His POV – After the Call
I tossed my phone onto the desk, irritation buzzing under my skin.
She apologized. But not like someone who was guilty. It was calculated—measured—like she knew exactly what weight her words carried.
"I'm the person handling this mess now."
Who was she?
"Find out which company that number belongs to," I said coldly.
John, my secretary, nodded immediately. "Right away, sir. Should we escalate the issue?"
I exhaled sharply. "No. Just handle it. I don't want my number floating around like some public directory."
But still, that voice lingered in my head. Calm. Unshaken. A complete enigma.
And I hated enigmas.
I leaned back in my chair, rubbing my temple when I noticed John still standing there, staring at me like that chicken from Moana.
I narrowed my eyes. "Do you like me or something? If so, I'm not into men. What's with the staring?"
John opened and closed his mouth like a dying fish. "N-No, sir!" he stuttered before fleeing the office like his life depended on it.
John's POV
The way I ran out of that office, the employees must've thought I was about to be slaughtered.
Jane, our assistant, raised an eyebrow. "What's wrong with you? You look like you just saw a ghost."
I shook my head. "I'd be alive if it was just a ghost. Guess what? The cold, aloof, stubborn CEO actually made a joke. Not only that the man the business world calls emotionless was clearly irritated over a wrng phone call!"
Jane scoffed. "There's no way he'd lose his mind over a misdial."
I threw my hands up. "The man tossed his phone and loosened his tie! When have you ever seen him do that?"
Jane fell silent, her brows furrowing. What kind of call could possibly get under our CEO's skin?
Without waiting for her reply, I turned to an assistant, handing over a small note with a number scribbled on it. "Find out which company this number belongs to."
The assistant blinked. "Uh… any details?"
"No details. Just get me the name behind this number."
Aurora's POV
I glanced at Riyashe was still pale, her hands trembling slightly.
"Riya," I said, my voice even, "learn from this so it doesn't happen again."
She looked at me with teary eyes but nodded quickly. "Yes, ma'am. I'll be more careful."
I turned my attention back to the meeting.
Seated beside me was Theodre Madoc, my best friend and vice president.
Theodre wasn't just a businessman—he was the heir of Madoc INC, a prestigious empire spanning industries. He personally handled a chain of high-end Italian restaurants, effortlessly managing multiple ventures at once.
Despite his elegance and charisma, to me, he was just Theodre—the clumsy brat I've known forever.
To everyone else? He was an idol. With his tall frame, sharp features, and dangerously smooth talk, he was admired by many. I stole a glance at his stomach. Well… at least he's trying to get rid of that light beer belly to impress the girls..
With his usual charm, Theodre handled the remainder of the meeting, securing the deal flawlessly. As expected.
When we were about to leave, Riya rushed over, still looking remorseful. "Ma'am, I'm really sorry about earlier. I—"
I lifted a hand slightly. "It's done. Learn from it and move on."
Relief flooded her face, and she nodded quickly.
Just as I was about to step out of the office, my phone buzzed.
Ayla Adkins.
I picked up instantly.
"Mommy, it's time to wrap up! Don't forget our ice cream date!"
My usual aloof tone melted into warmth. "Yes, baby. Mommy will never forget the promise made to her sweet little angel."
Theodre the clumsy bratlooked at me like he had ascended to the heavens. Even though he had witnessed this side of me multiple times whenever I was with Ayla, he still needed a few lifetimes to get used to it.
I bid my goodbye and left to pick Ayla for our ice cream date.
No matter how ruthless the world saw me, for my daughter, I was just her mommy.