Page 10 of Faking it With A Grumpy Billionaire

Elizabeth, put yourself together!

I took a deep breath as I looked around, trying to remember which of the offices the reception lady had mentioned.

Thinking back, I remembered her saying, “The fifth floor and the fourth office on your right.” It was not hard to figure out; the fourth office was literally the last.

Giving a slight knock, I waited for a minute before opening the door, only to be shocked for the second time. The door opened to what seemed to be the secretary’s corner and a mini lounge space for guests to wait, I presumed.

As I surveyed the table, furniture, and well-lit room, I couldn’t help but wonder what the CEO’s office would look like if this was the office of the financial director.

I waited a few minutes, expecting a secretary to arrive at any moment. It seemed appropriate to wait for his secretary before entering. However, after waiting for a while and seeing no one, I decided to go in myself. After all, he had already been informed of my visit.

Summoning courage, I took a deep breath and put on a confident expression as I proceeded to knock on the door.

“Yes, come in!” I heard someone call out, signaling it was my cue to enter.

Turning the doorknob, I pushed the door and stepped in. However, nothing could have prepared me for what—or rather who—I was about to encounter. Let’s just say it was the third shock of the day for me.

Chapter six

Will

“Here are the figures we are bound to gain from the investment, sir. You can rest assured that you’re treading on safe ground here.”

“Hmmm, I see.”

I watched the Chinese client in front of me flip through the pages of our presentation and analysis of his returns on investment. But I could see from his facial expression that he was not the least impressed.

You might wonder how I can tell. Well, when you have been in this business for so long, you can easily tell when your clients are in line or not.

I observed him a little more as he flipped through the pages again back and forth, not really in search of anything. If he was in search of something, my confusion levels would surely rise.

The proposal I had in front of him was perfect, speaking from the point of view of an investor. If I were the investor myself, I would have sealed this contract without further ado.

The figures were great, the risk levels were not so high, and the return on investment was impressive, so what could possibly be the problem?

Tired of the client going all around flipping pages without communication, I decided to throw out the question on my lips. “Can I know the challenge you have with the proposal, sir?”

I watched the man battle with himself mentally before finally closing up the document in front of him.

“See, this proposal perfect, and I take it immediately.”

“But?” I asked, as it was obvious I had it coming.

“But . . .” The Chinese client paused as he looked away from me, fixing his gaze on my desk.

“Feel free to share your concerns, sir.”

“Me no judge but want to know, you really gay or not?” he asked in broken English.

I should have seen this coming. The moment he spurted out the question, I was aware that this issue had totally gone out of hand. He must have also heard the rumor. I felt annoyed to my core.

Whoever started this better hope I don’t find out their identity. Once I do, they’ll be facing heavy fines in court for defamation and spreading false information.

“I believe we are here for business, sir, and not to discuss my personal affairs and relationship matters.”

“I know, I know, but I think I should know person I do business with.”

“As much as I understand your concerns, sir, I still would like to keep my personal business private and strictly maintain a business relationship with my client. Be rest assured that my personal affairs have nothing to do with your investment.”

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