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Chapter 4 - Dinner with Gerald the Elephant

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Adrian did not flinch. He slowly set his coffee cup on the saucer, his eyes turning to cold slate.

“Julianna,” Adrian said, his voice flat and dangerous. “In this company, executive offices require a knock before entry. And Ms. Hayes is our Senior Creative Director, not a graphic designer.”

Julianna’s smile turned razor-sharp. “Of course, Adrian. But surely you realize the board of directors arrives at two o'clock for the fifty-million-dollar Vanguard Luxury pitch? Having a nursery in the C-suite sends a rather amateur message to our European investors.”

“The only thing amateur in this room is your inability to read the room, Julianna,” Adrian replied smoothly. “Leave the contracts with Rebecca. Elena and I are finishing a strategy briefing.”

Julianna’s eyes narrowed into venomous slits as she glared at me. She turned on her designer heels and stormed out, the door clicking shut behind her.

“Mommy,” Mia whispered, leaning against my knee. “That lady smelled like bitter flowers.”

Adrian let out another quiet, genuine laugh, shaking his head. “A very accurate assessment, Mia.”

That afternoon, the Vanguard Luxury board presentation was an overwhelming triumph. Standing before twelve international stakeholders, I guided the room through our visual rebrand. When the final slide faded, the room erupted into enthusiastic applause. The European delegates signed the fifty-million-dollar retainer on the spot.

At 6:30 PM, after the board members had cleared out, I returned to my office to pack up Mia’s coloring books.

The door opened, and Adrian walked in, wearing his dark wool overcoat and holding Gerald the Elephant by one plush ear.

“You left your primary consultant in my office,” Adrian said, handing Gerald to Mia.

Mia squealed with joy, hugging the stuffed animal. “Gerald missed you, Mommy!”

“Thank you, Mr. Kane,” I smiled, feeling the exhaustion of a fourteen-hour day catching up to my shoulders. “For everything today.”

Adrian looked at his wristwatch, then looked down at Mia.

“Mia,” Adrian said casually. “Gerald informed me earlier that he hasn't had real Italian pizza in months. Is that true?”

Mia gasped, her eyes lighting up like Christmas trees. “We never get real pizza! Only the frozen ones from the supermarket!”

“Mia, no,” I intervened hastily, blushing furiously. “Mr. Kane is very busy, sweetheart—”

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“I am never too busy for a client consultation with Gerald,” Adrian countered, offering me his arm with a charming, irresistible grin. “My car is downstairs, Elena. Let’s get dinner.”

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