . ." I thought of an excuse, but the men were adamant in not letting me off the hook.
"Where do you want to eat lunch? I'll treat you for a job well done." Zhander held my hand oblivious to Cain's icy air.
"No, come with me to lunch. We'll eat rice together." Cain held my other hand, gently stroking it.
The people who saw the scene froze on the spot. Many emotions crossed their faces. They appeared to be watching a rare show.
Only, I felt a murderous aura emanating from one of the audience.
Holley Goldwood's angelic face appeared to be distorted. Her eyes were glowing with hate like anytime now, she would murder me.
"Leanna will be having her lunch with me."
Luke Jansen strode towards us. He raised an eyebrow at the two. Cain and Zhander withdraw their hands, freeing me.
My savior!
"Leanna, come." Uncle Luke went into his office, not glancing back. I followed him like a lost puppy, leaving the two men behind.
I heard the faint melancholic voice of Holley Goldwood as I entered Uncle Luke's office.
"Cain, have lunch with us . . ."
I frowned and closed the door.
