Leanna

Azuela Cove

It was the only words written on the front cover.

I stared at it without blinking.

This was one of the pioneers of 'live, work, and play' concept. Integrating residential, commercial, and entertainment into one area. This would become the talk and references for future developments to come. After this project, Jansen Corp. soared many times higher.

I thought the man who conceptualized this was John Grace, the head of the innovation and design department of Jansen Corp.

Who would have thought that the real mind was this twenty-something man, and Luke Jansen's grandson no less?

My heart pounded more than usual. I was getting dizzy with all the blood going to my brain. I swept the men with my eyes and rested my sight on Zhander.

"What is it?" I pretended not to know.

"If you become my consultant, grandfather will fund the project," Zhander said. He meant it as an opportunity for me, but it came as a plea in my ears.

My face dropped as I faced Uncle Luke. "Why bring me into this?

Uncle Luke closed his eyes and sighed. "Aren't you my consultant? It's only proper to ask for your opinion before I release any money."

"Our agreement has already ended. I've already paid my end of the deal."

"That's why my grandson is the one asking you. I have nothing to do with it." He smirked.

I was speechless and turned my dagger eyes at Zhander, who was sipping his wine, unaffected. Like this whole matter didn't concern him.

See! This is why you can't trust people, especially men. They always have underlying motives in everything they do.

Zhander put down his glass, leaned on his chair, fingers interlock on the table like a boss.

"Name your price."

". . ."

Of course, only a fool would let this opportunity go.

You want me to be your consultant, hmp! "I won't ask for a consultation fee. But I want five percent share of the project."

Zhander stared at me. His cool façade was cracking. He probably couldn't believe that I would demand something audacious just for the sake of agreeing to be his consultant.

He glanced at his grandfather, but the latter only leisurely sipped his wine –– poker face.

Zhander brows knit in one line. "This, you didn't even read the proposal. Yet, you're already asking for a five percent gross sales of the project as if it will succeed."

"With me as your consultant, it will succeed," I said, confidence in my voice.

"That . . . ," Zhander hesitated.

"You can't?" I stood to my feet. "Then, if there is nothing else, Uncle Luke, Mr. Jansen, thank you for the meal. I'll leave first."

I was about to walk my way out when a voice stopped me.

"Wait!"

My eyes flickered to Zhander. He appeared to be in a state of serious thought as he stared at his interlocking fingers. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

". . . Alright," he breathed.

His gaze then locked on me. "After three days, we will hold a meeting with the other investors. I want you to attend and give your input there."

It was a test, and I'm not backing from it. I grabbed the bundle of papers. "I'll be taking this with me then. Gentlemen, I bid you all goodbye."

I was about to leave when someone grabbed my arm from behind. I was forced to look up and was captivated by a pair of penetrating violet irises.

"Give me your number," Zhander said with a commanding tone.

I glared at him. "Since I've already agreed to be your consultant, there's no need for the pretext of accompanying me in exploring New York."

I pulled my hand, but his grip only tightened –– not letting go.

Zhander leaned closer to me, and I unknowingly pressed my palm against his chest to stop his advance. He was just inches away from me, and my face burned the first time since I was brought back in this world.

His eyes were softer than usual as he held mine in captive, and the smile on his face turned in a full-blown grin.

"I need your number to contact you within three days," he said, didn't bother to hide the teasing in his tone.

". . ."

". . ."

I blanked out for a moment. My already heated face was about to burst that I was afraid smoke would come out from my nose.

I pulled back my arm, searched for my card, and gave it to him.

"If there's nothing else, I'll be going ahead," I said, salvaging what little left of my face with no success as my voice cracked.

I went out of the restaurant, ignoring his burning gaze on my back. I was in the elevator lobby when my phone rang with an unknown number on its screen. It didn't take a genius to guess who it was.

I answered, "It's my number. You don't have to check!"

I cut the line and registered the number.

[Adonis]