His Naughty Lessons-Chapter 235: Put Two and Two Together

** Eli **

When Eli arrived at his office that morning, the first thing he made sure to check off his list was to get his personal driver back — he had no plans to let Harper return to her apartment ever again without him, and the prospect of sharing a ride to work with her every morning was just so luring that he had to secure it as fast as he could.

Even if the action would come at a price ... which manifested itself soon in the form of an invitation to chat in his father’s office.

"I swear I didn’t leak any intel, boss." Justin gave him an innocent look when he hung up on his father’s summoning over the phone. "HR has to push the paperwork for the driver’s reassignment, and I heard that the various famous scenes you made in Hawaii have finally made their way around the company through broken-hearted gossips. I suppose it’s simply about time that our CEO puts two and two together now."

Eli darted over a dark glance. In all honesty, he didn’t care all that much if his assistant had been double dipping and doing the whistleblower’s job on both sides. It worked to his benefit in the end anyway and saved him the effort of explaining the inevitable to his manipulating father. But if that was really Justin’s role here ... then he was going to pay for daring to receive Harper’s grateful smile this morning like he did anything to deserve it!

With that thought, Eli strode to the CEO’s office with a blackened expression. Perfectly fitting for a talk with his father. freewebnøvel.coɱ

Much to his relief this time, the old man didn’t bother with small talk as usual when his audience entered the room. "I assume you’re aware of what we are here to talk about today." He glanced up from the oversized mahogany table. "Take a seat."

"No need." Eli crossed his arms, leaning against the closed door behind him. The last time he was in this office for a serious chat, he had sat for too long and let his guard down by giving the conversation too much consideration that it didn’t deserve. It was a mistake that almost cost him the love of his life, and he better be hell sure not to repeat it again.

His father, as always, frowned at his attitude. Though the real topic was apparently important enough for that minor offense to get by. "You might have noticed that there has been a rumor going around the company," he began, "which started upon your venture team’s return from the kickoff event in Hawaii. Related to you and a certain Miracles employee."

Eli rolled his eyes at the stilted phrasing of that statement. "Yes, a certain Miracles employee whose name you better start getting used to saying. And yes, if you prefer an official announcement rather than a rumor, I can make that for you right now — not that it is any of your business, but I am in a relationship with Harper McKenzie."

His father’s gaze hardened. "Color me surprised. Last time we talked about this, I believe you stressed very explicitly that the McKenzie girl was your friend. So much so that you resorted to some fairly inappropriate words to forbid anyone from assuming the contrary."

Ugh. Eli fought back the urge to wince. This one was on him — his own stupidity and horrible self-awareness had left him that weak spot. But he wouldn’t let his father think he could take advantage of that loophole. "That was then. Things change." He made his stance clear. "And to speak of last time, should I mention I had also stressed very explicitly that the dinner arrangement with Vanessa Jones was not a date? Perhaps I should have resorted to using inappropriate words to forbid anyone from assuming the contrary on that as well, because as it turned out, she was under a different impression on the matter."

When that rendered his father silent, Eli couldn’t help but feel his aggressive impulses take control and make him clench his fist. As he expected, this old fox had indeed gone back on their agreement and set up that shitshow with Vanessa. He would never forget such a huge favor from his father.

"There must have been some misunderstanding," the old fox said at last. "I have talked to Vanessa’s father recently. Both of us — including Vanessa herself — were disappointed with how things turned out. No one saw it coming that way. But fortunately, Vanessa is an understanding young lady. She has agreed not to hold this against you and give things another chance."

... What the fuck was that supposed to mean?

"Sorry to break it to you, but I think you are getting a bit too old and slow in processing my words." Eli turned around, his hand already reaching for the door handle. He was done with this ridiculous conversation. "As I’ve said, I have a girlfriend, and I don’t give a shit about what your business partner’s daughter thinks or wants. If you really like her that much or want this ’connection’ with their company that much, go marry her yourself. It’s not that hard for you to pull off a stunt like that again, is it?"

That was a low blow, but he had to admit he was satisfied to see his father’s expression at that moment.

"Eli Isaac Sterling!" the old man bellowed. And wow, Eli hadn’t gotten the middle name treatment for so long that he almost forgot he had one. "You think all of this is just another game you’re used to playing? Vanessa Jones is not just another random woman for you to offend, and it’s not only about our relationship with Voyage Bank. The summer gala for the finance district is coming up within a month. Are you really going to let her make a scene when you run into each other? For the entire city’s business circle to see?"

Oh. So that was what this was all about.

Taking his hand off of the door handle, Eli strode back into the room and pressed both hands on the oversized table. He leaned forward to stare straight into his father’s eyes, making the latter subconsciously shrink back a little from the domineering air.

"I assure you, this is not just another game that I’m used to playing. And I’m done with yours too, be it deals or threats or lures or whatever you might have." His voice was low, but every word was clear. "Harper is my girlfriend, as I will tell you one last time. If I do show up to that pretentious summer gala, she will be my date. For the entire city’s business circle to see."