Chapter 18: The Campaign Model
Eryx's sharp gaze swept across the entire meeting room, taking in every face with a cold, calculating air. Finally, his eyes settled on Olivia Young, the General Manager seated to his left.
"I thought my mother was supposed to be here," he said, his voice low and clipped.
Olivia blinked, clearly caught off guard. "The chairman?" she asked, her confusion was clear. "As far as I know, she only mentioned the chosen model. She never indicated she'd be attending today's meeting, Mr. Grantham."
Eryx's jaw tightened. A bad feeling stirred in his chest, the one he knew better than to ignore when it involved his mother. "And the model?" His voice cooled even further. "Has she been confirmed?"
"Yes, sir. The chairman personally selected her. She said the model perfectly fits the image of the brand," Olivia explained carefully, clearly aware of the tension building in the room.
Before Eryx could press further, the door to the meeting room swung open. The sound was sharp, drawing every pair of eyes toward the entrance. Eryx's gaze locked instantly onto the figure stepping inside.
Seraphine.
The air in the room grew tense as she walked forward, her heels clicking against the marble floor. Her eyes, blazing with anger and frustration, met Eryx's cold, unreadable stare.
"Ah...I understand now," Seraphine's voice was laced with bitterness. "You still hold a grudge against me, don't you?"
Eryx's brow furrowed slightly, but his face remained composed. His eyes stayed fixed on her. "You never affected my life enough for me to hold a grudge," he replied, his tone low and flat. "Grudge? What is that?"
Seraphine's jaw tightened. "Then explain this." Her voice rose, echoing through the vast meeting room. "I was told the contract was mine, finalized! Then, just an hour ago, I received a call informing me that it was canceled! If it wasn't you playing games, then who was it?"