Chapter 09: Are you afraid?

ETHAN

The next day, I worked hard to gather all the information I would need to start organizing the finances of Columbia Lab.

There was a part of me, deep down, that was hoping there would be missing information about the research department. Just so I could have an excuse to see her. And realizing this pissed me off like hell.

I managed to compile a list of all the missing information before lunch and asked my assistant to schedule a meeting with Mrs. Anderson.

She could only see me at the end of the day, and I accepted anyway. I tried to convince myself that all the anxiety was for the job and not because of her. But I knew that in any other situation, I would have postponed the meeting to the next day.

I arrived punctually at the lab; the meeting was set for five in the afternoon. I spent the next forty minutes with Alice in her office, explaining everything I would need beyond what she had already provided.

When we reached the last items on the list, regarding future investment costs for the research department, I didn’t hesitate.

“I hope Miss Brown can assist me with these final items.”

“Oh, yes, but I’m not sure if she’ll be able to see you right now.”

“I see, maybe I could just talk to her and ask her to send me an email later?” I tried to sound as casual as possible.

“Sure, I’ll ask my assistant to take you to Ellie’s office.”

Hearing her name was enough to make me anxious. Alice’s assistant, a blonde named Katlyn, was already gathering her things to leave when I stopped in front of her desk.

She walked me through the corridors with a smile, heading to Ellie’s office. A few people who were leaving passed us by. I thanked her before she left me at the door.

I took a deep breath before knocking. I waited thirty seconds before knocking again and realizing she wasn’t there. Could she be ignoring me? No. She couldn’t possibly know it was me.

I heard the sound of footsteps in the hallway, high heels to be precise, before hearing her voice behind me.

“Can I help you with something?” I turned to face her.

Her jaw was clenched, and her hair was tied up in a bun, with loose strands in the front. I cleared my throat before noticing what she was wearing.

Yes, it was a fucking white lab coat. She crossed her arms over her chest, pressing her breasts together.

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