Chapter 12

Ethan entered the meeting room and sat on his padded black swivel chair. He placed his notebook and phone on the table. The staffs felt agitated while sitting waiting for their boss to start the meeting. He flipped open the file that was in front of him, studied the documents and frowned.

"Somebody explain to me how is it possible that we are losing our investment in the Jenkins project?" He asked in a low voice which makes the staffs more tense knowing that their boss was extremely enraged.

"Russell corporation controlled the project we worked on with Jenkins and it seemed that the cost escalated drastically for the past weeks until today sir." One of his employee answered.

"Cale, you son of a bitch. Why isn't anyone controlling the numbers on the project? Who is in charge?" He asked clenching his teeth. The meeting went on intensely as the staffs answered to their furious boss who pounded at the desk before ending the meeting.

"I want the list and costing of the Jenkins project and I want clear review on it as well. And Jimmy, you're fired. Find me someone who can do their job properly." He seethed as he left the room and went back to his office.

Colin knocked on Ethan's door and walked in. Colin was one of his longest and trusted employee.

"Sir, I have the report on the Jenkins project. Sir, if I may, perhaps this is one of the tricks Mr Russell is trying to pull again. Similar to our previous Keane project. The problems were similar and it is evident that he has been trying to sabotage many of our projects." He speculated as he handed the file to his boss.

"Yes, I am aware and that is what pissed me off." He took the file and studied it when his phone buzzed.

"Yes father. No, I know! I am working on it! Please stay out of this, don't make this matter worse than it already is. I know what I've to do. Fine. We'll meet tomorrow." He placed his phone on the table and rubbed his temple. The day at the office was hectic as they tried to evade the problems in the Jenkins project. Everyone worked hard until the clock showed six in the evening. Ethan finished up his work and left his office aware of his promise to a certain brunette last night. He freshen up after a long day at the office and quickly went to his car.

His personal driver opened the door to his black Rolls Royce Phantom. They drove to Audrey's house while Ethan continued to finish up analysing the final documents required for the Jenkins project. He was finished and was just in time as they halted in front of her house. Ethan stepped out of the car to ring the doorbell and waited a few minutes until the door opened. He saw Audrey standing gracefully in her black fitted sleeveless dress that falls a few inches below her knee. Her hair was swept to the side showing her heart-shaped face and high cheek bones. Her hazel eyes and rosebud lips were enchanting.

"Hi." She smiled showing her faint dimple on her cheeks.

"You look beautiful, Chef Audrey." He said honestly.

"You look good as well, Ethan." She replied.

"Shall we?" He proceeded allowing her to walk first and followed behind her being a gentleman as he is. They went inside the car as his driver opened the door for them.

"So where are we going?" She asked breaking the silence.

"Is the chef getting anxious?" He asked lifting his brow as if challenging her.

"No. I'm just... curious." She tried to hide her nervous feeling not because of the possibility that her cooking skills are at risk but the fact that she is going out with one of the most wanted bachelor, her ex-boss. They sat back in silence and soon they arrived at the lavish restaurant. The waiters welcomed the two guests and showed them to their seat which was more secluded. Ethan ordered for both of them and the waiter left them after pouring the wine selection to their glasses. The Michelin star restaurant was classy and evidently expensive, the type of restaurant that Audrey would have to save up for months before she could afford to have a meal here. As soon as the food arrived, she was sure that the food would worth every penny.  Taking in the delicious scent of the food placed in front of her, she raised her eyes looking at Ethan who was amused by her behaviour.

"Bon appétit." She said, eager to try out the coq au vin he claimed to be amazing. She took a bite and true the chicken tasted amazing, it was tender, juicy and flavourful. The sauce was seasoned well and the consistency was perfect.

"Hmm... It taste so good. The chef braised the chicken impeccably." She commented as she took another slice trying to feel the savoury taste on her tongue.

"After tasting it now, yours seemed to taste better. Not the best I've ever tasted but a close second." He tried to compliment her which came as a surprised as she knew that he seldom praised anyone, ever. They continued the dinner and talked until their plates were emptied. His phone buzzed in his pocket and he stole a glimpse on the caller.

"Excuse me, sorry I have to take this." He held his phone and answered. He ended the call in a brief, demanding Colin to set a meeting with the Jenkins tomorrow.

"Long day at work?" She asked looking at his rigid face.

"Yeah just some problems with one of our project." He responded.

"You'll figure it out eventually, as you always do." She said casually sipping the glass of wine.

"You and your positivity... amazes me, Miss Bouquet." He smug, gazing at her beautiful face.