Chapter 14
When the cab pulled up in front of the villa, Zoey froze for a second as her gaze landed on the elegant plaque by the gate.
She had assumed the address would lead her to a regular residential home. She hadn’t
expected it to be a private villa–nestled in peace and quiet–with a massive balcony to top it off.
As she wheeled her luggage behind her, she stepped through the door.
Instantly, sunlight poured into the room, revealing not a speck of dust. It was clear someone had been keeping the place spotless.
After tidying up the bedroom, Zoey hung a few changes of clothes in the walk–in closet.
When she flopped onto the soft, gigantic bed, her phone lit up with a message. It was from Jojo saying she was free tomorrow and would take her out to eat. Zoey immediately agreed before setting her phone down.
There was a shelf full of books by the bedside. Out of habit, she reached for one and read it for a bit before drifting off to sleep.
The next morning, Zoey was already awake when sunlight shone on her pillow. As she looked around at the unfamiliar decorations and layout of the bedroom, she felt a bit out of place. Naturally, it took her a moment to adjust to her new surroundings.
The clock by her bed read 6:30 am. It was two whole hours earlier than she was used to waking up back at the Pearce residence.
Zoey looked at herself in the mirror and noticed that there were faint shadows under her eyes, but mentally, she felt much better.
She then took a shower and started making breakfast. Bread wasn’t really her favorite, so she had brought some eggs and vegetables in advance. With that, she made herself a simple plate of frittata.
That noon, Zoey was putting on lipstick in front of the mirror when a message from Jojo popped up.
“I’m downstairs. I’ll take you out to lunch!”
Zoey then promptly headed downstairs and allowed Jojo to lead the way.
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fresh
The moment they stepped into the warm, bustling restaurant, the rich aroma of garlic, basil, and simmering tomato sauce filled the air. Plates of perfectly cooked pasta and freshly baked focaccia were laid out on the tables – a world away from the fast food and coffee she’d seen on the streets earlier.
With a few locals scattered around the place, for a split second, Zoey felt like she was back
home.
“I know you’re not used to all the fast food here,” Jojo said as she picked up a slice of focaccia and dipped it into the dipping sauce. “Try this. It’s really authentic!”
Zoey took a bite of the focaccia drizzled with olive oil and a hint of garlic. The familiar, rich, savory flavor rushed over her taste buds, and her eyes suddenly felt a little prickly.
“Alright, let’s talk business.” Jojo wiped the corner of her mouth. “Can you start work today? We have a major client coming the day after tomorrow, and he insisted on working with a
Norwinder.
“I can’t make it, and I don’t trust anyone else… so I figured I’d bribe you with food from our hometown.” Jojo winked at her.
“Why me?” Zoey set her fork down.
“Because you’re Zoey Silvain!” Jojo exclaimed, tapping her on the forehead. “Back then, you managed to win over that nightmare of a professor in just three days. How could you not handle one client?
“The client is a designer with a really strange temper, and he doesn’t want to work with a foreigner. After mulling it over, you’re the only one I could think of. Besides, knowing you, you wouldn’t argue with him either.”
Zoey looked at the delicious spread before her and ultimately nodded.
After staying in Lormont for a few days, Zoey started to adjust to the local climate. On the day of the meeting, she went shopping with Jojo for some work–appropriate outfits and accessories.
When she pulled out her phone to pay, Jojo hurriedly stopped her. “You’re doing me a favor, so there’s no way I’m letting you pay!”
Zoey smiled. “You’re too generous, Ms. Knowles.”
When evening came, the client sent them the address of a restaurant.
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Following the GPS directions, the two of them headed to the meeting spot.
When Zoey headed up the stairs, Jojo stayed downstairs and cheered her on with an exaggerated thumbs–up.
Zoey couldn’t help but force a smile on her face.
The moment she pushed open the private room door, she stopped in her tracks. There was something strikingly familiar about the man standing with his back to her. She felt like he’d seen him before.
However, she had just moved abroad and didn’t know anyone here. So, how could she possibly know him?
The man stood by the floor–to–ceiling window, his silhouette backlit by the setting sun. When he slowly turned around and smiled, it was the same gentle smile that Zoey had seen at the airport. “It’s you,” he warmly said. “We meet again!”
He extended his hand. “Leon Crawford, CEO of Orion Global. It’s a pleasure to work with you.”
Zoey reached out and shook his calloused hand. The warmth of his touch felt strangely unreal, and there was a mischievous glint in his eyes, almost as if he had expected this reunion all along.
The warmth of the focaccia still lingered in Zoey’s stomach as she took a deep breath.
There was no backing out now. She still owed Jojo a favor.
She had to close the deal on this order. After all, it was her very first order, and it would help her find her footing.
Chapter 15
Chapter 15
