Anna frowned, curiosity getting the better of her. Vincent had seemed fine last night and now he was MIA at work.she tried calling,but it went straight to voicemail. Deciding to get answers, Anna headed to his office.
Walking in, Franco looked up with a smooth smile."Hey Anna" Vincent's out handling some business. Anna's instincts pricked , Franco was being extra chill,"what's going on?"
He's handling something. Anna. Seriously,grab coffee with me, they're at the coffee shop, sipping thier coffee."so Franco, what's Vincent's like?you guys close?" Franco's expression turned thoughtful."Vin?, He's intense, doesn't tolerate mistakes,but ...."
Anna raised an eyebrow,"But?" Franco's lips curved slightly. He's alright when you get to know him. Doesn't let many people in. You seem to be an exception". Anna's eyes narrowed, intrigued"what do you mean?".
"He must surely love your courage to put up with him", she leaned in, playful but curious. "So, what's the deal with him and mistakes?"
Franco turned serious for a beat."Vin doesn't play games,if you mess up .. he's done. But like I said, he's alright if you earn his trust.
Vincent surveyed the wreckage of his shipments,jaw clenched. He called in his boys."Take care of it.Leave a message". Mavericks warehouse went up in flames. Vincent smiled coldly."He'll get the message".
He called Anna "come to the house when you are done with work", Anna arrived at Vincent's house after work confused,"Vincent you sounded urgent,any problem?"
He leaned back, causal,"hey, just needed a catch up, I wasn't in office today, so need a quick summary of what happened. Got the files?".
Anna raised an eyebrow"sure,I got them. But everything's fine just the usual office stuff. Vincent's nonchalant tone isn't fooling Anna."hope everything is fine you sounded so intense earlier?" Vincent's expression shifts slightly, should he let down his guard down,or keep up the act? He smiled smoothly." No big deal,just needed some company. Dinner?" Anna raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the sudden invite."Dinner", They had dinner,chatted about work and Anna left.
Maverick received Vincent's message:"game on", he read it, face reddening" he thinks he's smart? He'll pay for this. Mavericks eyes narrowed as he lit a cigarette."get the team,we need a plan, Vincent's going down".
"He leaned back, plotting revenge,his smile twisted as he puffed on his cigarette, Vincent thinks he's clever,but we'll get him.
The next day, Franco burst into Vincent's room,concern etched on his face,"Vincent how did it go? Vincent leaned back in his chair unfazed "I'm fine,more worried about the damage". Franco nodded."yeah, heard you hit his warehouse hard.
Franco's expression, turned concerned"speaking of which your girlfriend's worried about you she called me like five times yesterday to know your whereabouts. Vincent's gaze snapped up shocked,"Girlfriend?" He said, his voice a bit thrown. Franco chuckled,"oh, right fake girlfriend.My bad." Vincent's mood turned cool again,"yeah, I saw her yesterday and we had dinner.
Vincent said cool,his expression unreadable."So, I'm good." Franco's grin grew,"Dinner,huh? Sounds like a date...fake or not," Vincent's gaze turned icy "Franco".
Franco's grin widened, pushing Vincent's buttons."oh, I'm hitting a nerve,huh? Fake girlfriend much?" Vincent's expression turned darker, his voice low and warning"Franco". Drop it". Franco's grin flattered slightly, genuine curiosity creeping in."But why her?it doesn't even look like you knew her from somewhere already. Vincent turned sheepish,she's the tipsy lady that mistakenly entered my hotel room".
Franco's eyes widened."No! That was her?!" Vincent's gaze turned icy"Franco. Don't".
Sheila slipped into a fitted,crimson red dress that hugged her curves,paired with killer stilettos that clicked on Vincent's office lobby floor, her hair cascaded down her back like silk and her lips wore a bold,pouty red. As she sashayed into Vincent's lobby,the security guard did a double take." Good morning madam Sheila",he stammered. She smiled sweetly and took the elevator to the top floor. Franco looked up,eyes widening."Morning Sheila.uhh, Vincent's meeting is wrapping up", Sheila pushed open the door with confidence,her stilettos clicking on the polished floor. Vincent looked up,his meeting abruptly ending as other executive's turned, surprised,but Sheila's eyes were locked on Vincent."Vincent,hi,she purred, her voice husky. The executives filed out, whispering among themselves, Franco lingered, curious.
Vincent demanded for a meeting adjournment,his expression darkened,his eyes narrowing at Sheila's bold entrance."what are you doing here?"he growled,his voice low and menacing. Sheila's smile faltered for a moment,but she recovered quickly"just wanted to surprise you, Vincent," she said,her voice still husky,but with a hint of uncertainty.
Vincent's gaze lingered on her,his anger palpating. Not now, Sheila,we need to talk alone. Franco took his hint, slipping out quietly, the room fell silent, tension cracking between them. Just then, Anna's expression showed jealousy as she walked into the office,eyes narrowing at Sheila"Am I interrupting something?she asked, her tone a bit sharp. Vincent's gaze snapped to Anna,his expression unreadable. Sheila's eyes darted between them, sensing the tension,"just a meeting, Anna. Sheila's here about business,"he said coolly , emphasizing the word.
Anna's eyes darted to Sheila,then back to Vincent,her expression softening slightly."okay I'll wait outside."
Sheila's smile grew, enjoying the power ."Actually, I'll catch up later, Vincent" she said , sashaying out. The room fell silent. Vincent's eyes turned to Anna.
Anna's question hung in the air,her eyes searching, Vincent's expression remained cool."EX". Business partners now " Anna's gaze lingered,unsure "okay but you tow looked close like something still between you two,she said trying to sound casual.
Vincent's expression turned cold,his voice low and firm "Anna, I don't have to explain myself to you, we're fake dating remember?" Anna's eyes widened,hurt flashing,her expression softened, her anger dissipating."sorry Vincent,I forgot," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. Vincent's gaze lingered,a flicker of surprise. It's fine . Let's focus on work". Anna nodded, turned,and left his office,her exit quiet. The room felt silent. Vincent's gaze lingered on the door,a hint of something. He shook his head, focusing on work."Business, Focus", he muttered. But his eyes kept drifting back to the door.