Free Web NovelChapter 47: Chapter 47 Unexpected Encounters
Sylvia’s POV
I couldn’t believe my eyes when I caught that glimpse earlier. But seriously, how could I mistake someone like Caesar? With those striking features and commanding presence, he’s hardly forgettable.
My mind raced as I made my way to the conference room on the fifteenth floor. Maybe I was seeing things—my wolf senses had been suppressed for so long that sometimes they played tricks on me.
The elevator doors slid open, and I lifted my gaze only to collide with a pair of familiar intense eyes. My breath caught in my throat.
There he stood in the center of the crowd—Caesar Conrad—draped in a perfectly tailored black suit that only emphasized his powerful build and regal bearing. The way he looked at me sent a flutter through my chest.
"What are you doing here?" I managed to ask, fighting to keep my voice steady.
Was his appearance at Vertex truly coincidental? Or was there something more to it? What connection could he possibly have to this company?
Caesar moved through the crowd with effortless authority, closing the distance between us until he stood mere inches away. His cool, deep voice washed over me like a physical touch.
"My company has some dealings with Vertex. I’m just here as a formality," he explained, his tall frame towering over me slightly. I couldn’t help but notice how his eyes never left mine, as if I were the only person in the crowded hallway.
I looked up into those fox-like eyes that seemed to see straight through my carefully constructed façade. The intensity of his gaze made my skin warm.
"Why didn’t you mention this before?" I asked, unable to keep a hint of accusation from my tone. He’d known all along that I was working on the Vertex project.
Caesar caught my meaning immediately, his lips quirking into a half-smile that somehow managed to be both amused and tender.
"Because my company’s involvement with Vertex is primarily in media promotion," he explained smoothly. "We’re a communications firm at heart—architecture isn’t our specialty. Our reach only extends so far."
His eyes crinkled slightly at the corners. "Why? Worried we might be competitors, little wolf?"
I bristled at the nickname. "Hardly," I retorted, feeling my inner wolf stir with competitive spirit. "Frostline Enterprises will secure this project based on merit alone. Even if you were competition," I added, my chin lifting slightly, "don’t expect any special treatment."
In business matters, I’d always been unyielding. Even if he was my potential mate, some boundaries couldn’t be crossed. Work and personal relationships occupied separate territories in my world.
Caesar must have noticed the determination flashing in my eyes because his expression shifted to something more serious, respectful even. "I know, Sivi. Your dedication to your work is something I deeply admire."
Aware of the curious glances from the gathered executives, I decided to cut our conversation short. "I should get going," I said, lifting the portfolio in my hand as explanation. "I have materials to deliver."
"Of course," Caesar nodded, his voice dropping to a timbre that seemed meant for my ears alone. "You’ve got this, Sivi. Someone as determined as you always succeeds."
There was something layered in his words, a hidden message I couldn’t quite decipher. My lashes lowered as I tried to mask my confusion.
"Thank you," I murmured, stepping past him and into the conference room, his woodsy scent lingering in my senses.
The Vertex project manager received my initial proposal framework with an indifferent nod. "I’ll take it from here," he said flatly. "We’ll be in touch."
But within minutes, something changed. Someone whispered in his ear, and his demeanor transformed completely.
Rising to his feet, he addressed me with newfound enthusiasm. "Ms. Sylvia, would you mind walking us through your development concept? It would help me present it more accurately to the leadership."
My eyebrow arched slightly—I understood the game immediately. Everyone in this room was a seasoned player in the corporate arena. Though I didn’t know what had caused this sudden shift in treatment, I wouldn’t squander the opportunity.
With all eyes on me—some surprised, others envious, a few openly hostile—I presented our vision without a hint of nervousness.
The project manager’s pen moved furiously across his notepad as I spoke. When I finished, he looked genuinely impressed. "Well, that’s quite eye-opening," he admitted. "Your approach is bold and innovative, Ms. Sylvia. I’ll make sure the executives hear every detail."
Fighting to contain my excitement, I simply nodded. "I appreciate that."
I kept my comments measured, aware that everyone here was competition. My mother had taught me early: when surrounded by rivals, show enough to impress but never reveal your full hand.
The moment I stepped out of the conference room, I was surrounded by other contenders.
"Ms. Sylvia, that was brilliant! "
"The project manager was so cold to the rest of us!"
"After seeing this, I’d bet Frostline has the advantage."
I maintained my professional smile, refusing to let their flattery affect me. "The selection process is far from over," I reminded them. "We all have equal opportunity to impress. This was just the preliminary phase—there’s still a long way to go before any decisions are made."
My diplomatic response seemed to satisfy them. I could see a new respect in their eyes, mixed with calculation. They were reassessing Frostline Enterprises—and me—as serious competition.
I understood the cutthroat nature of business all too well. My strategy had always been simple: maintain cordial relations, avoid making enemies, but never truly let anyone close. Surface-level pleasantries were sufficient.
When I finally extracted myself from the crowd, Caesar was waiting. My wolf stirred at the sight of him standing there, patient and powerful.
"Finished with your meetings?" he asked.
"Yes, everything’s done for now," I replied.
Without hesitation, Caesar took my bag from my hand, his fingers briefly brushing against mine. A tingling sensation raced up my arm at the contact.
I paused momentarily but didn’t protest. Having someone carry my things wasn’t exactly a hardship, especially when that someone looked like him. fгeewebnovёl.com
What struck me as odd was that Caesar stood completely alone in the hallway. The other executives gave him a wide berth, creating an invisible bubble of space around him. It was the kind of deference usually reserved for... free𝑤ebnovel.com
My eyes narrowed slightly as I studied him. With his striking looks, Caesar should have attracted attention and admirers wherever he went. At Frostline, someone with his presence would have drawn a crowd. Yet here, people seemed almost... careful around him.
Caesar caught me staring and his lips curved into that devastatingly handsome smile. "What is it?" he asked, amusement coloring his deep voice. "You’re looking at me quite intently."
"Just appreciating the best view," I replied without thinking, then felt heat rise to my cheeks when I realized what I’d said.
