"Wishful thinking. Let's go then." She stood up, beginning to gather the documents scattered across the desk. Suddenly, she paused, lifted her gaze to meet mine, and asked,"Do you have something urgent today? You're in such a hurry to get rid of me."

"Sort of," I replied sheepishly, doing my best to appear natural.

"What kind of business?" she probed further, a flicker of curiosity lighting her eyes.

"Just personal matters," I evaded, my gaze darting away from hers.

"Then I'll go with you," she said with a mischievous smile, as if anticipating an entertaining spectacle.

"Ah, no need. It's all men, not a place for you," I hastily made an excuse, dreading the possibility that she might insist.

"Doing something improper that you'd rather I not see?" she teased, her lips curving into an amused smirk, her eyes dancing with playful derision.

"Sophie, stop asking questions. Let's just go," I said, my patience beginning to fray, thoughts drifting to Vincent and the others waiting for me.

"Fine," she huffed lightly, grabbing her bag and preparing to leave.

In the car, Sophie was relentless. As she buckled her seatbelt, she pressed on,"So, what personal matter is so urgent? Let me hear it."

"It's really personal, Sophie. Please don't ask," I replied, forcing a wry smile, underestimating her relentless curiosity.

After dropping her off at the hotel, I left the car in the parking lot and hailed a cab to meet Vincent.

At the restaurant, I followed the location he'd sent via text, walking into a private room where only Vincent and Charlotte Hayes awaited."Ryan, you're here! Come, sit by me," Charlotte cooed, rising with an almost hypnotic sway, pulling me down beside her. Vincent's enigmatic smile deepened my suspicion about tonight's true purpose.

Charlotte's overwhelming perfume filled the air, her form-fitting dress emphasizing her alluring silhouette. Her gaze smoldered with an intensity that made me uneasy.

"Ryan," she purred, her voice dripping with charm, a hand resting lightly on my shoulder,"we called you here to have a good talk."

I offered a polite smile."Charlotte, Vincent, may I ask what this is about?"

"Don't be so nervous, Ryan," Vincent said, his tone casual yet cryptic."Nothing serious. We just want to build better rapport with the chairman's assistant. It'll make work smoother for all of us."

If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

"Exactly," Charlotte chimed in, leaning in slightly, her proximity unsettling."You're in such a key position. It wouldn't hurt for you to put in a good word for us now and then."

"You're too kind. We're all working for the company's success. I'll help however I can," I replied diplomatically.

"Here, Ryan, let's toast to that," Charlotte said, raising her glass, her piercing gaze locking onto mine, leaving no room for refusal.

I clinked glasses with her and took a small sip, but Charlotte downed hers in one go, laughing melodiously."That's not very bold of you, Ryan."

I gave an awkward chuckle."Charlotte, I'm not much of a drinker."

"Let's not just drink; let's eat while we talk," Vincent interjected, steering the focus.

Charlotte placed a piece of food on my plate, her fingers grazing mine briefly, sending an involuntary jolt through me.

"Thank you, Charlotte," I said courteously.

"Don't be so formal with me," she said with a laugh."If you ever face difficulties, just let me know."

The evening wore on with Charlotte keeping the conversation light yet layered with suggestive undertones.

"Ryan, with your talent and youth, you must have no shortage of admirers," she remarked slyly.

"Charlotte, you jest. My focus has been entirely on work," I replied quickly, hoping to dispel the notion.

She gave my arm a playful pat."Oh, work is important, but you can't neglect your personal life. Someone as outstanding as you could easily capture anyone's heart. Even mine," she said with a feigned sigh of longing.

Caught off guard, I struggled for a response.

"Charlotte is always joking around. Don't take it to heart, Ryan," Vincent chimed in, diffusing the tension.

But Charlotte shot him a mock glare."I'm not joking. Who wouldn't like someone like Ryan?"

I forced a strained laugh, desperately changing the subject."Let's talk about work instead."

"Oh, work can wait," she countered."Tell me, Ryan, what kind of woman do you like?"

"I really haven't given it much thought," I replied, trying to sidestep her question.

She pouted dramatically."You're still so guarded with me. Aren't we friends?"

Charlotte poured another drink, urging me to join her again. I reluctantly sipped, only for her to chide me for not drinking more heartily.

"Ryan, give me some face, won't you?" she said suddenly, grabbing my hand.

I hastily pulled away."Charlotte, I really can't—"

"Alright, Charlotte," Vincent interjected, finally reining her in."Don't make it hard for Ryan. Let's just enjoy the evening."

Charlotte withdrew, though her gaze lingered, sly and calculating."Ryan, you're so capable. I'll be counting on you in the future."

"You flatter me, Charlotte. I'll do my best to support everyone," I said, keeping my tone professional.

"You certainly know the right things to say," she remarked with a sly smile.

Throughout the meal, her behavior continued to toe the line, her touches and proximity growing more overt. My unease mounted as I silently wished for the dinner to end.

"Ryan," she suddenly asked,"how do you think I look tonight?"

"You're always beautiful, Charlotte," I replied vaguely, trying to placate her.

She laughed, her voice soft and teasing."Ryan, you're such a sweet talker."

Vincent checked the time and announced,"It's getting late. Let's wrap up for tonight."

Relieved, I quickly said,"Yes, thank you both. I'll take my leave now."

Charlotte looked reluctant."Let me see you off."

I stood, attempting to decline."It's not on your way, is it?"

"It's fine, just a little detour," she insisted, summoning a car. With everything arranged, Vincent left without a word.

As we waited, Charlotte leaned against me, feigning drunkenness."Ryan, your drinking capacity isn't bad tonight."

Inwardly, I scoffed. If my drinking were good, I wouldn't have embarrassed myself at Virelia.

"You've had too much to drink, Charlotte," I said quickly, trying to maintain distance.