“All done already?” He asked, raising a thick brow.

“I thought Linda said this was going to take at least a day. Well, let me see what you have.”

They handed in their files, and he looked over at Jane’s own first, flipping slowly. “Wow, that’s impressive; I think we can apply this... Yes, especially the last one. We can use it at dinner tonight.”

“I hope you’ve both chosen what you’re going to be wearing tonight?” he asked, looking up from the files.

Jane and Olivia looked at each other blankly before bursting into laughter, and by Roman’s hard-pressed look, they realized he was serious.

“Oh my god, are we going to meet Mr Grant?” Jane asked.

“Of course, you are, you work here,” Roman said, emphasizing as if they were stupid.

“You can leave, Jane. Olivia, stay.”

She looked confused for a moment at his request.

Jane put a hand on her shoulder as if to say ‘good luck .’

Don’t leave me. Olivia pleaded with her eyes.

Jane fixed her a ‘What can I do?’ look before turning the handle and stepping out, leaving two of them alone.

“Am I so bad you can’t stand my presence for only a few minutes?” Roman said, getting up and picking up her file.

“Um...no, sir.”

Roman shrugged, “looking at your file, if both of you weren’t here to submit your files, I’d take a bet and say you did the two yourself.”

He was in front of her now, looking down at her, his expression stern.

Olivia suddenly felt small, overwhelmed by his masculine scent and sudden closeness.

She backed away a little; it felt like he was undressing her with those eyes; she could not lie even if she wanted to.

“Yes, Jane was having some struggles with management, and she’s very new to it—“

“So are you,” he said, interrupting and moving closer to her; the distance between them was barely a hair’s breadth. Olivia felt hunted. He had the eyes of a predator on its savory prey. It was a few tense moments before he backed off. “Well, that’s okay, I suppose. That’s why you’re two; you’re supposed to be a team. And this is all very impressive,” Roman said, waving the file. “You may go now.”

She turned to leave, relieved.

“And Olivia? Please wear something classy tonight.”

Chapter 6

Sixhourslaterandstepping into the grand foyer of The Plaza Hotel, Olivia’s eyes widened in awe as she took in the breathtaking interior. Crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceilings, casting a warm and elegant glow upon the marble floors. The air was filled with a melodic hum of conversation, mingling with the enchanting melodies of a live jazz band that set the perfect tone for the evening.

Waiters dressed in impeccably tailored black suits gracefully weaved through the crowd, carrying trays containing exquisite hors d’oeuvres and flutes of champagne. The tantalizing aroma of delectable delicacies wafted through the air.

Olivia’s gaze wandered across the room, searching for a familiar face.

Everyone looked expensively dressed. The women donned glamorous evening gowns, each one more stunning than the last. Sequins sparkled under the shimmering lights while elegant silk drapes cascaded down the fashion-forward elite figures. The men, equally dashing, sported tailored tuxedos, exuding an air of sophistication and refinement.

Amidst the glamorous crowd, Olivia caught glimpses of prestigious celebrities and influential figures who were gracing the event.

She recognized a famous actress conversing animatedly with an equally renowned philanthropist, their laughter echoing through the room.

On stage was a musician who effortlessly strummed a guitar, serenading the guests with soulful melodies that melded seamlessly with the jazzy tunes of the band.