Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 747

Diana had been busy at the office all day.

Just before quitting time, Nina pushed the door open and walked in.

"Ms. Hutton, are you still going to tonight's economic forum?" Holding a stack of documents against her chest, she added, "It's raining hard right now. The roads might be difficult."

"I'm going." Diana set down her pen. "The organizers have everything arranged. It wouldn't be appropriate to cancel at the last minute."

Nina nodded and held out the documents. "This is the forum's attendee list. Take a look first."

Diana accepted the documents and flipped through them. Her gaze stopped partway down the list: Jillson Group Executive Vice President, Hugo Kingston.

"Let me know when the car is ready."

"Yes."

Diana set the documents aside and picked up her pen to continue reviewing paperwork.

Then her pen paused.

Without warning, the memory of Hugo's last visit to Seraph Villa for dinner surfaced in her mind.

He had been wearing that dark blue coat, his posture straight and composed, carrying himself with a steadiness she had not seen before.

She had casually remarked, "Not bad."

He had immediately replied, "That means I look great."

'That brat never lets himself come out on the losing end of anything.' Diana shook her head, pushed the thought aside, and returned to the work in front of her.

…

By 6:00 p.m., the rain had begun to ease.

Diana changed into a dark navy knee-length dress and paired it with a matching blazer. She gathered her hair into a low bun, revealing the elegant line of her neck.

Nina glanced at her through the rearview mirror and couldn't help saying, "Ms. Hutton, you look stunning today."

"There is, there is." Giovanni quickly poured himself a glass and drained it in one gulp. "I failed to recognize who I was dealing with. I offended Miss Voss, and I offended your brother as well. Please be the bigger person and don't hold it against me."

Diana waited until he finished before responding, calm and unhurried. "Mr. Chopard, the matter with Tiffany has nothing to do with me. That's Ray's business."

She paused briefly. "As for the new energy project, that was a decision made at the group level. I'm not involved."

Giovanni's smile stiffened for a moment before quickly returning. "Yes, yes, I understand. I won't take up any more of your time, Ms. Hutton."

After he left, Nina leaned closer and said quietly, "He's been calling in every favor he can these past two days, trying to salvage the partnership with the Hutton Group. Looks like Raymond really put the fear into him."

"He deserves it." Diana's tone remained flat as she walked farther into the hall with her wine glass in hand.

She rounded a corner and suddenly stopped.

Leon stood not far away beside the floor-to-ceiling windows. A glass of champagne rested in his hand, and his well-tailored black suit accentuated his refined appearance. His expression was mild and gentle as he spoke with the people around him, just as it had always been.

Then he turned his head, and his eyes met Diana's directly.