Still fuming, she left Dominic''s office. When she got to the restroom and saw herself in the minor, her tace was so red it looked like she had downed several shots of Liquor.


    Dominic was so unbelievably petty! just because she identally sent the wrong message and made him think he was being teased, did he really have to get back


    at


    her like this?


    In the meeting that started at 10:30 am, Vespera only handled the minutes.


    It was Gerard who had sent out the notices, prepared the documents for serdor management, and managed all the logistics.


    It was Vespera''s first day, and considering how early the meeting was and she wasn''t familiar with what was going to be discussed, Gerard figured making coffee was good way for her to ease in. It was meant to be thoughtful


    At noon, there was a lunch appointment.


    The host was a major real estate developer. Tavian Group had been involved in property for years, and the twopanies had recently teamed up on a resort


    project


    The contract had been signed before Dominic officially took over thepany, The developer was an old friend of Dominic''s father-more like an uncle, really. So, when he reached out, Dominic readily agreed.


    The lunch had originally been scheduled days ago, but got postponed due to Dominic''s injury.


    Luminic arrived at the restaurant with Vespera and Gerard.


    The moment they stepped into the private dining room, Vespera realized this was no simple lunclu


    Besides Jordan Aldrige and his secretary Serena Cross, the vice president of Tarian Coup-Alex Smith was also there. So were Luke and Austin


    So, Jordan was here today to inediate.


    Dominic took a seat, his demeanorcold and distant; Meanwidle, Vespera war wonted that Luke would cause a scene.


    The second Luke saw Vespera, his expression darkened. His gaze locked nacher like a pretor stalking prey.


    this was how she acted now? sticking close to Dominic in public, not even bothering to keep up appearances?


    The others in the room also gave Vespera spective nces


    Stur knew exactly what they were thundng, but Dominic had taught herwell. When one didn''t do anything wrong, one didn''t need to exin oneself. They could think whatever they wanted


    she couldn''t embarrass Duminic


    Vespera and Gerard took their seats.


    Before arriving, Gerard had wamed her that jordan loved pissuing people to dink. They needed to ready to intercept.


    "Come on, let''s pour a drink for i Mr. Held He''ste, so he owes us a ss!"


    Sure enough, Jardan jamped straight into the usual drinking tubs the moment they sat down


    Serena immediately stood up and filled Doininie''s ss to the bilin Chapter 139


    Vespera immediately stood up. With a smile, she lifted the ss of wine in front of her. "Mr. Reid has a cold and can''t drink, I''ll drink on his behalf."


    Just as the ss was about to touch her lips, a hand reached over and took it from her "There''s no need. Sit down"


    Though his voice was calm and detached, there was an unmistakable note of protectiveness in it.


    Dome set the ss back on the table.


    The private mem instantly fell silent.


    Luke''s grip on his own ss tightened as if he might crush it in his hand,


    The others had varying expressions-sense curious, some with faint frowns, and some pretending not to notice anything at all.


    Vespera sat back down, a little dazed. She hadn''t yet figured out what Dominic''s Intentions were. But knowing him, there was probably a deeper meaning behind


    his actions.


    Her job was simply to cooperate.


    jordan some


    it might have sounded like a joke, but everyone knew the message behind it- Dominic was disrespecting Jordan for a woman. Even Samuel would give Jordan respect if he were here.


    Dominic nced overzily, then smiled, "You''re right, Mr. Smith. Since you understand me so well, why don''t you drink this one for me?"


    Then, he gave a few weak-sounding coughs for good measure.


    Alex thought, "You shameless bastard!


    Dominic was his boss, and he said he was sick and couldn''t drink. In front of so many people, what could he do? Say no?


    Left with no choice, Alex raised the ss and drank it, his face turning red with suppressed frustration


    Austin Gast Alexan apologetic nce.


    Austin had gone to Tavian Group several times, only to be rejected at the door. A few days ago, he happened to run into Jordan at a cocktail party. They had a quick char, and Jordan offered to help arrange a meeting with Dominic.


    Just to be safe, they had brought Alex along too. But now, it was clear-Dominic didn''t care about anyone.


    Was he really that captivated by Vespera? The way he shielded her. How could they not be involved with each other?