The Royal Contract

Chapter 567: A self-sufficient woman

A knock on the closed door after probably a quarter an hour that Jacky left alerted her of a visitor. But it could be just Jacky forgetting something.

But when she looked up, she was surprised to see not Jacky but a familiar face standing by her glass door. She quickly stood up and unlocked her door to welcome her visitor.

“Gerald, did you need something?” She quickly asked as soon as she opened the door.

She could not think of any case she reviewed today that might be under his office. Maybe it was still in the new files that Jacky had recently brought in, which she had not touched yet.

“Hey, I did not mean to disturb you, but I heard that you are back.” Her guest said as she widened the door for him. “I also heard from my assistant that Jacky left a while ago.” He continued.

He stopped when she suddenly frowned, suddenly aware of how creepy he sounded. It seemed like he was stalking her, which was not a good sign after what she just had gone through.

“In truth, I was in the elevator with the two of them and overheard their conversation. I heard that Jacky mentioned that you still have not eaten lunch.” He immediately admitted and lifted his hand.

.....

He showed her a paper bag in one of his hands and two cups of soda on the other. He did not mean to eavesdrop, but he was standing right next to them. Therefore, he could not help but hear their conversation.

He was on his way to grab lunch outside and changed his mind instead. He decided to invite her to lunch to welcome her back to work. It was the least he could do for her.

“You did not have to do that.” She suddenly felt embarrassed about his boss dropping by with food in his hands. “I already arranged for my lunch. It must be on its way now.”

She hoped that would not offend her boss and send him away and back to his office. However, he remained in his position without any intention of leaving.

“Then, we can wait for it and share a nice lunch together. Unless my company is bothering you.” He quickly added the last part of his sentence.

He did not want to pass up the chance to be close to her again. It was a rare opportunity, especially now that she was already married.

If all he could get was a few moments with her, then so be it. He would be content just to see her smile, maybe even laugh at his silly jokes.

“Honestly, I forgot to order lunch.” She had to admit it to him since he would find out anyway. “But I am actually not hungry yet.” However, as she said her last word, her stomach suddenly made a grumbling sound.

She could not hide the sound of an empty stomach from him. She thought of another way to get out of having lunch with him, but she did not want to offend him.

“Please, all I am offering is food. It is my way of thanking you for all the work you did for me.” He said in a solemn look, pleading with her to accept his offer.

He could see that she was not forthcoming about the idea of eating with him. But he was not giving up that easily. He would show her that he was harmless and would really like to be her friend.

“Fine.” She finally agreed. She believed that if she continued to refuse to have lunch with him, he might see it the wrong way.

He had always been a gentleman and friendly, so she did not see any harm with sharing a meal with him. Besides, it was not like they were going out on a date or having dinner.

“Thanks. But can I come in?” He asked since they were still standing by the door. One of his feet was still out the door.

“I am sorry. I totally forgot my manners. Please, come in.” Dani automatically stepped aside to allow him entry to her office.

She moved her things on the side, putting the papers she had finished on the outbox tray and setting aside the files she still had to work on later.

Then, she created an empty space on the surface of her desk for the food that he brought with him. While he pulled a chair next to the table for him.

“I hope you like Mexican. This is one of my favorite dishes, but do not worry, if you do not like spicy food, I also ordered some salad.” He came prepared, not knowing what she preferred.

If his memory served him right. During the times they had working lunches or dinners, back when they were still working on a case. He noticed that she did like chili dishes.

“I love to eat a variety of food. I do not mind some hot dishes as well.” She confirmed to him as they both sat down and opened the containers on the table.

She could see some of her favorites, but come to think of it, she liked many kinds of food, so it was hard to pick any as her only favorite.

Maybe she preferred some from the others. But to her, food was food. She would eat anything available to her. She was not that picky at all.

“Then, bona petit.” He gestured that she should dig in first. He had always been a gentleman.

His career had always been his priority before. But now that he was already almost at the pinnacle of his success, he thought maybe he should start looking for a partner.

Unfortunately, the woman that caught his attention was not available anymore. Well, at least, at the moment. He was too late.

“I think this is a new age. Men can also go first.” She offered, motioning that he should choose the food that he liked.

She had been fighting in a world where men dominated her whole life. Based on experience, to be recognized in this field, she had to be just like most men. She had to be a self-sufficient woman.