The door swung open, and in walked Irene, radiating confidence.
"Hello, guys," she greeted, her voice smooth and playful.
Richard's eyes lit up as he took in her appearance. She wore a red flared midi gown with puffed long sleeves, the elegant fabric hugging her in just the right places.
He let out a low whistle. "Why do you always look more beautiful each time I see you?"
Irene tilted her head slightly, feigning a blush. "I tried my best to look beautiful for you."
Richard placed a hand over his chest dramatically. "I don't think my heart can take it."
Brian, who had been watching in irritation, finally snapped. "Can you both get out of my office?"
Irene turned her gaze to him and pouted playfully. "Hey, Handsome, stop being so grumpy, or you might ruin that beautiful face."
Richard laughed. "Who's more handsome between us?" he asked, throwing his arm around Brian's shoulder in mock brotherly affection.
Irene didn't even hesitate. "Of course, it's you. A million times."
Brian shoved Richard's arm off him, his patience thinning. "Get out of my office, both of you."
Irene and Richard struggled to contain their laughter as they exchanged amused glances.
Then Irene turned back to Richard, eyes twinkling. "Why don't you give me a tour of your company today, so I can have another reason to come see you again?" She ended her sentence with a wink.
Richard smirked. "I don't mind."
With that, the two of them strolled out.
Richard and Irene strolled through the company halls, their laughter echoing as they moved from one department to another. Richard was effortlessly charming, cracking jokes and explaining things in a way that made the tour fun rather than boring.
But while she played along, smiling and giggling at his remarks, Irene was also paying close attention—her sharp eyes scanning every detail, mentally noting everything about the company's layout, security measures, and key personnel.
After a while, Irene whistled and said, "Wow? You guys are damn rich."
Richard chuckled at her reaction but couldn't hide the slight blush creeping onto his face. "Well, I guess we are," he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck.
A thought popped into his head, and he turned to her with curiosity. "I want to ask you a question… can I?"
Irene smirked. "You already did."
Richard blinked, confused. "When?"
"That's another question," Irene quipped, her expression playful.
Richard laughed, shaking his head in amusement. "What are you saying?"
Irene tilted her head knowingly. "You said, 'I want to ask you a question.' First question. Then, 'Can I?' Second question. That's already two questions."
Richard burst out laughing. "You're so funny."
Irene grinned. "So what do you want to ask?"
Richard leaned slightly closer, lowering his voice. "Do you like Brian?"
Irene's smile remained, but her eyes flickered with mischief. "Nope. I don't like anyone yet. I'm just playing around, that's all."
Richard raised an eyebrow. "Why don't you like him?"
Irene's smirk widened. "Are you trying to hook me up with your brother?"
Richard folded his arms, pretending to consider it. "Do you mind?"
Irene chuckled. "Of course, I do. If you want to hook me up with someone, at least make sure he feels the same. I don't force myself on men. I like it better when they do that." She winked playfully.
Richard shook his head, laughing as they walked into his office.
---
Inside Richard's Office
Richard spread his arms dramatically as they entered. "This is my office. How do you like the design?" He looked at her expectantly, like a child waiting for praise.
Irene glanced around, taking in the sleek furniture, the modern art on the walls, and the bright, welcoming atmosphere.
She nodded in approval. "Nice. At least better than Brian's office. His looks more like a mourning center."
They both burst into laughter.
Richard leaned against his desk, grinning. "What about you?"
Irene tilted her head. "What about me?"
"Do you like me?" she asked suddenly, her tone light but her eyes watchful.
Richard smirked. "What do you mean?"
Irene arched an eyebrow. "Exactly what you heard."
Richard chuckled, shaking his head. "Ohhh," he dragged the sound playfully. "I like you. I mean, I like your vibes." He smiled again, this time more broadly.
Irene gasped dramatically. "That's nice, then. Eww, for a moment, I thought I was so bad that the Black siblings didn't want me." She let out a teasing laugh.
Richard scoffed. "Is it even possible not to like you?"
Irene leaned closer, lowering her voice as if she were sharing a deep secret. "My father's wife and Daniel don't like me a bit."
Richard observed her carefully before shrugging. "From their point of view, I think it's not easy to like you."
Irene gasped, pouting dramatically. "I thought you were my friend. How can you side with them?"
Richard laughed heartily, shaking his head. "Wait, I'm your friend! I'm just speaking from their point of view." His laughter continued, his amusement clear.
Irene folded her arms, her expression turning deadly serious. "I think I have to reconsider my friendship with you."
Richard's laughter slowed as he eyed her warily. "Why? I did nothing wrong."
Irene leaned in, her lips curving into a knowing smile. "My friends have to support me every time—even if I'm wrong. So… can you do that?" Her playful tone was undeniable.
Richard smirked, playing along. "Just that?"
Irene nodded.
Richard placed a dramatic hand over his chest. "I will rebuild the world for you, baby." He teased, his voice dripping with charm.
Irene gasped, pretending to be flustered, before bursting into laughter. Richard joined in, the sound of their shared amusement filling the room.
Outside the Office
Brian, walking alongside Julius, furrowed his brows as laughter spilled from Richard's office. His steps slowed.
"Is that coming from Richard's office?" he asked, his tone sharp.
"Yes, sir," Julius confirmed.
Without another word, Brian strode in, his cold presence instantly shifting the atmosphere.
Inside Richard's Office
Brian's eyes swept over them, unimpressed. "What are you guys doing?"
Irene turned to him, completely unbothered. "We're talking, obviously."
Brian's gaze darkened. "Do you talk so loudly?"
Irene's lips twitched with mischief. "I'm afraid you won't hear my beautiful voice if I speak softly." She winked at Richard, who bit back a smile.
Brian's jaw tightened. "Is this funny?" He ignored Irene completely, his cold stare fixed on Richard. "Do you know we have a meeting?"
Richard's amusement faded slightly. "Of course, I do."
Brian's eyes narrowed. "Are you prepared?"
Richard hesitated. "Why do I need to be prepared?"
Brian's expression didn't shift. "You're leading the meeting."
Richard blinked, his mouth slightly open. "You didn't tell me that before."
Brian tilted his head, mockingly. "Not funny anymore?"
Irene clapped her hands together in mock admiration. "Wow, you look so sexy as a boss." She tilted her head. "But can you go easy on my friend?" Her voice dripped with playful charm as she smiled sweetly.
Brian barely spared her a glance. "Let's go."
Irene narrowed her eyes slightly. "This bastard just ignored me… twice," she thought, yet a small, amused smile played on her lips.
Brian caught her expression. "Why are you smiling? Is something funny?"
Irene waved a hand dismissively. "Richard, I'll be on my way. See you when I see you."
Richard's face lit up. "What about tomorrow? I can take you out."
Irene shook her head. "My friend is coming tomorrow, so I gotta pick her up."
Richard's interest piqued. "Is this friend as beautiful as you?"
Irene smirked. "Not too beautiful, but hot and sexy."
Richard whistled. "Woah, can't wait to meet her."
Irene took a step toward the door, then turned back. "See you at the club on Friday." She winked before walking out—without sparing Brian a glance.
Brian watched her leave, his expression unreadable.
Richard shook his head with a knowing grin. "You got her angry with your grumpy behavior."
Brian frowned. "What did I do?"
Richard laughed, patting his brother's shoulder. "Nothing. Let's go for the meeting." He gestured toward the door in a grand motion.
As they exited, Richard sighed dramatically. "But I can't lead the meeting—I'm not ready."
Brian's cold voice cut through his complaints. "That's your problem."
And with that, they walked out, Julius following closely behind.
---
A stunning woman stood outside the airport, waiting—probably for someone to pick her up. She was just as Irene had described: hot and sexy.
Irene pulled up in her car and rolled down the window, a teasing smirk on her lips. "Hey, baby girl. Do you mind going home with me?"
The woman turned, arms crossed, her expression unimpressed. "You know you're not okay, right?" Esmeralda asked, glaring at her.
Irene chuckled, stepping out of the car. "Me being okay means I should be admitted to the hospital. Don't you think?"
Esmeralda's frown deepened. "I've been waiting for over an hour and thirty minutes."
Irene shrugged playfully. "I wanted you to admire the airport a little longer. Don't you see how beautiful it is?" She flashed a cheeky smile as she moved closer.
"It's not funny," Esmeralda deadpanned.
Irene sighed dramatically. "Fine, fine. I'm sorry. You know I love you, right?"
Before Esmeralda could respond, a familiar voice interrupted.
"Slept off?"